Training is Not Just for the Big Guys

In today’s economic climate, it is more important than ever for businesses to have a skilled workforce to help with the strategic growth of the enterprise. For Small to Mid-Sized Businesses (SMBs), developing and retaining a skilled workforce is vital to their success. Unfortunately, many SMBs are so focused on staying afloat that they don’t realize that training their employees can go a long way in strengthening their overall business.

In a recent article on SmallBusinessTrends.com titled 11 Tips for Building and Managing a Team, a question was posed to the Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC), an invitation-only nonprofit organization comprised of the country’s most promising young entrepreneurs:

“What one employee management tip would you give entrepreneurs who are building their team?”

The number one response:  “Train Them.”

The value of learning and development is clear. A highly skilled workforce, and the continued development of those employees, can be a strategic differentiator. Employees with well-developed professional skills are more innovative and productive--this investment in training results in a better future for the business and the employee. Large enterprises have recognized this value for years. It’s time for learning managers at SMBs to find learning solutions that deliver the training their employees need in a way that works them.

SkillSoft offers a variety of solutions that can help SMBs train their employees like large enterprises do - by utilizing technology to deliver learning. Regardless of size, businesses need both comprehensive and targeted learning assets that are highly engaging and accessible for today’s time-pressed leaders.

With SkillSoft Leadership Advantage 2.0 , SMBs can benefit from the combination of formal and informal learning modes. Interactive practice sessions, self-assessments, self-serve resource centers, and online communities allow learners to build skills as needed.  The latest version of the company’s targeted leadership development solution leverages multiple modes of instruction, including text, videos and interactive activities to help leaders build the skills they need to drive business performance.

Another great option for SMBs is SkillSoft’s Leadership Development Channel, designed to help subscribing organizations train their managers and leaders to more effectively manage people and drive results. The Leadership Development Channel is a Web-based learning solution that combines live interactive events and on-demand video programs featuring some of the world's most recognized leaders and management gurus. Each video offers current, insightful and actionable information to drive positive change, growth and innovation in today's businesses.

SMBs can look to large organizations and follow their example. Using technology to deliver learning and training, while leveraging multiple modes of instruction, can help SMBs drive growth and sustain a competitive advantage.

For more information on SkillSoft’s SMB solutions, please visit: http://skillsoft.com/solutions/small-to-medium_business.asp