Download - May 05, 2012 Faculty meeting - VMEdu, Inc. Page 2 VMEdu Inc: Faculty Meeting on May 05 Sandra Strech
Page 3 VMEdu Inc: Faculty Meeting on May 05
Teaching Experience
► Positive experiences► Students that come to class prepared fare better than those who
aren’t ► Many students choose to prepare before class
► Negative experiences► Students think we are supposed to help write their application to
PMI► Students think they don’t need to prepare but will be ready to test
on Friday
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Teaching Experience
► Size► Fairfax, Columbia classes are largest► Richmond, Virginia Beach smaller► Occasional class in Fredericksburg
► Student ‘likes’► location, referrals, previous student experience
► Student ‘dislikes’► Temperatures, food, commute► Need more visual presentations in workbook► Need more explanation in test books/online
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PMI Concerns
► Change in rescheduling policy - $ ► Change in R.E.P price - $► Lack of consistency in exam ► Responsiveness to students
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ITIL
► Have only taught 1 class so far, 2 next week► Text is better but still improving► What is the reference source? Can we get that for a
corporate library?► Pace is good, discount is great► Repetition, repetition, repetition…► More examples (not necessarily in workbook) more
practice questions for students► Looking forward to 2 PMP/2 ITIL per month
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Marketing
► Just finished the 3rd session of LMI corporate class, 22 students
► Not as active/successful in sales this year► Current corporate activity
► Grant Thornton, ITIL► Get Smarter IT, ITIL
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New Initiatives
► Excited about the growth and growth opportunities► Will be working on SSGB classroom course► Perhaps a blog or other way for faculty to discuss issues
and team building► Maximize value of discounts – reward students with small
things like coupons, swag, etc► Apps, apps, apps!
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App Suggestions
► PMP flashcard database► Flashcards with/without slideshow mode ► Matching PMP flashcards games► Memorize PMP flashcards games► PMP flashcards quizzes► 300 of the most popular terms/definitions► Acronyms ► Access/study flashcards on PMstudy site► Leitner system► Free/paid
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Experience with PMstudy
► Be aware of audience (geographic location, corporate culture, military). Know names of participants.
► Get feedback from class mid-Monday morning on pace, adjust as needed.
► Be aware of date students are scheduled to take PMP exam.
► Arrive at venue early.► View and treat every venue employee as a potential ally.► Communicate expectation of success and study plan to
students.► Instill a “yes I can pass” attitude in class participants.
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Experience with PMstudy (con’t)
► Take control of class. Don’t allow any 1 student to dominate the class discussion. Embrace “push back” conceptually.
► Encourage questions and discussion. Don’t digress.► Verify dietary requirements. (vegans, vegetarians)► Have a break every 1-1.5 hours (longer and more frequent
breaks as the week progresses.► Answer every question.► Remind seasoned professionals that PMI will test knowledge of
PMI method.► Engage all participants in classroom discussion.► Take some of the mystery out of a standardized test experience
(Prometric).
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Corporate Accounts
► Leverage professional connections.► Be aware of organizations that have made acquiring PM skills a
priority.► Return marketing calls.► Identify and research the target organizations; plant the seed.► Make them aware of all VMedu training offerings; direct them to web-
site(s), Facebook page.► Informally communicate pass rate and student successes.► Discuss benefits of corporate classes (discounts, not open to public)► Establish a relationship with the main corporate contact; follow-up► Be prepared to have multiple stakeholders/points of contact (HR,
finance, supervisor).► Be transparent in communication effort.► Move to close (PO, email IDs, invoice, date of corporate class).
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Opportunities for Improvement
► Decrease “time to close” for corporate leads.► (Instructor improvement): I tend to consider a sale initially “closed”
when the invoice is paid. However class date must also be set/scheduled by corporate client and email IDs for corporate participants must be received in a timely manner.
