5 Reasons to Join a Trainer Network

1.It makes you feel good! It’s nice to be able to give help, support and advice to other people.
2.You can share ideas with like minded freelance trainers who talk your language.
3.It makes you feel less isolated, knowing you are part of a supportive group who you can call on when you need them.
4.You can pass other trainers work that you don’t have the time or expertise to do and they will do the same for you
5. It’s really energising to share and connect with others, even a simple chat on the phone or a half hour cup of coffee with someone can make you feel much more motivated and positive.

You can join an online network such as our Trainer Talk on Linked In, www.linkedin.com, the Trainer Base Forum www.trainerbase.co.uk, or TJ Online www.trainingjournal.com

Or you can find out if there are any groups of trainers that meet regularly in your local area. Both TJ online and Trainer Base have local networking groups and many of the local CIPD branches have Special Interest Groups for Learning and Development.

Once you make the decision to join a group make sure you actively participate in their activities, otherwise there’s no point in being a member. Online groups – post questions, contribute to ongoing discussions, and respond to requests for help where you can. Give people the opportunity to get to know you. Once you have built up an online relationship you can have a face to face meeting to get to know them even better.

Offline groups – attend as regularly as you can, give as much as you can and again, develop relationships on an individual basis outside of the group.

You’ll be glad you did!