Chances are, if you’re here you already understand the benefits of high-quality, engaging learning solutions. However, you and your audience could be missing out if you aren’t also taking advantage of every opportunity to maximize your investment in training!
I’ll explain exactly what I mean by investing in training and why you should care about it (even if you’re a training specialist that’s hired by other companies as a freelancer or consultant). But first drop down to the comments right now. Share the ways you’re already working on maximizing your training investment. If you have no idea if you’re currently doing this, that’s okay, we’ll walk through it together!
What does it mean to maximize my investment in training?
When I talk about training as an investment, it may sound like this is only a concern for instructional designers or learning & development professionals working for a huge corporation.
Not true! Just because the training is being funded by a client or a specific department that you’re not normally a part of, you’ve still invested time and resources into creating something.
You want to make sure everyone gets the most out of it and increase your chances of scoring a repeat client.
Maximizing your investment in training means you’re doing everything in your power to make sure your audience buys in and engages.
It means you follow-up to make sure your training is meeting the objectives, and if it’s not, you use the data to find out why.
And yes, for my corporate L&Ds out there, maximizing your investment in training is also about getting the best bang for your buck. So I’m going to let you in on my not-so-secret tips for getting the absolute most out of your training investment.
Five Ways to Maximize Your Investment in Training
1. Build training into your budget
This may seem like an obvious tip, but it’s worth discussing. Honestly, this may mean something slightly different to you depending on your unique position.
First and foremost, I strongly believe that training needs should be a part of the budget conversation every year. This means your organization needs to have a general outline of the training it’s planning for the entire year!
Sometimes, pushing to have training needs included in your yearly budget is a good way to get the conversation about professional development rolling early on so there are no huge surprises later.
For my freelancers and trainers who aren’t part of a larger corporation, this is still something you can do. Your own professional development is your business! Plan and budget for your own professional development for the entire year and invest in bettering yourself.
2. Work the resources you have
Here’s a tip that will help you maximize your investment in training by saving you some cash so you can either devote it to enriching a different aspect of the training or come in under budget (which will make everyone happy!).
When it comes to developing and designing training, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. You likely have a tool belt of resources that you keep coming back to because they give good results.
Take advantage of the software and application subscriptions you already have when you’re putting together a training instead of seeking out the latest and greatest every time.
What do I mean by this?
Several years ago, in one of the organizations I worked for, we decided to start adding video clips of our sales reps and executive leadership in our eLearning courses.
The video was very popular – and still is – for on-demand learning.
The Problem: my team knew how to use Captivate and knew how to add videos to Captivate but my team did not know how to use software to edit or create videos.
We all had access to Premiere as a part of our Creative Cloud subscription, but we had no idea how to use it, and I did not have the budget to send the team, or even one team member, to training.
The Solution: One of my former team members in another department was a Premiere guru. So, I went to David and his boss and asked if it would be willing to take some time one afternoon to teach my team how to work with the software. He generously said yes and trained us all.
We did not have the budget for training so we worked with the internal knowledge resources we had to get up to speed. We were still able to maximize our investment in training and you can too.
You can save time and money by using the resources you have, whenever it makes sense for the learning situation and your budget to maximize your investment in training.
3. Use feedback effectively and track data post-training
Just because a training module has been designed, developed and delivered, doesn’t mean your opportunities to maximize your investment in training have ended.
First, you have the training feedback. Hopefully, your audience has been asked to provide some feedback on the course upon completion (if not, get on it! You can send a request for feedback in the weeks after the training, but don’t wait too long).
Don’t just let that valuable data go to waste. Go through the feedback and keep learner suggestions on file for the next training. There may even be small changes you can make to the training for the next wave of learners. You can even follow-up with participants for clarification or a second opinion once they’ve had a chance to apply their learning.
Another treasure trove of data lies in the post-training assessment. Instead of just letting all those assessment scores sit around, analyze that data! Look for growth and trends, identify any areas where there’s room for improvement.
Report back to the department heads so they can see the success of the training (or plan for a follow-up to fill in any gaps). Also, consider sending a post-training email blast to the participants. Sharing success is a great way to remind your audience that training is beneficial. It keeps them invested in furthering themselves professionally.
