Global Product Training on a Limited Budget

How to leverage new strategies and technology for high-quality, low-cost programs with superior impact

Article by Mohana Radhakrishnan, Vice President, Client Services, Expertus

Recently we conducted a survey on global product training which revealed two interesting facts:

1. Almost half of responding companies spent less than 10 percent of their annual training budgets on programs delivered outside of their home countries.
2. And, not surprisingly, a limited budget was identified as their number one concern.

Chances are… your organization faces these same exact challenges.

So, how can you continue to provide quality global product training while staying within your existing budget parameters?

Smart Tip #1 – Focus on Audience-Relevant Training

The first thing we advise customers to do is to identify product training that's actually essential for global audiences, and establish priorities. Too many companies assume that all product training delivered within their home country should be available to all audiences around the world. The truth is… it’s better to offer limited, but highly-relevant product training than it is to offer vast, but slightly irrelevant courses and content.

Smart Tip #2 – Scrutinize Your Budget

It’s also important to carefully analyze how your budget dollars are being spent. When we help customers conduct a budget analysis, we often discover that dollars are wasted on redundant courses, high travel and entertainment expenses and unnecessary technology investments. Sometimes the dollars saved in these and other areas can offset new, more valuable investments – such as implementing virtual classrooms – that will help expand and improve your global product training programs.

Smart Tip #3 – Get Help

Our survey showed that 83 percent of responding companies now offer training globally. As companies expand their product training initiatives, new challenges arise that require innovative processes and unique approaches. An experienced, outside perspective can help identify your opportunities for increased efficiencies. For example, Expertus recently helped Microsoft save approximately $1.7 million each year by augmenting their classroom product training with bi-annual, virtual programs, which include: live e-Meetings, on-demand webinars, technical labs and social networking.

Smart Tip #4 – Consider Technology Alternatives

Effective use of emerging technology can further help your company get more for its global product training budget. In fact, our survey showed that e-Learning is still not being used as widely globally as it is in home countries. E-learning, blended learning and virtual classrooms are often less expensive and more immediate alternatives to ILT. Additionally, using “next generation” LMSs (with advanced learning delivery, management and reporting) can help your organization greatly increase its overall product training efficiency.

Ready to "go global" with your product training? Contact me to discuss how you can get the most for your money.