tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-252918842011-12-14T21:53:53.918-05:00Tips, Strategies and Techniques for Increased Productivity and Effectiveness... for the Training Professional.George Ritacconoreply@blogger.comBlogger301100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25291884.post-36078181776217128002008-03-31T09:09:00.003-04:002008-03-31T09:15:11.518-04:00

Hello everyone,I came across a great article today from the Vistage website. Vistage is the worldwide leader in helping chief executives take their careers—and their companies—to a higher level.With the current strains on the economy, the stock market and financial institutions... companies are looking to make changes, cut programs, slash budgets and down-size. Here is some food for thought of

George Ritacconoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25291884.post-90104996397573918032008-01-21T13:06:00.000-05:002008-01-21T13:08:17.865-05:00

Most people consider ROI the most important thing to measure when it comes to determining if your training program, system or solution is paying off. I submit to you that your ROE, return on expectations... may be a more important area of evaluation, initially.From an ROI perspective your training program, system or solution should be evaluated based on what your “expectations” on measurement of

George Ritacconoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25291884.post-52739756778579150132008-01-16T10:15:00.000-05:002008-01-16T14:24:12.998-05:00

Great Blog Post from Tony at TechEmpower. Great stuff and solid predictions IMO. The focus seems to be "efficiency" in elearning and utilizing the right elearning management solution to maximize resources and productivity.Here are some highlights: LMS/Talent Management Systems will continue to serve the needs of a select few... but not the masses. The masses will be looking for streamlined

George Ritacconoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25291884.post-9833206041531725592008-01-09T00:37:00.000-05:002008-01-13T12:05:08.475-05:00

I wanted to share this concept with all of you before the beginning of the new year. 2008 could very well be the best year you've had as a trainer. That choice, is yours. Make 2008 the best year you can! Happy New Year!George

George Ritacconoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25291884.post-935070476969263802007-11-21T15:41:00.001-05:002007-11-21T15:50:00.470-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving All.I wanted to share with you a recent article from Training Magazine. Job unrest is not a new thing. According to Patick Lencioni, there are definite "tell-tale" signs that can indicate a potential problem is on the horizon.You can prevent job dissatisfaction. As you take a day to spend with your family - look around the table and be thankful for what you have, what you've

George Ritacconoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25291884.post-20467975056303386902007-10-31T10:12:00.000-04:002007-10-31T11:59:25.056-04:00

Do you know who Jay Abraham is? He is the world's highest paid business consultant. I've been studying Jay's teachings for a year now, something I think everyone who is in business for themselves or a professional sales person - should do. You can learn so much from Jay's business philosophies.The reason for this post is that I wanted to share his insight on Upside Leverage and how Upside

George Ritacconoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25291884.post-63267401340611357402007-09-04T10:42:00.000-04:002007-09-04T10:47:04.013-04:00

Are you ready to embrace elearning as a tool to enhance your training program? Before you invest in the right elearning management system for you – it’s important to do the research.Because elearning is a 5 billion dollar industry... you should know that there are thousands of solutions out there for you to pick from. With such a large pool of tools, how do you know which one is right for you?

George Ritacconoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25291884.post-82538319594425096212007-06-19T11:54:00.000-04:002007-06-19T11:56:00.375-04:00

Unlike any other training forum, elearning's greatest promise is to accomodate three of the four learning modality types: auditory, visual and kinesthetic. So an elearning management solution can be a huge shot in the arm and provides training professionals with a targeted/laser beam approach to training.Your elearning management system needs to be in tune with the objectives of your company

George Ritacconoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25291884.post-58539421198446113012007-05-18T21:20:00.000-04:002007-05-18T21:21:42.731-04:00

I came across this article today and the subject wasn't surprising. It's actually quite true. As more and more companies are investing into an elearning management solution, it's important that they do not lose focus on the best way to utilize elearning in their organization.According to Darin Hanks, employee training expert and president of training videos company Employee University, the more

George Ritacconoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25291884.post-2757009321620681142007-04-18T16:48:00.000-04:002007-04-19T08:41:56.173-04:00

What are your biggest issues with the results you are getting with your current training program?If we wanted to list them out... the list could be long and involve many different reasons. But chances are... many of them could potentially fall into three groups:1. Current program is too costly, budget concerns, not enough emphasis on making training a priority due to cost issues.2. Lost

George Ritacconoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25291884.post-55607897458393770152007-02-14T20:47:00.000-05:002007-02-14T21:02:45.250-05:00