It might be uncomfortable, but if the growth data just is not there, chances are your audience felt this! Acknowledging this post-training and connecting it to how future training will address the gap is also important.
You’ve already put time and money into creating the surveys and assessments, so take full advantage of the data they provide you with.
4. Capitalize on in-house and off-site training
You know I am a big fan of Quarterly Rocks and creating goals for each quarter. In my ‘rocks’ for the quarter I always plan some type of development for my team. Sometimes, however, I have to get creative about great learning opportunities that won’t put us over budget.
When it comes to investing in training, sometimes the best investment is making use of the vast amount of knowledge and skill within the team. This can be capitalized to train other team members. It could be as simple as 5-10 minute training during a monthly meeting. It could also be a stand-alone in-person or eLearning training opportunity built just for the team.
This is valuable for several reasons: tapping into talent on your own team highlights individual strengths. It is also a good morale boost for the individual you’ve asked to share. Staff are also more likely to buy-in and remain engaged while a peer is presenting them with new information. Plus, a quick development session using internal resources isn’t a huge expense!
Conferences and other off-site training opportunities come up often (and you should definitely do your research before you invest in this kind of learning experience). This may be another beneficial investment in staff development.
If you send a member of the team to an off-site development opportunity, have them present a mini-training session at the next team meeting. Let them share the learning opportunity with the team. This will help solidify what the attendee learned by teaching it to others. It also provides an educational opportunity for those who were not able to attend. Win-Win!
5. Market your training
Wait a second, isn’t training required? Why should you spend time and money on marketing when you already have the customers? Well, you may have the audience but you might not have their buy-in yet.
A skeptical audience can lessen the effectiveness of even the most organized and engaging learning experience. That kind of audience is not the way to maximize your training investment.
To combat this, you can use marketing tactics before, during, and after your training to ensure their buy-in. Advertise the WIIFM (or, what’s in it for me) ahead of training. Use simple graphic design methods to direct and keep the learners’ gaze. Follow-up with post-training questionnaires to get the audience thinking about their learning after some time has passed.
These are all easy, inexpensive ways to promote your training with huge benefits.
Wrapping it all up
Maximizing your (or your client’s) investment in training looks good on paper and has tremendous benefits for the learners. This is a practice that benefits any training specialist regardless of your position.
Now I want to hear your thoughts. What’s something you’re planning on putting into practice right away? What’s something you’re already doing that I didn’t mention? Hop over to my Facebook page and share away!
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The Testimonials are In:
Client
Shola Richards
Working with Shanwtay and Katie at the Instructional Design Company was a dream come true. Their creativity, expertise, and professionalism throughout the entire process was beyond top notch. I engaged them to help turn my first book into a training course, and I could not be happier with how the final product turned out. If you have an instructional design project and you’re considering which company to work with, you can stop your search and thank me later. They are truly the best in the business.
Shola Richards
Student
Graphic Designer
I joined the Instructional Design & Tech Accelerator Certificate Program because I struggled to find jobs in instructional design beyond the development phase. I’ve done a couple of training programs with lots of random projects, but I was overwhelmed, not connecting the dots, and not good at structuring my writing to hit learning objectives. I was looking for motivation and direction at beginning a better Instructional Designer.
After taking the Instructional Design & Tech Certificate program and joining my fantastic team for support, I found the structure and approach to be what I need to take my next steps, evening improving my skills in the development stage.
Gayle Bower
Student
Teacher, Future Instructional Designer
I love how this course let’s you work at your own pace. I got great tips and learned many things. The ongoing support for multiple people and groups is what I love the best. You are never alone in this process. I have been able to adjust my resume and began creating a portfolio of work I’ve completed to add when applying for jobs. I use many of the PowerPoint skills in my lessons and trainings. I would highly recommend this for anyone wanting to become an instructional designer.
