Using Training Effectively

1. Your Training Needs

As with any investment, target most of your training on the areas where you can reap the biggest, fastest and easiest rewards.

1.1 Is there an area of your business that is experiencing problems, or that is being held back in some way?

You can draw up a list of these problems by asking your employees (see 3).

In each case, training may, or may not, provide the solution.

• Do you have a shortage of a particular set of skills, or a likely future shortage?
• Do you receive customer complaints? If so, what are the causes of these complaints?
• Is one team or part of your business underperforming?

1.2 Employees often need training when your business is changing.

• When you launch any new product, train your team how to sell and deliver it.
• Each time you purchase new software, include training on how to use it.
• The Internet is changing the business environment. Even if you have no website, allow time for your employees to use the Net. Keep building knowledge and skills in this crucial area.

1.3 Use training to safeguard the critical areas of your business.

• Many businesses rely on one person to complete a particular technical operation. It is vital to document the process and train other employees as a precaution.
• Some hazardous processes cannot be undertaken by anyone who is not trained.

1.4 When considering your training needs, compare training with other possible solutions.