The use of the app

It's seemingly a cliche now, just create an app for it. In fact I can't believe that companies are even creating apps for thier own employees now. That's a definite limit on the number of downloads.

So the caution is, if you're going to do an so better make sure it's not a half hearted effort, we all know a bad app when we download it. Hang, those of us with Android could tell a bad app before we downloaded it! Ever downloaded something that acts like a browser when it isn't a browser? That has no added value. So, why should an organisation create thier own app for thier employees? 

There is one very strong reason, that is employee engagement. If it's done right the app will engage your employees directly and they will feel like the company is involved with them and cares about them. There is nothing better to reduce turnover than engaged employees.

I feel urged to provide some examples of good apps. I think something brilliant to do would be a health component. One good use a stepometer to help employees exercise. Then measure their heartbeats to show them the positive effect. How about also getting people to connect in the organisation, the app might assign you to a mentor and give you a mentee. This way you encourage a culture of collaboration and mentorship while also bringing people together who don't usually get together.

As said earlier, a half hearted effort will not get the job done. How do you get an app? Firstly plan it, what is going to engage your employees and fits with your company culture? Is it a game? Is it a welness initiative? 

Secondly make sure you have a decent budget, the smaller the budget the less time and effort your programmer will put into the job.

Thirdly, be prepared for it to evolve, this project may grow legs of its own as people start to get on board and get excited about it. One thing you must do is keep the app simple, no-one is going to do extra work for their company if it feels like work.

By Mark Robson

Useful Training Materials - Infographics

It's always important to make your training material as interesting as possible.  Infographics are a great way to do this.  What are infographics I hear you ask.

a visual image such as a chart or diagram used to represent information or data.

"a good infographic is worth a thousand words"

Take a look the one from ResourcefulManager.com on the right here.  It can be a great introduction to training to get people's attention and get them trying harder to listen or more topical, for example training on Customer Service.

Best of luck finding a great infographic to add to you course material!  There's plenty more at resourcemanager.com

Another nice daily infographic resource is www.dailyinfographic.com

Enjoy adding some interesting content to your training material. Of course you can create your own, but I'm going to have to check for myself which of them works well..

Welcome to Training Mark

I have certainly felt that training in South Africa to be a lonely affair.  The idea of this blog is to provide like minded trainers a platform to express themselves and to find assistance in areas they need help in.  Those usual questions wondering weather you are doing the right thing or the best thing.  Now you don't have to make it up as you go along anymore.

Training Mark is also affiliated with the website TrainingMark.co.za where you can, at this stage, find a rather long list of Training Companies to help you find a Trainer.  This is obviously being refined, but hopefully soon you will be able to find this tool as a great resource for finding courses and trainers.