How to Choose the Right Workshop for Your Business
Investing in your professional development is one of the best things you can do for your career—and your business. Learning new skills helps you be more productive, efficient, and successful. Whether you’re attending an in-person seminar or an online workshop, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make sure you’re getting the most out of your investment.
Know Your Goals
Before you even start looking for a workshop, it’s important to have a clear idea of what you hope to accomplish. Are you looking to learn new skills, gain more knowledge about a certain topic, or network with other professionals? Once you know what your goals are, you can start narrowing down your options.
Consider the Format
Not all workshops are created equal. Some are held in person, while others are offered online. There are also variations in length, from half-day events to multi-day conferences. There are pros and cons to each format, so it’s important to choose one that will work best for you and your business.
Do Your Research
Once you know what kind of workshop you’re looking for, it’s time to start doing some research. Read reviews from past attendees, look at the speaker’s credentials, and see if the topics covered will be relevant to your business goals. It’s also a good idea to see if there are any discounts or promotional offers available before you make your final decision.
Make a Plan
Once you’ve registered for a workshop, it’s important to have a plan for how you’re going to get the most out of it. If networking is one of your goals, make sure to bring plenty of business cards and practice your elevator pitch. If you’re attending an online event, create a dedicated workspace that’s free from distractions so that you can focus on the content being presented.
Follow Up
Finally, don’t forget to follow up with the people you meet and the information you learn after the workshop is over. Attendees should exchange contact information so that they can stay in touch and continue learning from each other long after the event has ended. If possible, take notes during the workshop so that you can reference them later on when implementing what you’ve learned into your business strategy.
Online Business Programs and Workshops You Should Consider
We all know that learning never stops, especially when you’re a business owner. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in the game for a while, there’s always something new to learn. And with the internet, access to information is practically unlimited. That’s why we’ve put together a list of online business programs and workshops that we think would be valuable for future CEOs, entrepreneurs, and business owners like you.
One of the goals of CreativeLive is to help people “achieve their dreams through creative education.” Featured courses include types on Photography & Video, Art & Design, Money & Life, among others.
BizLift Academy is a comprehensive online training program that covers everything from starting your business and writing a business plan, to marketing and sales strategies. The program is self-paced and includes lifetime access to all course materials, so you can work through it at your own pace.
The Lean LaunchPad is an online workshop offered by UC Berkeley that teaches entrepreneurs how to start and grow their businesses using the lean startup method. This methodology is all about continuous iteration and learning, and has been used by some of the world’s most successful startups, including Airbnb and Slack.
The Founder Institute is a global startup accelerator that helps entrepreneurs launch their businesses through an intensive four-month program. The program is designed for early-stage startups, and provides access to mentorship, workshops, and other resources.
500 Startups is a global venture capital firm that invests in early-stage startups. In addition to providing funding, 500 Startups also offers educational resources like an online startup school and workshops on topics like growth hacking and user acquisition.
yCombinator is another venture capital firm that provides seed funding for startups. They also run an annual startup accelerator program out of their Silicon Valley headquarters. Startups that are accepted into the program receive access to office space, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Beyond the accelerator program, yCombinator also offers online courses on topics like startup financing and product design.
This 8-week program offers courses on web development, product management, digital marketing, and sales. Located in Boston, New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, and Berlin, Startup Institute provides participants with the opportunity to network and connect with like-minded individuals.
Now owned by LinkedIn, Lynda.com is a leading online learning platform that helps people achieve their personal and professional goals. With over 6,000 courses available on topics such as 3D + Animation, Business, Design, Developer Training, among many others; Lynda.com offers something for everyone.
This comprehensive online program offers participants the chance to learn everything they need to know about starting and running a successful business. modules on topics such as business planning, finance, and sales. The program also includes access to a mentor community and a robust directory of resources.
Foundr is an online course that teaches entrepreneurs how to start and grow their businesses. The course covers topics such as validation, customer acquisition, product/market fit, and more. Participants will also have access to a private Facebook group and 1:1 coaching sessions.
Stanford Ignite is an intensive program that helps participants develop their business ideas into concrete plans. The program offers courses on topics such as marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship, and also provides participants with access to a worldwide network of mentors and resources.
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Workshops & Programs provide an excellent opportunity for professional development and growth—but only if they’re done right. Keep these tips in mind next time you’re on the hunt for an event that will take your business to the next level!