Comments (0)

By admin, January 10, 2010 7:33 pm

In the modern world, support workers who can solve problems with PC’s and networks, and offer regular solutions to users, are indispensable in every sector of the business environment. As we are getting progressively beholden to advanced technology, we also inevitably become more dependent on the commercially qualified network engineers, who maintain those systems. If you may be starting with a training company which is still using workshops as a benefit of their course, then listen to these issues encountered by almost all students: * Constant visits to the centre – very long trips in more cases than not. * Asking for time off work – typical schools will only provide Monday to Friday workshop availability – typically grouping 2 or 3 days together. To be honest, this doesn’t suit working people, and this is made worse if travelling time is added into the mix. * The majority of us find four weeks vacation allowance is barely enough. Take away at least half of this for study events and see how much more difficult it makes things. * Because of the cost involved, most training providers make the classes quite large – not ideal (and far less personal). * Tension can be created in many classes where students want to progress at their own pace. * Soaring travel costs – travelling to the training college together with over-night bed and breakfast can really add up with each visit. Assuming just five to ten workshops at a cost of 35 pounds for one night’s accommodation, plus 40 pounds for petrol and food at 15.00, that equates to 450-900 pounds of extra costs to cover. * Training privacy can be high on the list of priorities to most students. Why give up potential advancement, wage increases or achievement in your job because of your studies. When your boss discovers you’ve committed to training in another area entirely, what will they think? * We all find it difficult to ask questions while sitting with our fellow attendees – to avoid appearing stupid. * Living away for part of your working week – a minority of trainees find they have to work or live away for certain parts of their training. Workshops are hard to get to, but you’ve already paid for them as part of your fees. The most impressive solution rests with watching a pre-made workshop – providing direct instruction whenever it’s convenient for you. Think… If you have a laptop you’re able to study absolutely anywhere you want (within reason!) And 24 hr-a-day support is just a web-browser away if you hit challenges. Repeat any of the classes as often as you want – repetition aids memory. And note-taking is gone forever – everything is already ready to go. Basically: You save on money, time, hassle and altogether avoid polluting the skies. A lot of trainees assume that the school and FE college system is the right way even now. Why then are commercially accredited qualifications becoming more in demand? With the costs of academic degree’s becoming a tall order for many, alongside the IT sector’s general opinion that corporate based study most often has much more commercial relevance, we have seen a big surge in Microsoft, CompTIA, CISCO and Adobe certified training routes that provide key skills to an employee at a much reduced cost in terms of money and time. This is done through focusing on the actual skills required (alongside an appropriate level of background knowledge,) rather than spending months and years on the background non-specific minutiae that degree courses can get bogged down in – to pad out the syllabus. In simple terms: Recognised IT certifications give employers exactly what they’re looking for – the title says it all: as an example – I am a ‘Microsoft Certified Professional’ in ‘Windows XP Administration and Configuration’. Consequently an employer can look at their needs and which qualifications are needed for the job.

Comments (0)

By admin, December 31, 2009 7:32 pm

Have you been contemplating raising your personal training fees? Are you nervous to bring up the subject of increasing your fees for fear that your clients will get angry or even worse, quit? Not sure how to go about it? While it’s never easy to broach the subject of money it may be necessary especially if you initially priced your fees below market value or are incurring additional costs to your business. Here are a few ideas to ease the process when it comes time to raise your fees.
1. Be reasonable about how much you intend to increase your fees. Raising your fees by $5 or $10 all at once will be too much of a jump for most people. If you need to raise your fees by that much then you probably set them too low to begin with. Instead start with a $1 to $2 increase. Overall it won’t seem that much for the client to bear and you will have fewer objections to your fee increase.
2. Explain the increase. While some clients will not care about the reason you are increasing your fees, others may want to know why. There could be any number of reasons why you need to raise your fees. Rising costs to your business, setting your fees too low or you haven’t raised your fees in a number of years. The best policy is to be honest with your client when they ask why. State your reasons confidently and make no apologies. Every business has to increase fees at some time or another. It’s a good idea to include the phrase, “prices subject to change” on your fee schedule. Point this out when signing a new client and let them know the last time you raised your fees. As a customer I would want to know if I was going to get a surprise in a month regarding increased fees.
3. Inform your clients ahead of time. Give your clients plenty of notice when you intend to raise your fees. Provide one to two months advance warning so clients have time to make any necessary adjustments to their budget. Talk to your client in-person or on the phone, not by e-mail or letter. This is more personal and allows your client an opportunity to communicate any issues right away. It also demonstrates your commitment to listening to their concerns and working them out. Follow-up your conversation with a reminder letter or e-mail.
4. Offer additional value. If possible, offer additional value when you consider raising your fees. For example you may decide that after ten sessions your client will receive a complimentary fifteen minute stretch or a travel program. You don’t have to offer additional value simply because you raise your fees but it can be a nice touch.
5. Create a red carpet club. Create a VIP program for your loyal clients and don’t increase their fees. By not raising their fees you reward their loyalty and continue to build good will with your client. Instead increase your fees for new clients only.
It’s possible that you may lose a client or two when you raise your fees. Obviously, that’s not advantageous but it can happen. Money is increasingly tight for people and every dollar counts. However, it’s been my experience that for every client you lose another one will take their place.
If you are really concerned that you may lose too many clients by increasing your fees, then consider cutting your expenses or looking at other ways to generate revenue. Talk to your clients and feel them out. Let them know your situation. If you have taken the time to develop a trusting relationship with your clients they will understand your situation and be more willing to help.

