By Helen Callier, President of Bradlink, LLC
In Part 1 of this 2 Part Series, the importance of small businesses being clear on their reason for attending training events and getting what they paid for were discussed. Also, information was shared that the days are gone when a small business leader can throw dollars out the window and not gain maximum return on their training investment.
Each year there are hundreds of opportunities for small business leaders to fork over their hard earned dollars to use for training. To make sure your workshop investments are wisely selected and money well spent, below is a recap of Part 1 – The first 5 of 10 ways to maximize your experience at small business training events:
- Be open to new ideas and perspectives
- Punt the words “can’t, won’t and no” in the rear
- Be fully engaged
- Listen
- Help other scholars
Here now are the remaining five ways to get what you paid for when attending small business training events:
- Think BIG! And have a Vision
When asked during her seasoned years what was worse than being blind, deaf, and mute, Helen Keller responded to a young reporter by saying, “Having no vision.” Helen Keller touched the lives of many across the world. She visited with kings, queens, and presidents. In addition, she created an environment where millions of persons with disabilities could live fulfilling lives. While you are in a training event, think BIG and write a vision that when achieved, your small business will have created a multitude of jobs and enabled your community’s economy to prosper.
- Keep a journal
While attending a training event that spans several days or months, writing in a journal can be helpful in capturing your truest thoughts about your small business and you as the leader. There is no need to be concerned about the length of the entry. The very aspect of getting your ideas, sketches, etc. on paper is powerful enough. And, once you complete your training event, your journal book becomes a valuable tool during your time of reflection and whenever you’re experiencing any hiccups as you continue on your path of fulfilling your small business goals.
- Have fun and laugh – a lot!
Laughter does the heart and body good. It releases any strains, pressures, and anxieties. It is a natural medicine that opens your mind and spirit to receive. So, laugh at yourself and enjoy a laugh with other scholars. Life is meant to be fun.
- Work like a steam engine
Often times, most persons attending a training event fail to complete the training assignment. They take the workbook to their office and, if it makes it inside their office, it then finds a new resting place on the corner of the desk that is soon to be covered with papers, tablet, and magazines. To truly maximize your experience during a training event, work like a steam engine. Take in new information like water; heat it up by completing the exercises that same day and then quickly apply the new information or tools in your small business. This steam engine learning and application strategy allows you to complete your training event with a growth plan or the particular tool you invested to receive.
- Be grateful and say thank you
When someone is helping you grow your small business and achieve your life’s dream, then saying thank you to your Instructor or the person assisting you shows not only respect but it also shows your heart of gratitude. “Gratitude makes the difference in all that you do in life.” – Dr. John D. Demartini
That’s it for now on suggestions to maximize your investment and participation in training events to help develop your small business and you as a leader. Pick up your copy of next month’s Small Business Today Magazine or visit online at www.sbtmagazine.net to read how small businesses are transforming their communities.
Helen Callier is President of Bradlink, LLC, a technical services firm. She is a radio show host, public speaker, and the best-selling author of “Your Money is in the Follow-up”. For more information, call her at 281-312-9981 or visit her website at www.yourmoneyisinthefollowup.com.
