When faced with a tight budget, there are a number of inexpensive ways to boost training effectiveness:
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Take advantage of local colleges to the fullest. Many now offer instructional design services, multimedia production and online learning at reasonable rates.
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Hire independent local consultants, coaches and trainers, instead of expensive, big-name consulting firms.
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Learn more about instructional design so you can create, streamline or customize programs that consistently meet your needs and minimize costs.
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Develop lessons-learned information and put it online for easy access. Do the same for standard operating procedures and other "how-to" content. This can aid in the successful transfer of existing training and, in some cases, replace it.
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Base training on your strategic plan. Set training priorities in accordance with it, and focus on those people whose performance is most crucial to your company's success.
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Offer an expanded internal support system with greater mentoring, coaching and e-learning to enhance and accelerate in-house learning opportunities.
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Search, find and apply for state grants even if you work for a profit organization.
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Stimulate innovation. Set outrageous...