What Is Virtual Training?

Virtual training or online corporate training refers to training programs conducted on a virtual platform. Here, not just the trainer, but the participants are in separate locations too. And interact with each other virtually. It is a simulation of traditional classroom training and currently its best substitute too!

We all know that traditional classroom trainings are the most effective. They are more effective than e-learning due to the ‘human touch’ that they offer.  It is easier to learn directly from a live trainer who you can interact with, ask questions and share experiences. These are unfortunately not possible when it comes to learning from a computer programme! But then what do we do when we are unable to attend classroom trainings? How do we keep the development going?

That’s where virtual training programs comes in. It provides an experience similar to that of classroom training. Only, virtually. And the only major difference is that you are physically not in the same room as your trainer and fellow participants. But can still converse with them, virtually.

Do you know the benefits of virtual training or online corporate training? Let me tell you!

1.       Convenience

Virtual trainings are super convenient. Neither the trainer nor the participants have to be physically together for it. Therefore, each person can log in for the training from their respective remote locations. Which saves everyone the trouble of travelling to the venue and time too.

2.       Minimum Arrangements

Classroom trainings need various arrangements - venue, food, stationary, projector, etc. Virtual training, on the other hand; just requires a quite space in your house, a laptop, an internet connection and a notepad and pen. Most of which I’m sure many of us already have!  

3.       Assimilation Ease

Unlike classroom trainings, virtual training programs are of a short duration and are spread over a longer span.  This makes them easier to process and reflect on. And the larger number of trainer touchpoints helps in clearing more doubts thereby easing implementation and improving overall retention.

4.       Schedule Flexibility

Because virtual modules are of shorter durations, participants can schedule their working hours accordingly. They can spend some part of their day on development and catch up on productivity during the remaining hours.

5.       Catering to Different Learner Types

A virtual training provides better opportunities for quieter participants to interact. How? Due to its chat feature where they can directly message the trainer or a particular participant. This way they can ask queries or share experiences without having to open up in front of the entire   class. A great way to capture their voice and encourage them to slowly open up before others.

So, this is what virtual training is all about. And why so many organisations have started conducting virtual training sessions in their organisations. So, what are you waiting for?

How To Make Sales Training Process More Effective

Sales training programs are conducted in pretty much every organisation.  After all, sales is a prime function. And if you are unable to sell your product or service, there’s not much any other function will ever get to do!

This makes getting your sales skills training programs right extremely important. And that’s what I’m going to give you some valuable tips on today.

·      Practice, practice, practice – Your sales training program should give your sales executive plenty of opportunities to practice. This could be anything from mock cold calls to greeting etiquette demonstrations to how to close the sale. For its only when they get their hands dirty will they realise what they are good at and where they need to put in more effort.

·      Teach them something new – Although this is a standard for all training sessions, its especially important for a sales skills training program. Why? Because of the personality type that most sales executives belong to. They love learning new things and implementing them on the field. So, give them something fresh to play with. A new sales skill, concept or information. And see how kicked they are about giving it a try! 

·   Tell them stories – We all love hearing success stories. It raises our spirit and gives us the horsepower to go that extra mile. They are therefore a great way to make your sales training programs more effective. Especially when sales are the function where sales executive have to face the maximum amount of rejection! Which also brings me to my next point…

·    Teach them how to manage their emotions – Now this is one of those things that every sales training program requires but most tend to miss out! Teach your team how to be confident, strong and resilient. And I’m not just talking about the confidence you get by looking or speaking better. You have to develop true inner confidence that comes by working on your thoughts and emotions.

·     Follow up – Last but not the least, build in a solid follow up to the sales skills training. Conduct mystery audits and see how each individual is faring. Provide them on the job coaching where needed. Be there to answer their queries. Help them constantly upgrade the sales process they are following. Ask them to make a list of the typical objections they face and how they will tackle them. In short, be sure to invest time and effort with a good corporate training company to bring your sales team up the curve. Trust me, it’s worth it!