Small Business Today Magazine SEP 2014 ELP ENTERPRISES | Page 36

EDITORIALFEATURE

Top 10 Ways to Maximize Your Experience

at Small Business Training Events
Part 2 of a 2 Part Series

By Helen Callier, President of Bradlink, LLC

I

n Part 1 of this 2 Part Series, the importance of small businesses being
clear on their reason for attending
training events and getting what they
paid for were discussed.  Also, information
was shared that the days are gone when
a small business leader can throw dollars
out the window and not gain maximum
return on their training investment.

Each year there are hundreds of opportunities for small business leaders to fork
over their hard earned dollars to use for
training.  To make sure your workshop investments are wisely selected and money
well spent, below is a recap of Part 1 – The
first 5 of 10 ways to maximize your experience at small business training events:

1.  Be open to new ideas and perspectives
2.  Punt the words “can’t, won’t and no”
in the rear
3. Be fully engaged
4. Listen
5. Help other scholars 

Here now are the remaining five ways
to get what you paid for when attending
small business training events:

6.  Think BIG! And have a Vision
When asked during her seasoned years
what was worse than being blind, deaf, and
mute, Helen Keller responded to a young
reporter by saying, “Having no vision.” 
Helen Keller touched the lives of many
across the world.  She visited with kings,
queens, and presidents.  In addition, she
created an environment where millions of
persons with disabilities could live fulfilling
lives.  While you are in a training event,
think BIG and write a vision that when
achieved, your small business will have cre-

When someone is helping
you grow your small
business and achieve your
life’s dream, then saying
thank you to your
Instructor or the person
assisting you shows not
only respect but it also
shows your heart of
gratitude.  “Gratitude
makes the difference in all
that you do in life.” 
- Dr. John D. Demartini
ated a multitude of jobs and enabled your
community’s economy to prosper.

7. Keep a journal
While attending a training event that spans
several days or months, writing in a journal can be helpful in capturing your truest
thoughts about your small business and
you as the leader.  There is no need to be
concerned about the length of the entry.  The very aspect of getting your ideas,
sketches, etc. on paper is powerful enough. 
And, once you complete your training
event, your journal book becomes a valuable tool during your time of reflection
and whenever you’re experiencing any
hiccups as you continue on your path of
fulfilling your small business goals.
8. Have fun and laugh – a lot!
Laughter does the heart and body good. 
It releases any strains, pressures, and anxieties.  It is a natural medicine that opens
your mind and spirit to receive.  So, laugh
at yourself and enjoy a laugh with other
scholars.  Life is meant to be fun.

34 SMALL BUSINESS TODAY MAGAZINE [ SEPTEMBER 2014 ]

9. Work like a steam engine
Often times, most persons attending a
training event fail to complete the training
assignment.  They take the workbook to
their office and, if it makes it inside their
office, it then finds a new resting place on
the corner of the desk that is soon to be
covered with papers, tablet, and magazines. 
To truly maximize your experience during
a training event, work like a steam engine. 
Take in new information like water; heat it
up by completing the exercises that same
day and then quickly apply the new information or tools in your small business. 
This steam engine learning and application strategy [