DON’T DISCONTINUE CONTINUING EDUCATION

A quick trip to Google and you can find thousands of “SALES CLASSES” that are being offered by some of the most well known authorities on sales and some of the least known self proclaimed authorities on sales.

These classes can range from free to thousands of dollars for anywhere from 30 minutes to months. Some are online classes and others are face to face. Class size can be from a few people to a stadium full. Topics can range from the broadest to the most insignificant.

So how do we know which are the best and worst of the group?

The answer may be different for each of us. The facts are if you go through a process of selection to find a class you will be much more likely to find the class useful and rewarding.

Think about what it is you are trying to accomplish by taking a class. Is it to improve your selling skills, industry knowledge, presentation skills, basic business knowledge, better self esteem, or just to learn something new? (This is a short list, I am sure there are many other reasons for taking classes as well and all different and mostly good reasons)

When selecting a class make sure that the class will fulfill your rationale for taking the class. Next do your homework on the instructor or organization putting on the class. Make sure they have the credentials that support their claims of expertise. Consider the costs, you DON’T always get what you pay for, some of the best classes I have taken have been free classes. Consider ALL the costs, this isn’t just dollars but time as well, remember it isn’t only the time in the class, the time out of the field also needs to be taken into consideration.

You also need to think through the outcome. Are you going to be willing to make whatever changes are necessary to use the information you gain in a class. If it means never wearing your lucky tee shirt again are you going to be willing to retire the tee shirt?

Finally, is the information the newest available? Taking a class today where the information is out of date tomorrow is foolish. The information needs to have some staying power so it can be used and proved to be helpful in your career.

No one factor should be looked at with any more weight than any other. The total picture needs to be right for any class to be useful and help forward your success.

Certificates, diplomas, graduation letters, and all the accolades that go with them are all fun, but the real reward is becoming the best sales rep for your customers and yourself.

Lorin