It’s been a busy year. We are almost at the end of 2018. It is the perfect time to think about how you are going to meet your deliverables in the next 12 months. It’s not about content. It is those admin tasks that we all have to complete but often do not have the time to plan what steps to take next.
I often come across great ideas throughout the year, as well as new trends that I may want to review later. Unfortunately, it is easy to forget to document them. It is a good idea to evaluate what could make your upcoming events more effective and dynamic at a later time. I want to share my 5 personal top tips. Let us explore how you can be more prepared for the future training programmes that you manage.
In this post, please consider the different ways that you can look at your own systems and processes. This will help you to give yourself more of a competitive edge to step up your preparations next year.
Event Management Trends for 2019
There are many new ideas and emerging trends for delivering training programmes. These can offer a fresh new strategic design for your next programme. Avoid old school approaches towards how you design and put in place new strategies. Instead, take the opportunity to research new trends. Research how technology can support creating valuable learning opportunities at your next event. If you need help with this, I have some great ideas, so do reach out to me for inspiration.
You do not want to get stuck using the same outdated tools and software that you have always utilised. So, try something new in 2019. Excellent time to review your options. Explore how you can incorporate fresh ideas into your next programme design.
Shared Drives Clean Up
Do your shared drives need a clean-up? After 2018, it’s likely you have a lot of duplicated and redundant documents on your drive. Locating documents buried in folders, with umpteen versions existing is not easy.
Set aside some time to archive any superfluous versions and formats. Consider keeping final versions in the relevant folders, to locate them when you do need them.
Better still, if a document is no longer needed, why not delete it. Follow your own document retention policy. Encourage all individuals in your team to take part in the ongoing clean-up activity.
Updating Administration Processes
Don’t forget to review your administrative processes. Think about what worked well during the year. Would you like to continue doing these? What did not work well and can you think about other ways of working?
Think about best practices that you can replicate in future training programmes. Use this as a starting point to improve your current processes. As a Virtual Assistant, I work on a variety of programmes throughout the year. This brings a wealth of exposure, and I try to capture and re-evaluate these. Starting the new year, I can work towards new goals.
I try to be a productive Programme Manager. My moto is to remove processes that utilise a lot of time and incorporate those that save time.
Updating Programme Materials
When did you last review your programme materials? Do they need further enhancement? This is also a good time to go through the stationery cupboard and do a real clean out. I am aware how the situation can be after delivering many programmes. There are plenty of programme materials. If the materials relate to a specific Cohort, keep a couple for samples. Get rid of the rest especially if space is a premium.
Reviewing and Setting Up the Training Calendar
What training programmes and workshops are being postponed or cancelled until 2019? What were the reasons? This is an ideal time to touch base with your stakeholders. Plan a date to follow up on potential programmes in the upcoming year. Set up meetings and start conversations to reconnect with those clients. Give yourself more opportunity to get new or more nominations in 2019.
Setting up a training calendar can be a time consuming task. Give this important planning phase quality time. Put in place any last minute preparations for successful programme delivery in 2019.
If you are struggling to find a programme manager for 2019, please get in touch. I would be happy to discuss how we can support you with your planning for the next 12 months. Find out more about training programme support in my blog post giving you more top tips to manage your training events.
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