Things to Consider When Selecting an Onsite Microsoft Vendor

When selecting an onsite Microsoft vendor, make some wise choices regarding the scheduling of the training event. You want to get the biggest bang out of your dollar. Make sure small mistakes don't take away from the training experience you have paid for.

Date of Trainingr
Do NOT schedule classes for 8am on Monday morning. Something always happens that causes people be late or not show up. I call it the Monday effect. On the flip side, there is also the Friday effect. Don't have classes end at 5p on Fridays. This may cause resentment to the training provider because the employees are ready for the weekend.

Location of Trainingr
Make sure you have reserved the training room. So often, we start the class and another department shows up and makes a claim for the room. This causes a distraction until the issue is resolve

Access to the training roomr
Make sure the trainer has access to the building and the training room. They typically need to setup prior to the class, so make sure arrangement have been made. This may involve telling security and other access employees this information prior to the training. Delays with this may delay the start of training.

Software Installedr
Make sure the employee are using the software that is being trained. Sounds silly but ¾ of the classes I have trained, have delays because the software was never installed. This was discovered until the training had begun and the employees spoke up.

Photos and Filming of Eventr
Make sure your employees realize this provider is not an employee so don't take liberties such as photos for films of the class. With social media prevelent, some students think it fun to upload videos or photos to Facebook, Twitter, or MySpace. Depending on the vendor you select, you may be charged more for recording the training event.

These are just a few tips to keep in mind when bring an onsite Microsoft trainer to your company. These tips will allow a comfortable training environment for everyone involved as your employees enjoy the training experience!