According to the latest research over in the U.K., an increasing number of firms... approx. 200 firms comprising of 1000 individuals - have recognized and realized the many possibilities and benefits of elearning.Actually, the research found that 80 per cent of employers thought e-learning was uniquely accessible, cost-effective and flexible. Hmmm, sound familiar?If you're new to our blog, feel

George Ritacconoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25291884.post-7611515652835304212007-02-06T09:04:00.000-05:002007-02-06T09:13:37.318-05:00

Now this is pretty interesting....elearningyellowpages.com has created a self assessment tool that allows students/trainees the ability to see if the concept of "elearning" is right for them.The online assessment simply asks questions based on the current behaviors and interests of the prospective student. The assessment results will also offer some other tips based on the user's answers - for

George Ritacconoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25291884.post-42428607668840838372007-01-30T09:09:00.000-05:002007-01-30T09:13:01.115-05:00

In a recent article in CertMag... www.certmag.com, Elearning was the topic. What is elearning? Is it good? Is it bad? Does it work?First off, what is elearning? Well... the "e" in elearning stands for "electronic". So, elearning means.... the delivery of a learning, training or education program by electronic means. E-learning involves the use of a computer or electronic device (e.g. a

George Ritacconoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25291884.post-32993481030236429602007-01-30T00:38:00.000-05:002007-01-30T08:47:26.011-05:00

According to Carter McNamara, MBA, PhD, with Authenticity Consulting, LLC the Top 8 Benefits that organizations secure from having their own training program are:1. Increased job satisfaction and morale among employees2. Increased employee motivation3. Increased efficiencies in processes, resulting in financial gain4. Increased capacity to adopt new technologies and methods5. Increased innovation

George Ritacconoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25291884.post-21693658304069504342007-01-22T17:35:00.000-05:002007-01-22T17:43:06.040-05:00

There is a certain peace of mind that comes with knowing that your training WILL be delivered on schedule, seamlessly and efficiently.When you're training program is automated with a systematic approach to scheduling & delivery... you can literally train your employees while you're on vacation or sleeping.So how does one actually train on autopilot?This short video will tell you how. The time has

George Ritacconoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25291884.post-33442476410761418792007-01-21T12:23:00.000-05:002007-05-20T21:04:41.895-04:00

Remote - Instructor Led Training is Here!Hello all - I wanted to share with you how you can stop flying your employees in from all over the country to attend your training classes. Unless it's absolutely necessary... deliver your training via the web and let your trainees and employees train during their own time, not your time - when they need to be most productive... on the job!Remember, taking

George Ritacconoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25291884.post-44848078664686216152007-01-08T10:54:00.000-05:002007-01-08T11:11:51.998-05:00

I think most people agree that when employees are trained properly... wonderful things happen to an organization. More often than not however – a successful training program typically costs an organization thousands of dollars.Many companies have a regular training program that involves air travel for those employees that live out of state.Flying everyone into town for a week long training

George Ritacconoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25291884.post-1158848764074625242006-09-21T10:14:00.000-04:002006-09-21T10:26:04.140-04:00

Never Give Up, Never Let Go...By, George RitaccoCRM. When you really take a good look at the concept, customer relationship management (CRM) means different things to different people and different organizations.On a broad level, CRM focus relies heavily on executing a solid sales strategy through sales opportunity management, customer insight and behavior and marketing performance. Some

George Ritacconoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25291884.post-1155583688447381242006-08-14T15:25:00.000-04:002006-08-14T15:28:08.460-04:00

Hello all - let's discuss the critical elements to any successful software implementations.Failed Internet-based, software integrations and implementations aren’t new; incompatibilities between people, change resistance, new processes and technologies have always been a concern. But as the research reveals – even after a decade of industry advice about helping employees to help themselves,

George Ritacconoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25291884.post-1153229681688343662006-07-18T09:31:00.000-04:002006-07-18T10:14:32.413-04:00

It really is hilarious that so many people believe in "dumping" so many options into a training system that it "becomes clunky", "burdensome", "not used", "not cost effective", "doesn't maximize resources".Your training system or elearning management solution doesn't have to fly like Superman to be effective. Nor does it have to soar through the galaxy like the Millenium Falcon to have an impact

George Ritacconoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25291884.post-1150732903964966852006-06-19T11:49:00.000-04:002006-06-19T12:01:44.010-04:00

