Comments for The Trainers Training Company - Helping Freelance Trainers Create Successful Businesses

Comment on How To Take The Stress Out Of Networking by Gavin Scott

Gavin Scott — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 14:24:14 +0000

A great post here Sharon with some interesting comments, I particularly like Ann’s reply which made me smile. I’ve recently been testing out a new technique at Networking events that really helps to a get good conversation flowing. Just imagine for one second all of the people who you see at networking events who are busy looking at their mobile phones! Can you picture it?? Well, I’ve started to approach these people and used an opening line similar to, “I’ve just got a new mobile phone myself, what phone do you have?” This simple but effective opening line is then usually followed by a good healthy conversation, providing you with a great opportunity to really start to get to know the person. Try it!! You will be pleasantly surprised and more often than not, thanked for initiating the conversation.

Comment on How To Take The Stress Out Of Networking by Melissa Kidd

Melissa Kidd — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 16:25:24 +0000

As a once reluctant networker, who would stand in the corner by the pot plant and hope someone would talk to me at events – I’ve written some tips aimed at helping other reluctant networkers here:

http://www.coachingcreatives.co.uk/2011/08/10-top-tips-for-networking-know-how/

Comment on 4 Quick Confidence Boosters For Freelance Trainers by Gavin Scott

Gavin Scott — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 13:49:27 +0000

Some great tips here Sharon, Thanks. The key one for me is “Recognise your achievements”. I know a guy who keeps a GOB file! Sounds disgusting but GOB stands for “Glimpses of Brilliance”. The A4 folder contains details of all of his endorsements from Linked In right through to feedback received after workshops. Each time he is feeling a little low, he gets his GOB file out and has a read through the comments. This acts as a great reminder that he is very good at what he does and so gives him the boost that he needs to tackle the next challenge. I now have my own GOB file and I often have a quick scan through it prior to delivering a workshop or giving a talk. They are dead easy to put together and they have a great impact on you and your performance.

Comment on Contact Me by Sharon

Sharon — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 12:30:50 +0000

Hi Anne,

Interesting as i was only writing about this very point this morning in preparation for an interview I’m doing this evening.
This was one of the biggest mistakes I made in my first year, spending so much time doing low value associate work when my time would have been better spent trying to find my own clients. Biggest piece of advice would be to specialise to differentiate yourself from the rest of the trainers out there, identify your target market clearly and then formulate a marketing plan. If you want more tips there is a Webinar on How To Get In Front Of Corporate Clients on the website

Comment on Contact Me by Anne

Anne — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 17:47:04 +0000

Hi Sharon
This might be the makings of an interesting blog post! What advice would you give a trainer who wants to work directly with clients – moving out of the agency/associate set up – to work directly with clients?

Comment on Contact Me by Sharon

Sharon — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:18:44 +0000

Thanks Joyce, it’s lovely to get feedback and to know you’re appreciating my work!

Comment on Contact Me by Joyce Avila

Joyce Avila — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 22:40:51 +0000

Dear Sharon, I just wanted to thank you for your tweets and website. I had to retire from my wonderful job as a continuous quality improvement specialist because my husband and I are moving out of state this fall to live by his son and grandchildren.

I love creating e-learning, trainings and quality improvement projects. I also work virtually sometimes (and want to continue this) so I appreciate being connected with other trainers especially now during my transition period.

Thank you again! Joyce

Comment on Why It Makes Sense to Link Up With Other Freelance Trainers by Sue Parsons

Sue Parsons — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 20:44:10 +0000

Hi Sharon,

I totally agree with you! It’s one of the reasons Liz and I set up the LearningProfessionals’ Gym. Interestingly one of our now staunchest supporters and early members said to me at our first meeting “I really wasn’t sure about coming, you know. Why would I want to meet lots of other people who are in competition with me?” And one of the great things is seeing lots of collaboration going on, people supporting each other, and work changing hands!

Sue

Comment on Freelance Trainers: Are You Neglecting This 1 Thing That Could Get You More Business? by Sharon

Sharon — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 18:49:40 +0000

Hi Debbie,

Just goes to prove it! Keep going!

Comment on Are Your Fees Hurting Your Training Business? by Peter Cook

Peter Cook — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 01:25:31 +0000

Does anyone have any current industry data for the mean and spread of training / consulting fees? I used to have access to some of this but have long since lost that access