Technology changes every day and it’s vital that you and your staff are across the new developments. That’s why training is vital to business success.

Management consultant and writer Peter Drucker once said: “Companies have three responsibilities: 1) make a profit, 2) satisfy employees, and 3) to be socially responsible.”

Every business owner is faced with the same challenge: Increase the revenue side of the business while at the same time reducing costs. We will explore in this article a proven strategy to do just that.

Through education and training, you will be able to improve the performance of your team while helping to ensure the chances they will stay with the company for a long and successful career.

For many business owners in the custom integration industry, we have the challenge of technologies we work with every day changing on a regular basis. In addition, the manufacturers we support are always releasing equipment that, in many cases, requires new skills to setup and configure. As soon as we learn the new, best way to do something, a newer and better way comes around the corner making the past knowledge all but obsolete.

It is apparent to most electronic system contractors that regular training of technical staff is required to help them stay ahead of the technology curve. They know that if their team doesn’t understand HDMI or IP, for example, they can’t install today’s systems.

In reality, regular training for all team members is a key component to making your company more competitive, increasing employee retention and keeping your team motivated. A company culture thrives when employees have a regular opportunity to grow and develop job and career enhancing skills and in doing so everyone wins: the employee, the employer and the end client.

We will now look at training options that can occur within and outside the workplace.

Internal Training and Development

Training that occurs within the workplace can be much more powerful than sessions or seminars attended outside of the office. Employees appreciate the opportunity to learn, grow and develop while in a comfortable environment. Additionally, such training enhances networking within the company and helps to cultivate a stronger sense of team.

Hold companywide or department training sessions taught by a coworker or an outside presenter. Topics can cover any number of subjects such as general company policies, new technologies, internal processes, or general subjects such as how to invest, etc.

Ask employees that attend tradeshows or conferences to teach what they have learned to the people in their department. Let them know you have this expectation prior to their attending the event.

Make a company library where employees can easily access books and other reading materials. Create a checkout system so you know who has what materials.

Set up a mentor program where a senior member of the team takes a new member under their guidance. This is a great way pass on technical skills and many of the intangible skills that come from thoroughly understanding the company and its processes.

Task employees with a particular skill to train others in their group. This is great strategy to reward employees with public recognition for their skills and talent.

External Training and Development

When your company needs to gain new knowledge or skills, sometimes the best answer is attending an external conference, training event or university. It has the added complexity of getting employees to and from the event, but the benefits generally far out way the challenges.

Enable your team to attend industry tradeshows such as CEDIA or Infocomm. Between the manufacturers on the floor and the excellent training courses, the value is tremendous.

Enable your team to attend specialty courses offered at local AV distributors. Here in the US, both ADI and AVAD amongst others offer regular training events for their dealers.

Ensure that all activities required before, during and after the training session are completed. This helps confirm that learning is transferred to the employee’s job and the employer’s investment was sound.

Incentivise employees to take online classes such as those offered by Infocomm International to gain technical certifications.

Provide a flexible work schedule so the employee can take time for university or other formal educational sessions.

Provide tuition assistance to encourage the employee’s pursuit of additional education.

The networking opportunities at these events are priceless. The interaction with others from varying backgrounds provides an opportunity for idea sharing and personal growth.

For upcoming training dates, check out: http://www.connectedhome.com.au/training-diary.