Don't let travel costs limit training

by Bill Patton

Between rising fuel prices and the extra fees charged by airlines, more and more distributors are cutting training from their budgets. It's not the educational programs they can't afford, but the cost of travel.

While this may be a short-term fix for the bottom line, it could end up costing your business much more in lost productivity. You've invested a lot in your enterprise software solution, and in order to maximize that investment, you need your employees to keep up-to-date on all the features available.

Fortunately, you don't have to break the bank to ensure your employees have the training they need. Online courses can educate your staff without anyone leaving their desk.

Web-Based Training
Web-Based Training enables participants to engage in one- to two-hour classes delivered via the Internet. Students interact online, in real time, with the instructor and other students – without ever leaving their offices.

Using an Internet browser, students log into a class via the Web at a specified time. Two-way live audio allows students to listen to the instructor and ask questions while gaining hands-on experience with their solution. They can even download class notes. Since everything takes place from the participants’ own computers, travel expenses are eliminated and students can immediately apply what they have learned.

Computer-Based Training
While not online, Computer-Based Training courses, delivered on demand via CD-ROM, also allow you to train employees without the expense of travel. Students simply insert a disk into their computer and follow the tutorial. Audio, video, and animation help instruct users. This method is great for busy employees, as students can set their own pace for learning by stopping and restarting any portion of a course. They can even replay portions if they missed something.

Most Computer-Based Training courses include integrated testing and user-specific performance tracking, enabling individuals and their managers to track performance.

Many distributors find Computer-Based Training courses invaluable for new hires, and require inexperienced employees to complete entire suites of Computer-Based Training courses as a job requirement. Additionally, Computer-Based Training courses enable veteran staff members to focus on driving your business – instead of training new staff.

On the Road Again
Of course, nothing beats the knowledge you gain from networking with other distributors, so be sure to leave some room in your budget for at least one off-site meeting a year. Mixing with other distributors and hearing what works for them can go a long way in helping your staff develop best practices for your own business.

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