Comments (0)

By admin, December 22, 2009 7:57 pm

If there is one equipment you should not miss in your training, it is the stability ball. The market comes up with new training tools every now and then. Yet you are not sure if they do work and if they are safe. So for one that is guaranteed to work, use the stability ball.
What Is a Stability Ball?
This is a large and inflatable ball used as an exercise equipment. Despite being air-filled, it is generally heavy-duty and capable to hold 600 to 700 pounds of weight. It is comfortable and gives good support. It perfectly suits the trainee as it easily goes with the structure of the body.
This exercise tool is also sometimes called as the physioball or the Swiss Ball.
The good thing about using the stability ball is it reduces the perception of working in training, especially for beginners. It gives some element of play as you get rough with the training. It adds some fun and excitement as you advance in the movements and techniques.
Another good point with the ball is that it can be used by anybody. No fitness level is required. It is very portable and light weight, easy to bring along even when traveling. It is also inexpensive compared to other exercise equipment and it could last for a very long time.
How Stability Balls Came About?
The use of the stability balls for training can be traced in rehabilitation. As early as the 1900’s, physical therapists have been using balls in addressing the neurological disorders of their patients.
Then, in the early 1960’s, Aquilino Cosani, an Italian toy maker, made the ball and sold it, known then as the Gymnastik. Two decades after, Cosani came up with a company called Gymnic and became the major supplier of the stability ball to most rehabilitation programs and centers.
The ball then shifted from the rehabilitation to the athletic area, in the 90’s. It was used to condition the body of professional athletes. From then on, the ball became very prominent in the fitness community.
At present medical specialists and fitness professionals very much recommend the use of the stability ball by the public. It serves more than solving physical problems. It is good in preventing you from having one.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Stability Ball?
The stability ball definitely is best to improve the strength of the abs and the lower-backs. It improves as well the functional strength, balance and flexibility of the body.
1. Proper Alignment
Using the ball during training will test the body to make use of the different parts to maintain the proper balance. The dynamic movements during exercise will improve the natural motor reflexes of the body as different muscles are utilized in movement, especially the ones that are not usually used. The challenge posed by the ball is to maintain balance. As one aims to get the proper balance, the alignment of the body parts is also improved.
2. Great Abs
For people working out to achieve great abs, this ball can definitely target the abdominal areas. The abs and the back muscles are simultaneously moved as you work in your balance. Just imagine the good feeling of having a flat stomach area and you will definitely love this ball.
3. Muscle Strength and Endurance
The stability ball can help in alleviating any back pain and preventing one in the future. As all the major muscle groups are exercised, the muscle tone, strength and endurance are also improved. Thus it gives the body flexibility, stability and resistance.
4. Core Stability
This concerns the major muscles that helps stabilize and support all of the body movements. This is made up of back and the deep abdominal muscles. With the ball, no matter how deep or into the core these muscles are, they are still exercised. This is something only the stability ball can guarantee.
5. Stretching
The ball is a good companion during stretching exercises. With this, you can easily move into and move out of different stretching positions.
6. Losing Weight
Of course, with all the good benefits of using the ball, you will not miss out on the aspect of losing weight. With regular exercises and trainings done with the stability ball, a person can lose some unwanted pounds as the body is firmed.
Health is definitely your most important asset. So do your regular exercises and maintain a healthy diet. Furthermore, have a happy and fun training with the stability ball.