Laurie Henderson
Student
Teacher, Future Instructional Designer
I have searched for the last few years to find some suitable career change where I wouldn’t have to earn another degree and where I could use the talents and skills I already have as a teacher. When I came across the Instructional Design Accelerator course, I loved the fact that Shawntay was a former teacher and could relate to a teacher’s need to transition from the classroom. This was what sold the course for me. Her experiences are invaluable especially when translating teacher duties to instructional designer duties. I would (and have) recommended this program to other teachers I know who are looking to transition out of the classroom. I do appreciate ALL of her feedback on my projects!
Wendy McMillian
Student
L&D Project Manager
The Instructional Design & Tech Accelerator certificate program is one of the most comprehensive ID programs out there for beginners. If you’re looking to grow your schools in ID and development then I highly recommend this program. Not only will this program give you an overview of theory, but you will receive a thorough walkthrough of how to apply what you have learned. Although I had already secured a position in Learning & Development when I bought this course, it helped me to move up into a new position as a Learning & Development Project Manager!
Gabby Grimaldo
Student
Future Instructional Designer
If you have any interest in ID, sign up for this program NOW! Shawntay and her team are top notch! The course content exceeded my expectations in a big way and the encouragement and support continues to be so valuable. You will not feel alone going through this course, you will learn so much, you’ll have many cheerleaders, and you will have fun!
Shanna Howe
Student
Future Instructional Designer
I am really enjoying this program! It’s prerfect for someone who is thinking about a career shift to Instructional Design and does not have a lot of experience. This is my first real introduction to Instructional Design and it’s been the perfect beginner course to help me get my feet wet. The modules are broken down well and it’s great to go at your own pace and at your own time. The modules themselves are very comprehensive and you learn a lot from all of them. I really like how each one build upon each other and you’re working towards the bigger project of designing your first training course from scratch. I’m learning so much from going through this course! I was provided great feedback from Katie and Shawntay through the process via Trello Boards, comments on the Google documents, and Facebook group. This course has been well worth the time and effort and I appreciate the fact that I will always have the resources available to me after I complete the training (just in case I’m not quite ready to transition yet).
Aviva Berkowitz
Student
Future Instructional Designer
I can’t say enough great things about the Instructional Design & Tech Accelerator Certificate Program! The length of the program is perfect; it doesn’t feel rushed and there’s just the right amount of structure to give you the accountability you need. There are so many opportunities to get live answers to any questions you have related to the course content or anything ID-related! This program gave me the support and structure I needed to both feel affirmed in the relevant skills I already had coming in and to fill in the gaps I had as a career-changer going into ID. Shawntay, Katie, and all the coaches are super helpful and supportive. I now feel confident that I have the tools and access to resources I need to apply for ID jobs without wondering if there’s something I’m “missing” in the preparation process. I’d highly recommend this program to anyone wanting to transition into ID or who just wants to brush up on their skills in the field.
Krista Johnson Awomoyi
Student
Freelance Instructional Designer
I’d highly recommend the Instructional Design & Tech Accelerator Certificate Program. I’m blown away by how much I learned in just 12 weeks. I had ID experience prior to taking this course and was just looking to get a better understanding of applying adult learning principles. This course well exceeded my expectations! Not only did I gain a clear understanding of adult learning principles, I was also able to apply those principles by creating assets for your portfolio using PowerPoint, Adobe Premiere Pro and Storyline. The hands on support that we received was top notch.
Darlene Dalgleish
Student
Instructional Designer
This program is one of the most robust yet fulfilling L&D programs I’ve seen. I learned so much about the industry and about the limitlessness of my own capabilities. I am so appreciative of Shawntay and all of the trainers who took part in the program. They went above and beyond with not only guiding, but communicating live and working one on one or in small groups. If you are on the fence, I say take the leap and you will not regret it! There’s so much to learn, not only from the trainers, but also the learners in your group. Everyone comes in with their own skills and can be additional support and guidance for you. Thank you for creating this program!
Shawnice Edge
Student
Instructional Designer Training Facilitator
Shawntay is an amazing individual. She is very knowledgeable in all aspects of ID and eLearning. She is also very compassionate and loves to help and see everyone around her grow and prosper. Shawntay has been a great mentor to me and she has helped me mature as an instructional designer and eLearning developer. She has provided me with opportunities when others have overlooked me. I am very grateful to have met and built a lifelong relationship with Shawntay.
