When working on new online channel training programs, the onus tends to be on content and delivery. The general consensus is usually “we don’t need to outsource any of it”, “we didn’t know we could outsource it” or “this or that team can easily fit that in”.
Of course, we know otherwise and we want to share that knowledge with you.
In-house teams have their own roles to concentrate on and rarely have expertise in maximising and optimising training programs. Effective management of the training program should allow for:
- Quick and easy deployment of new updates and updated course materials
- Fully supported users and learners
- Making full use of the chosen LMS and its features
- Changing the direction of the training program when necessary
- Observing and understanding gaps in knowledge and how they can be filled
- Keeping learners on board with training and engaged in learning content
This article has been written to dispel the myths around training program management and explain what is true and what is not.
Let’s delve a little deeper into some common misunderstandings…
Common Online Channel Training Program Misconceptions
Training programs are too expensive to run
The value of training outweighs the costs. Increased knowledge drives efficiency, innovation and expertise, which can lead to increased sales and profit.
While there are initial set-up costs associated with learning material, the LMS and deployment, if the issue is with cash flow and budget, it is possible to offset the ongoing costs by selling your courses.
Learners will be happy to pay for courses if courses are created to offer high value, are kept up to date with new information and help the learner achieve their goals.
All LMSs offer similar qualities
With over 800 LMS vendors globally, you would be forgiven for thinking that there must be a lot of common features across the board.
However, when choosing which LMS vendor to work with, it’s important to research those that have specially developed the platform for your particular requirements. For example, the WahooLMS is specifically designed for training external networks, such as channel partners, resellers, installers and distributors.
You need an in-house team to run a training program effectively
Of course, you can manage your training program in-house, but do you have the experts in place to do so correctly? Can you cover everything including, course design, program administration, eCommerce management and learner support? If any one of these areas isn’t covered, you run the risk of your training program not meeting its objectives.
Another key consideration is if you need to employ new team members, do you have the knowledge to recruit the right candidate plus the management time and budget available for them?
Outsourcing to a managed learning services provider ensures your focus remains on your core business objectives while your training program is looked after by the experts.
I can easily roll the training program out globally
So, having an LMS in place does mean that your training program can be rolled-out globally at the click of a button (or a couple!). But, there is a lot more to take into account, especially if you are selling those courses.
For courses to have the highest value in different global markets, the content must be localised, taking into consideration local and regional legislation, variants of consumer behaviour and differing levels of brand recognition.
As well as the content, language and support need to be carefully organised. Can your courses be easily translated? Is support available in learners’ native language?
All of these points can mean the difference between meeting your objectives and generating revenue from your program and not.
In return for getting it all right, you will have a network of highly-knowledgeable brand advocates, leading to increased sales, brand loyalty, and long-lasting partnerships.
Training programs are easy to manage
Ensuring your training program meets its objectives and is always on track is a huge task. If it’s not done correctly, you risk wasting budget and the program failing to offer any return for your organisation.
Training programs are a large investment for any organisation. Not just in terms of money, but also time and resources. Ensuring you get the most from your investment is vital if you want to gain the desired results.
As well as the learning material, administration and support aspects, the chosen LMS should always be used to its full potential.
More often than not, businesses only utilise a small amount of LMS features, therefore not gaining the highest return on investment.
Outsourcing the management will be time-consuming
Keeping ahead of trends and analysing industry data is time-consuming in itself. Add that to the workload associated with fully managing a training program, and you’ve got a team’s worth of tasks spanning a range of expertise.
Compare all of this work with the time it takes to outsource to a team of experts and you have a no-brainer.
Most good managed learning service providers offer businesses a dedicated account manager who will act as a single point of contact. This ensures information is shared seamlessly and no time is wasted in the process.
Even for the largest global training program, dealing with your chosen service provider can easily form part of the role of just one individual.
Training programs won’t generate revenue
Generating revenue from your training is possible if you 1) create content of high value to the learner 2) continually communicate that value and 3) keep courses fresh and up to date.
If your audience fully understands the benefit of taking part in training and how it strengthens their position in the market, they will be willing to take on the cost.
Though this is also dependent on whether the associated costs are seen to be fair.
The cost of a course or a series of courses doesn’t have to be high.
By utilising economies of scale, training costs can be kept low while generating revenue to be re-invested in the program or used as profit.
Summary
There are many misconceptions when it comes to training programs. More often than not, these centre around budget, resources and expertise.
Don’t forget that the benefits of running a training program far outweigh the challenges, and there are ways to outsource some, if not all, of the more demanding, time-consuming and costly aspects.
The WahooLMS and managed learning services are designed to combat these misconceptions and allow you to deliver a strategic training program with a limited budget and internal resources.
We encompass the entire training program, allowing you to focus on core business activities. What’s more, we can design and launch a program that delivers a new revenue stream as well as achieve all of its specific program objectives.
Ready to talk about partnering with us to deliver your training program? Contact us today to get started.
