Training Blog...

Return on investment…..when you buy something, like it, get a lot of use out of it, and if it doesn’t have a lot of repairs, it was a good deal right?  Well, it isn’t always that easy.

Because I work in the training industry, I am often asked the question, “How do I measure the ROI?”  I am directly involved in our customers’ implementation plans and the one item that is stressed during this process is setting up measurement criteria in three major areas that they want to see improvements.

Now, depending on what this product is, these areas will vary.  Think of it as setting goals for the product.  What are the expectations and where will this product make a difference?  What obstacle will this product hurdle?  Once these are identified, I suggest reviewing these at least every 90 days.  Whether you are measuring for business or personal ROI, reviewing these criteria will do two things:

1. Identify successes and challenges in the past 90 days
2. Clarify what needs to continue, improve, or change during the next 90 days

There are many online tools that are at your finger tips to help with this process.  You can find blogs, forums, product reviews, videos etc that other consumers have posted.  Information directly from the manufacturer can also be found online.  I don’t know a magical mathematical equation that will work every time, but I know that most of us have purchased something in our life and felt that we didn’t get what we paid for.  Reflection on that experience may help with awareness for the next time.  I would love to hear ideas or processes that you have in place to measure ROI.

On my way to work last week, I noticed a new billboard sign along the side of the highway. In simple black letters against a white background, it read…

Recession 101- Your self worth will always be more important then your net worth.

I spent the rest of my commute mulling over these words. How do we learn to measure ourselves? Have you “made it” in life when you have the six figure income, and nice house in the good part of town? Or is there a something more?

In the business world, it can be very easy to put a higher value on concrete measurements such as income, benefits and the title of your job. These are all good important things; however, I think that the less tangible items are what truly compliment our success. I cannot put a price on working with people who I respect and challenge me to grow, nor can I find the worth of giving 100% on a project.

What I love about working in the training industry is the excitement that comes with learning something new. Learning leads to change, change leads to growth, and growth can never be a negative ROI.

My small and humble thought for myself (and you reading) is…how am I judging my worth today? Is it with numbers or my investment to others? What is my worth and how can I make it grow?

I’d love to hear your thoughts! What do you think of the billboard quote? What are ways the we can measure our self worth and invest in it?