Forging a career in professional training

[johnths]

I have been in training for many years but the few companies I worked for do not have training as a core business area. I have been employed basically to administer and conduct training for the staff.

Now, I am keen to explore professional training - softskills training; I have done training in effective training (train-the-trainer), service excellence, communications skills, life skills / personal mastery, etc...

I have a MSc focussing on Training and Performance Management. Can anyone advise me on how I could further equip myself to become a professional trainer? I have been told that certification is important; but am not sure what other certifications I could go for. Also, for personality test certification, like MBTI, DISC, Extended Disc... which is the preferred one (or better one) in the market?

And if I were to venture out on my own, what would be the best way to publicise myself and my offerings?

JT

[Laranja]

1. What certifications?
Ask the companys that would employ you as a trainer what they need.

2. Venture your own.
Genreal thought: If you do it on your own, you keep all the money. That's good. You earn more. Flipside: you work more. You'll have 2 jobs then: your profession and marketing your services. For the later check out the book "Booking yourself solid" by Michael Port, it's the right stuff. "Getting Business Come To You" is an awesome read too.

[stephencp]

What's most important is that you survey your local market yourself and see what they want. It doesn't matter what YOU think they SHOULD need - it only matters what they WANT (and not necessarily "need".)

Write or call every company HR and/or training dept you can think of.

Stephen

The Internet Largest Free Give Away Ever - ****************************

[johnths]

Thank you, Stephen and Laranja, for the advice.

I intend to start off on my own next year; meaning, leave the company I have been working for the past 13 years and strike out on my own. Though I am leaving the company, I hope to leave with their blessings. Anyways, i am not leaving to join a competitor, but to fulfil my desire, and I hope to do it well. Just pray that our Lord God will guide me in my endeavour...

JT
Training, Engaging the Adult Learners

[johnths]

Hey, I need further advice from anyone out there in this forum.

First, as I prepare myself to step onto the path of a professional trainer, what do you think are the needs that I could cater to, both in offerings to the individuals on the road, and to the corporate bodies.

Second, what forms of publicity or marketing should I best use?

Thank you, in advance, for putting some thoughts into it...

JT
Training, Engaging the Adult Learners