Creative Training Techniques Newsletter

Get people into your training with a little bit of marketing know-how

Flyers, posters, memos, email blasts, voicemails, twitter and facebook updates—no matter how you get the word out about your program, that first contact and “impression” is all-important. How you present your session beforehand needs to be planned carefully, just as you would your training. These questions will give you a basic groundwork for what to look for to make sure your marketing pieces look professional and reflect well on your program.

1. Do you have a strong title? The use of numerals helps describe concrete benefits to attendees (7 Reasons Trainers Should be Shot on the Spot, or Supervision Fundamentals: 11 Strategies for building High-Performing Work Teams sound better than Introductory Presentation Skills or Basics of Supervision).
2. Are the materials attractive and readable? Desktop publishing can make a program announcement look as though it had been professionally typeset. Many of these programs already have templates for posters, flyers, and brochures where you can delete the text they have and enter your own. The backgrounds, graphics, watermarks and more are already set up for you just waiting for your content. Or if that’s a bit too complex, even the simple addition of press-type headlines can make a typewritten announcement stand out from the ordinary.
3. Is the key question, “What’s in it for me?” answered? The sender, participant and payer should all be able to find direct benefits the class holds for them somewhere within the announcement.
4. Is there a clear, strong program outline? This should emphasize the practical knowledge trainees will be able to apply immediately.
5. Are you using testimonials? Testimonials should be not only from satisfied participants, but also from their managers. These can go a long way in convincing others that your program is worth the time away from their regular duties.
6. Does the publicity indicate special features like extensive handouts and certificates? With all things being equal, most people like “stuff.”
7. Does it feature short instructor biographies? The instructor’s credibility can be a big selling point, and it also provides the instructor with some recognition.

 Email This Post