I think there’s another element which is sometimes part of that same package – and that’s people who like helping other, with no expectation of return. It may just be a matter of taking the time to give some advice, and it doesn’t have to cost anything other than a bit of care and attention.

But it has to be genuine. I don’t believe it’s something you can fake. You either believe in sharing knowledge, advice and contacts in a real attempt to help others – or it inevitably shows up.

Good post – thanks.

Vandy

I agree that networking with other trainers is very valuable. Yes, it CAN provide business opportunities; I’ve been asked to design course materials for trainers who are too busy delivering to do a good job, and I’ve asked other trainers to deliver my work when the location has been inconvenient for me. The best use though is in their support, and having someone who you can contact for ideas and to sense things. We don’t have direct colleagues any more, so other freelancers are the next best things.

By the way – thanks for the mention of http://www.power-hour.co.uk

Getting over the ‘competition’ hurdle is difficult – but once you have done that, the opportunities it can offer outweigh your concerns.

I work with a number of trainers I trust, and it works for me.

I’m a corporate trainer who has been working on my social media strategy. What I’ve found helpful is to have a social media strategy. I’ve gotten a mentor through Capulet Communications, specifically Julie Szabo, which has been hugely helpful.

I’ve also listened to Shane Gibson’s podcasts abou marketing and taken to heart his advice about how listening (vrs constantly broadcasting) is key.

I’ve made a list of key influencers including their twitter handles, blogs etc. Guess what- you’re on it

Take good care and thanks again for your post.

The cirtical thing in using social networking media is to understand the rules and grasp a good understanding of the tools available to you.

Natasha
@SBTtraining

If you want to get business direct from large end users in my opinion it is not useful (exactly the same in my experience is true of ‘old fashioned’ networking.)

Still. I’ll hang on for as long as possible.

You’re definitely right; I think I’m just not getting it right.

I have been running my training company for 13 years now, and I have developed a very large offering of programmes and workshops over time.

I have always struggled with how I can get myself to stand out from the crowd, as so many trainers seem to offer the same types of programmes as I do.

I have always felt that the more I have to offer, the more work I am likely to get. As a consequence I have not been able to market myself effectively as I am forever going from one thing to another. I agree with Sharon that fear has got in the way of specialising in the past.

It is only now that I realise that by specialising I am differentiating myself from the rest of the market. I can now concentrate all my marketing efforts on what I enjoy best, what I am good at, and where most of my experience lies, and that is in training and developing trainers to reach their full potential!

Sandra
SC Training Solutions