Who’s in charge of your time and life, anyway?Far too many trainers have totally given up control to others. Have you? How much of your time is spent “working” on someone else’s agenda (not your own)? Working too much “IN” your training program... instantly responding to emails, picking up the phone whenever it rings... scheduling, scoring, tracking, grunting and grinding over working “ON” your

George Ritacconoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25291884.post-1148066701258815462006-05-19T15:22:00.000-04:002006-05-31T11:42:44.383-04:00

How to “Create Raving Fans” inside and outside of the classroom.Mastering the art of musical showmanship is the vital component to a powerful rock and roll show.Learning the essentials of good public speaking is just as important whether you’re creating elearning courses or standing in front of a live group of trainees.Throughout my career, I’ve listened to literally hundreds of speakers on many

George Ritacconoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25291884.post-1147889303916489862006-05-17T14:06:00.000-04:002006-05-17T14:08:23.926-04:00

In our previous articles, we defined the Principles of Influence and how they can be used to help engage your trainees, motivate your employees and salespeople and most importantly, compel your customers to act.Switching gears for a moment...Did you know you can “influence” on autopilot?When you have the right systems in place, every element of your business and organization runs much more

George Ritacconoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25291884.post-1147781163824622912006-05-16T07:55:00.000-04:002006-05-17T14:11:41.216-04:00

TRAINING PRINCIPLE #3Training PERCEPTION. Part 3 of 3 of How to Put Your Training on Cruise-Control.Attaining top management support is like being issued an E-ZPass for tolls; you now have the green light to proceed and be welcomed, but not necessarily accepted. Acceptance is earned by the work you perform and the value you add to the organization. But, like anything else in life – perception is

George Ritacconoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25291884.post-1145904989093732272006-04-24T14:50:00.000-04:002006-04-24T17:15:42.246-04:00

Back on April 3rd, I wrote an article that brought to light a concept that I've believed in for about 12 years now.It's a concept that has been proven over and over again by training professionals the world over.I didn't invent it, but I happened upon it and have used it successfully - whenever I could.In this post, I'm going to continue with the message from April 3 and discuss the second

George Ritacconoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25291884.post-1145654702855457972006-04-21T17:20:00.000-04:002006-04-21T17:25:02.856-04:00

Press Release Notification:Perhaps an article of interest. For those of you who are looking for ways to maximize the impact of their training efforts and available resources - you may want to consider an effective, online trainng alternative.. OmniTrackPlus (www.omnitrackplus.com).Go here to read up on some new additions, released today.http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/4/prweb374355.htmRegards

George Ritacconoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25291884.post-1145654002597772682006-04-21T17:10:00.000-04:002006-05-17T14:09:34.576-04:00

In the previous article on the subject of Influence – we discussed the first three principles of influence – reciprocity, scarcity and authority.Let’s jump right into the next three.The Principle of Commitment (and consistency).Once people haven taken a stand on an issue, once they have publicly taken a position, they’re much more likely to be consistent with it.People are more likely to follow

George Ritacconoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25291884.post-1144939275738415922006-04-13T10:36:00.000-04:002006-05-17T14:10:35.276-04:00

In the previous article on the subject of Influence – we discussed the three types of influence practitioners: bunglers, smugglers and sleuths and how each uses the principles of influence to change someone’s behavior.Let’s begin to look at the first 3 of the 6 universal principles of Influence.The Principle of Reciprocity.People feel obligated to say yes to those they owe. Clear examples come

George Ritacconoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25291884.post-1144173775875759402006-04-04T13:59:00.000-04:002006-05-17T14:11:10.693-04:00

Influential Persuasion or Persuasive Influence. PART 1 of 4Is there a difference between Influence and Persuasion? Yes there is.Influence is the process of changing someone’s behavior.To persuade is to alter someone’s attitude or beliefs.Are the two similar in nature? Sure. But they are not the same and often times many people confuse the two.While persuasion can be a tool to create influence, as

George Ritacconoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25291884.post-1144068728396409132006-04-03T08:38:00.000-04:002006-05-17T14:12:03.876-04:00

Has anyone ever coined this phrase before?That's my first question (of many), that I will be asking as I begin my journey into all that is new and exciting about the entity known as "blogging".Some say blogs serve the self-indulged. Other's say they're a vehicle for "soul-cleansing" and "ranting". I've been told that they are a great vehicle for information sharing. I have one purpose... to help

George Ritacconoreply@blogger.com2