Busy small-business owners can’t afford a steep learning curve. You need to get up to speed fast with computer software technical skills. That’s where training comes in.
Technical training can teach you the shortcuts. It can show you the power of software programs. It can help you learn how to make the most of programs so that your business gets the biggest bang for your investment buck.
For some small-business owners, online training is perfect. It’s available 24/7 from the comfort of your home office. But for others, hands-on, face-to-face learning is the best way to go. We’ve got both avenues covered here.
So get more productive. Get more efficient. Check out these ways you can get technical training.
Learn.com
Learn.com boasts more than 50 million end users around the globe and is a leader in on-demand e-learning.
Best of all, AFS Members receive special discounts on learning software from Learn.com. You can choose from these and other courses:
Microsoft Office plus Tutorials (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Access and more)
Microsoft Office Standard Library (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Access and more)
Lotus Office Tutorials (Word Prop, 1,2,3, Approach, Notes and more)
Corel Office Standard Tutorials (Word Perfect, Central, Presentations and more)
Professional Development Library (Soft Skills, Safety, Communication Skills and more)
Technology Plus Library (Microsoft Certified Engineer Exams, Networking, Administration and more)
Check out the special AFS offerings today in the “Benefits” section of this Web site.
E-learning For Dummies
The famous and highly readable “For Dummies”® books are now available as e-learning courses. What could be easier?
Like the books, the e-courses give you plain English training in complex topics. But the online training goes even further. The e-learning courses offer interactivity that make training easier and more fun.
At the Web site, www.elearningfordummies.com, the online courses are sold by series. Each series covers one topic or application. You simply purchase a subscription for the course you want. Then you get unlimited access to the course for a full 12 months.
E-learning For Dummies is a joint venture of Wiley Publishing and MindLeaders. Here are a few of the courses you can choose from:
Outlook 2003 For Dummies, $34.99
Excel 2003 For Dummies, $34.99
PowerPoint 2003 For Dummies, $34.99
Word 2003 For Dummies, $34.99
401(k)s For Dummies, $34.99
Photoshop 7 For Dummies, $71.99
At the Web site, you can also click a link to MindLeaders for another list of pertinent online courses for small-business owners. At MindLeaders, you’ll find such courses as:
World Wide Learn
For a comprehensive Web-based directory of online courses, check out www.worldwidelearn.com. At the site, you’ll find hundreds of online degree programs, computer training, personal development courses, continuing education, certificate programs and more. The courses are offered by universities, colleges and training companies around the globe.
At last check, there were about 375 subject areas offered. Plus, the Web site is stocked with education articles and resources that will help you make the most of your online training.
Don’t rush through the Web site. There’s plenty to explore. Give yourself time to find just the right course for your small-business needs.
Seminar Information Service
Not every small-business owner enjoys or wants to participate in online training. Those who want face-to-face learning can find a huge selection of nationwide events through Seminar Information Service, www.seminarinformation.com.
The Web site lists more than 360,000 live, in-person seminars, classes, workshops and conferences annually. You can search by subject, city and state, or date to find the event you want. Best of all, many of the seminars offer multiple dates and locations, making it easier to fit your busy schedule. Most of the workshops run one or two days, although conferences frequently last three days or more.
The information service provides detailed agendas and topics for each workshop. And you can conveniently register online.
At the Web site, you’ll find events sponsored by well-known training groups, including:
(Posted December 2005)
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