Educate Your Workers & Yourself Inexpensively
Large companies often bring in consultants or buy commercial training programs to keep their staff up to date. Small companies may not be able to afford these training methods, but can still provide quality education for staff at little or no cost if they know where to look.
Vendor training
When you buy a new machine, software application or other process that requires employee training, ask the vendor whether it will provide assistance. Often, the vendor will give in-house training as part of the purchase price of the item. If training isn’t offered automatically, ask for assistance before agreeing to the purchase.
you don’t have to buy from Microsoft to attend a half-day training program for small business. Through its Microsoft Connections, you can find a program near you to learn about business solutions (www.microsoft.com/smallbusiness/connections/default.mspx?src=googleppc). The event is free and if you can’t physically attend, you can use a Webcast for the program.
Informal training programs
Just because you can’t find a training program that meets your needs does not mean you should skip training. You may have to take the initiative to create and conduct your own in-house training for employees. The time and money you put into training may pay off big time in avoiding costly employee mistakes.
e-courses and continuing education programs
Look for online training for a particular task. There are literally thousands of online courses on just about every subject you can think of. Do a Google search for the type of program you want, whether it’s training for sales, software or equipment. For example, Dell offers over 350 online courses, including software training, for purchasers of their desktop computers (cost for the bundle is $99). For details, go to www.learndell.com/dell.
Alternatively, check with your local universities or technical schools to see what is offered. There may be industry specific training for your staff that is free or low cost. Usually, the courses are given after 5 p.m. so employees do not need to take time off.
Government programs
State and federal agencies may provide training on government regulations at little or no charge for attendance. Some training is provided online; other courses may be given locally, so check the schedule.
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