I recently got hired into my first instructional design / training position and Shawntay was one of the first people to congratulate me!
Brian Hightower
Student
Freelance Instructional Designer
My teacher-to-instructional-designer journey began two years ago when I left my teaching comfort zone and started my first freelance ID job. Now, I’m stepping out of the classroom and taking my freelance work full-time, so I’m thrilled to be joining the Tech Accelerator program. Adding technologies like Articulate 360 and Adobe Premiere Pro to my qualifications will help me take my courses to the next level and attract more clients!
Sarah Smith
Student
Teacher Transitioning into Instructional Design
I am genuinely grateful for this course. I wanted a real-world perspective and feel like I got it. I’m teaching now, but nearing retirement age but can see myself working as an instructional designer well into my retirement years. My other goal is to take as many courses in statistics as possible in hopes of bringing some mathematical precision to the ROI question. Like you say, getting accurate metrics to measure ROI can be a challenge, but I intend to work on that part. That’s unimportant right now, what is important is the fact that I feel like this course was well worth every penny I spent and I would to it again in a heartbeat. I have too much going on right now, but as soon as I get some time freed up I intend to take your course in project management.
Lee R
Client
Turns Your Written Thoughts Into a Masterpiece!
Shawntay Skjoldager can turn your written thoughts into a masterpiece. She is great to work with and the most organized person I know!
Sheryl Rhoades
President and CEO, The Creative Entreprenuer
Client
Shawntay has been incredible!
Shawntay has been incredible and her team is responsive and effective in translating my training programs into professional presentations. Don’t hesitate to contact her for your project.
Beth B. De Lima, MBA, SPHR-CA, SHRM-SCP
President and Principal of HRM Consulting, Inc.
Client
IDC is My Secret Weapon to Soar Above My Competition!
The IDC team has been my secret and special weapon of success. They have delivered above and beyond with every single project out in front of them. They have met and beat timelines. They have been Uber responsive every step of the way. I keep them on speed dial and have and continue to recommend them to friends and clients. If you are in need of instructional design and plenty more, this is THE ALL-STAR team that will more than deliver and help make you and your project soar above the competition.
LT. COL. Jason O. Harris
U.S. Air Force Officer, Special Operations Pilot, U.S.A.F. Academy Instructor, Motivational Speaker
Client
A Tremendous Asset to the Project Team!
Working with Shawntay and the Instructional Design Company has allowed our university to meet the growing demands of our programs. Shawntay’s expertise allowed for the course development to be completed on time and met all of the university requirements. Shawntay’s project management skills were phenomenal and allowed my team to work on other areas while she completed this project for us. Her work is of high quality and her professionalism and willingness to help made her a tremendous asset to the project team.
Amanda Buckley
Academic Quality Assurance Specialist, Abilene Christian University
Client
Creative & Highly Talented!
Shawntay is a creative and highly talented instructional designer. She brought a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and leadership that enabled her to own the design and creation of a full scale facilitator curriculum and train-the-trainer program. It was a pleasure to partner with Shawntay, her project management and communication skills ensured the project was on time and on budget.
Susan Gatti
President, IMMIXID
Client
Breaks Down Mammoth Projects
“Shawntay is quick study and carefully synthesizes information for presentations that are clear, concise and captivating. Her personality draws the audience in and her content mastery is excellent. A team player and organizer, Shawntay has the ability to break down mammoth projects, keep everybody on time and on task.”
Rick Miller
Author, Speaker, Strengths Coach
Client
eLearning Development
“I have had many opportunities to work with Shawntay—mainly in the support of implementing new eLearning initiatives. I have been very impressed by her ability to quickly learn how to use rapid eLearning development tools and effectively use them to create multiple courses within a short timeframe. Shawntay’s enthusiastic nature, attention to detail, and dedication to her work make her a pleasure to work with and a great asset to both Texas A&M University-Commerce and the broader training community within the Texas A&M University System.”
