Hi all, just want to say this is a great site. I am embarking on becoming a trainer. Now I am struggling with what area to really train in. Part of me says i have to be flexible and train where you can, the other part of me says specialise in what you know. Should a trainer be able to adapt to any training request? Or should they just specialise. I love presenting, train the trainer, coaching and assertiveness type training. However i come from a background in Information Technology. Look forward to any replies thanks Nick
5 Responses
Flexible or specialist…
To me that all depends
if an internal trainer then you need to be cost effective – so flexible
as a freelancer – a specialist – its much easier to market and for people to ‘buy’ rather than you sell..
Specialise
Hi Nicky,
I agree with Mike. The more you can specialise the more consistent your marketing will be and the easier it will be for potential training purchasers to understand the specific impact you will have on them or their organisation.
Good luck
Gary
External – Specialise by topic & sector
I agree with Mike and Gary,
I used to work as a generalist and found it pretty hard to “sell” my offering.
I chose to focus down on some core areas just over a year ago and that is helping a great deal.
It has also allowed me to focus my personal development and at the same time give better value to clients through a deeper knowledge base of the core topics.
Hope this helps, Andi
Should we remain flexible or Specialised ?
thanks for the great advise, its going to be a tough road has i have never specialised anything i have always been a generalist, so i guess it’s time for change
Andi how did you pick your specialist subject ?
Specialise
I would recommend specialising by certain ways – ones that are generic –
passion – what are you passionate about – what do you love training – your passion will give you energy and a buzz and this will be seen by others
credibility – where do you have credibility? – ie qualifications x years experience – so you are convincing
contact – who are your contacts? who do you make contact with – this is a potential client list and its easier to make from existing rather than new
Hope this helps
Krista