Secret Revealed - 5 Keys To True Online Training
- By Aditi Walsh
- Published 03/31/2009
- Coaching
- Unrated
Everything happens for a reason. I had been intensely searching for an affordable and comprehensive training and mentoring route to help me progress to the next level of online entrepreneurship. Having tried out a handful of internet marketing programs, I came very close to fully investing in one of them.
Then serendipity intervened and I discovered a new coaching program, just released, that was over 5 years in the making. I had already benefited from the other training products, including the precursor to this new one, so I wanted to check this one out for sure.
Contextual Meaning
What I found so instructive was this training combined knowledge with an intuitive sense of what's needed to navigate the future of online marketing. Its style favors simplicity over complexity, sound business practices over hype and a proven down to earth can-do attitude vs fear-based urgency. And, for me, that makes for successful training in any arena.
With tons of information already up on the site, I worked my way through this treasure chest. And that was just the training videos available at the start of the program. I experienced lots of 'AHA!' moments and have so far implemented several corrections, updates and new directions for my online businesses, observing Armand Morin demonstrate his techniques in his own live campaigns.
Creative Thinking
By watching various live scenarios, I was able to understand how to think about the market, the campaigns and how to approach opportunities and challenges. I'm finding It's the little things that make the biggest difference between success and failure online.
A creative approach to learning is critical to any effective training program. This has been largely absent during the past twelve years of online marketing. In its infancy, almost any internet marketing technique succeeded in the rush of youthful venturing and with ugly websites.
Today, however, this market is becoming much more sophisticated and so are the growing capabilities of the online entrepreneurs. Yet it would be a grave mistake to think that traditional corporate approaches to training will be successful online.
New Training Style
In my search for a comprehensive online training program, I came across several models that bore a close resemblance to the corporate training style I was familiar with from the past. Surprising myself, I was turned off by the complexity and overwhelming work needed to get through the courses. Not only did my attention span wane into boredom, I could not retain what I did learn.
I do believe the key to successful online coaching and training lies in contextual training for this brave new world. As Marshall McLuhan said prophetically so many years ago, "The medium IS the message."
Five Keys to successful Online Coaching and Training
Let me summarize my understanding of the five keys needed for successful marketing training. I believe you can apply these guidelines to assess any future training you will attend, or develop for your very own programs.
1. Proven Information
It's important to look for proof that the information given really works. In order to do so, the student should see the evidence live. Otherwise it's not real, as the evidence could have been doctored or exaggerated.
2. Variety of Sources
It can be dangerous to learn from only one source. That is because no one knows everything. A diverse team of experts working within a system towards similar goals is ideal. Varied opinions lead to deeper exploration and teach you to think on your own. As a result you'll learn how to create and evaluate your own various strategies and explore new possibilities.
3. Consistent Updates and Training
Myths circulate on the internet, claiming that there's one magic solution or 'cure-all' for your business success. Nothing could be farther from the truth. It takes a variety of methods and approaches, working seamlessly together to become successful and remain competitive in today's online world. For example, improved traffic means nothing if you don't know how to convert it into profitable sales. You really need continuous and up to date information to keep pace and stay ahead of the changes.
4. Live Training
Most online training programs totally ignore this need. Live weekly training over the phone and via webinars is important to build competencies and keep the momentum going. Equally important is live meetings where you get to interact with your mentors and peers. This is how you build deeper understanding and better business relationships that enhance and accelerate your success. Creating your own community of like-minded entrepreneurs and potential business partners is vital for building far-reaching successes.
5. Affordable
Affordability is pivotal. If you can't afford the training, then the other points are meaningless. Most in depth training is expensive and suitable only for those who are ready for it. You need to figure out your return on training investment, and how long it will take you to meet or make more than the costs of the program.
I am very encouraged by this true-to-life training approach. I believe it will become the norm for online success programs in the near future. I intend to include these steps in both my training assessment and development plans.
Then serendipity intervened and I discovered a new coaching program, just released, that was over 5 years in the making. I had already benefited from the other training products, including the precursor to this new one, so I wanted to check this one out for sure.
Contextual Meaning
What I found so instructive was this training combined knowledge with an intuitive sense of what's needed to navigate the future of online marketing. Its style favors simplicity over complexity, sound business practices over hype and a proven down to earth can-do attitude vs fear-based urgency. And, for me, that makes for successful training in any arena.
With tons of information already up on the site, I worked my way through this treasure chest. And that was just the training videos available at the start of the program. I experienced lots of 'AHA!' moments and have so far implemented several corrections, updates and new directions for my online businesses, observing Armand Morin demonstrate his techniques in his own live campaigns.
Creative Thinking
By watching various live scenarios, I was able to understand how to think about the market, the campaigns and how to approach opportunities and challenges. I'm finding It's the little things that make the biggest difference between success and failure online.
A creative approach to learning is critical to any effective training program. This has been largely absent during the past twelve years of online marketing. In its infancy, almost any internet marketing technique succeeded in the rush of youthful venturing and with ugly websites.
Today, however, this market is becoming much more sophisticated and so are the growing capabilities of the online entrepreneurs. Yet it would be a grave mistake to think that traditional corporate approaches to training will be successful online.
New Training Style
In my search for a comprehensive online training program, I came across several models that bore a close resemblance to the corporate training style I was familiar with from the past. Surprising myself, I was turned off by the complexity and overwhelming work needed to get through the courses. Not only did my attention span wane into boredom, I could not retain what I did learn.
I do believe the key to successful online coaching and training lies in contextual training for this brave new world. As Marshall McLuhan said prophetically so many years ago, "The medium IS the message."
Five Keys to successful Online Coaching and Training
Let me summarize my understanding of the five keys needed for successful marketing training. I believe you can apply these guidelines to assess any future training you will attend, or develop for your very own programs.
1. Proven Information
It's important to look for proof that the information given really works. In order to do so, the student should see the evidence live. Otherwise it's not real, as the evidence could have been doctored or exaggerated.
2. Variety of Sources
It can be dangerous to learn from only one source. That is because no one knows everything. A diverse team of experts working within a system towards similar goals is ideal. Varied opinions lead to deeper exploration and teach you to think on your own. As a result you'll learn how to create and evaluate your own various strategies and explore new possibilities.
3. Consistent Updates and Training
Myths circulate on the internet, claiming that there's one magic solution or 'cure-all' for your business success. Nothing could be farther from the truth. It takes a variety of methods and approaches, working seamlessly together to become successful and remain competitive in today's online world. For example, improved traffic means nothing if you don't know how to convert it into profitable sales. You really need continuous and up to date information to keep pace and stay ahead of the changes.
4. Live Training
Most online training programs totally ignore this need. Live weekly training over the phone and via webinars is important to build competencies and keep the momentum going. Equally important is live meetings where you get to interact with your mentors and peers. This is how you build deeper understanding and better business relationships that enhance and accelerate your success. Creating your own community of like-minded entrepreneurs and potential business partners is vital for building far-reaching successes.
5. Affordable
Affordability is pivotal. If you can't afford the training, then the other points are meaningless. Most in depth training is expensive and suitable only for those who are ready for it. You need to figure out your return on training investment, and how long it will take you to meet or make more than the costs of the program.
I am very encouraged by this true-to-life training approach. I believe it will become the norm for online success programs in the near future. I intend to include these steps in both my training assessment and development plans.
Aditi Walsh
Watch Armand Morin's video on AM2.0 training. Aditi Walsh is a conscious entrepreneur, helping people create and manifest their visions of success. She shares ideas and reviews of success principles, strategies and tools for the online entrepreneur at http://webmarketingrebel.com
View all articles by Aditi Walsh