Ashley Christian
Director of Learning Strategy, Caveo Learning
Client
Top Notch Professional
Working with Shawntay has been an immense pleasure. She is atop notch professional who brings enthusiasm and extensiveexpertise to professional curriculum development and execution. Her knowledge of tried and true techniques to maximize the effectiveness of presentations is invaluable.
Nancy Drapeau, PRC
Vice President of Research, CEIR - Center for Exhibition Industry Research
Client
Fortunate to Find Shawntay!
“I was fortunate to find Shawntay when our organization was looking to expand and update our educational offerings. Shawntay proved herself to be an educational and personal development expert who immediately made an impact with our clients throughout Europe. Everyone who came into contact with Shawntay was immediately impressed by her level of expertise and willingness to share her knowledge with those around her. I would not hesitate to recommend Shawntay to anyone looking for an education subject matter expert.”
Jonathan Burt
Director of Qualifications and NSD Services, Mary Kay Inc.
Client
Short Turn Around. On Time. Under Budget!
“We hired Shawntay to develop a training facilitator’s guide and PowerPoint slide deck for an operations manual heavy with technical content. The project was made more challenging by a very short turn around, 5 business days, and the fact that the operations manual wasn’t complete and was being updated simultaneously with the facilitator’s guide and slide deck. Despite these challenges, Shawntay delivered as promised. On time and under budget.”
Dave Beeman, CPP
Vice President, Andy Frain Services
Client
Need an Expert Who Consistently Delivers?
“Working with Shawntay you will immediately notice her professional presence and poise, but over time her tenacious pursuit of excellence and her skills in instructional development and adult learning will really impress you. I worked with her at Mary Kay, and was able to experience firsthand her great rapport with regional partners in Europe, understanding their unique sales force training needs. In addition, Shawntay consistently exhibited grace under pressure, made executive decisions to move business forward. If you are looking for an expert who consistently delivers and goes the extra mile to get things done, contact Shawntay!”
Mellora Moore
Marketing Director, Academic Partnerships
Client
Quality Products & Solutions!
“I had had the pleasure of knowing and working with Shawntay on more than a few occasions. I found her to be a very good business partner and very committed to delivering a quality product or solution in a timely manner. I have always had a positive experience in partnering with Shawntay and would recommend that you consider leveraging her talent.”
Judy Owen, CPC
Transformational Leadership Coach
Client
“Invest in yourself and take your skills to the next NEXT level!”
Get yourself signed up for Shawntay Skjoldager’s Instructional Design & Tech Accelerator Certificate Program today and be on your way to success! Within the first week of taking her course, you will experience growth! Be sure to plug into her Facebook Q&A sessions for personalized help, too. This is THE course to take if you are new to instructional design or have landed on the training team and need help getting started.
Patrick Hodges
Managing Partner, PHiG
Client
“Her enthusiasm for adult learning is contagious!”
Shawntay has exceptional knowledge and experience with all aspects of creating and implementing effective, performance based training for adults. She is exceptional at needs analysis – identifying target audiences and collaborating with business owners to keep training focused on business needs. And she is great to work with – always providing great support to get projects done on-time and on-target. She is always on the look-out for new and more effective ways to engage learners. Her enthusiasm for adult learning is contagious!
Mike Stubblefield
eLearning Developer/Instructional Designer, Vivos Therapeutics
Client
“Spot on”
I have known and worked with Shawntay as a education program director and use the expertise of ShawntayMichelle for the development of my presentations. The service has always been “spot on” with professionalism, care and attention. Shawntay’s recommendations to my ideas make me look good to my clients.
Al Lomas CMP, CEM, CMM, CFE
Owner, Certified Consulting Services
Client
“Shawntay Skjoldager reached in and made my training life so much easier!”
I am new to the training design and development world and I was SO excited to get in there, but I really lacked the real-world knowledge that would set me apart from my peers. And, then Shawntay Skjoldager walked into my life with an outstretched hand and a seemingly endless list of ways to knock every training out of the park. From the Training Analysis Form to the Tay Tay tips, this course made my life so much easier and even ironed out the review process that I had been struggling with for months.
Take time to invest in your own learning and make sure to put Shawntay Michelle at the top of your personal development list!
Katie Carter
Training Specialist, LegalShield