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One year teaching experiences with PMstudy
7 classes up to date
Small group class (3 student mostly)
Preparation for every class brings confidence
Setting up Ground Rules and Manage expectations help manage the class
Most students are very receptive to learn
Same questions are asked
Teaching give me more understanding of the PMI process
Teaching experiences
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Other points:Back office team… It would be helpful to have support during US business hours.Last class breakfast and lunch were not arrangedLogistics…OverstockFuture markets….Middle EastITILstudy… Working on it
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Business Case
• Helps garner more interest about our products• Search engine - Key words now bring up our videos, i.e.
"How to remember the processes in the Monitoring and Control group" or "Ground Rules" or "Tips for the PMP Exam"
• Turns browsers into buyers• Video is more entertaining then reading a webpage• Provides a "behind the scenes" view of VMedu i.e.
classroom size; engaging and Informative, fun, rewarding, who will be teaching the class and their style
• Increases employees comfort level in choosing PMstudy as the see what the program is all about. Less uncertain build consumer confidence
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Some ideas on video content
• Instructors showcasing their unique style of teaching• Value of the PMP• Benefits of PMstudy / ITILstudy classroom training • Classroom pictures/program content with voice over• Interview style (show instructor talking to someone
off camera who asks them questions• Student testimonials (question appears and actual student
answers) i.e. "What did you enjoy about the class?"
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UPDATES
Training Experiences PMstudy / ITILstudy / RMstudy
American Express Corporate Account
Improvement opportunities PMstudy Question Updates
Corporate Initiatives
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ITILstudy CLASS
First Class: Phoenix, 4/11-12
Students: 4 (1 paid, 3 internal)
Format: Mixed Live Online + Classroom
What went well: ►Great learning experience!►Helped to have online producer (Dip) to handle technical issues and ITIL online expert (Ajay) to answer questions for online students►No major technical issues with WebEx Training, video & audio.
Improvement Opportunities:►Need version control for ITILstudy materials! It helps to have same version as students ►More class interaction - Maybe leverage more features for WebEx Training: Polling, Q&A, Webcams. Figure out audio so online students can hear classroom
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ITILstudy 100% LIVE ONLINE CLASS
Class: Phoenix, 4/23-24
Students: 3 (1 paid, 2 internal)
Format: 100% Live Online Class
What went well: ►Successfully delivered first instructor-led class with all remote students►Leveraged intro/section heading presentation slides, polls, Q&A section and online testing features in WebEx Training►Student feedback through features►No major technical issues with WebEx Training, video & audio.
Improvement Opportunities:►Could use more student interaction►Maybe have students on webcams for faculty
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RMstudy CLASS
Corporate Class: Abengoa - Phoenix, 4/19
10 Students @ customer site
What went well: ►Successfully delivered first ever RMstudy class►RMstudy workbook was provided to each student. Also decided to incorporated presentation slides (& treats) into training. Tried to promote lots of interaction/class participation since students are not preparing for an exam.
Used our PMstudy case study example Added a Workshop session
Improvement Opportunities:►RMstudy Workbook/Materials need to be updated for this type of seminar. ►Need to engage/motivate students differently for RMstudy►Targets: Corporates looking to provide in house Risk Management training for team members vs. PMs.►Great potential!
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American Express Account
To-date we have trained 100+ American Express PMs through our PMstudy ATP program!
Highlights: ►Recent organizational changes►Additional AMEX Faculty trained in 2011►Classes scheduled each Quarter in Phoenix for 2012►First Florida class conducted November 2011 by Jeffrey. Both Jeffrey and Daniel involved in Amex relationship in Florida.
Opportunities:►Currently working on getting AMEX faculty trained for Florida region to conduct their own onsite PMP boot camps►Plan to displace Pink Elephant as corporate training partner for ITIL!►Cross-sell: Risk Management, 6sigma, PM Fundamentals, etc.►Leverage corporate partnership: Press Release, etc.
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Corporate Initiatives
PMstudy Question Updates:►Lynne/Karen/Ruth currently working on updating questions for PMstudy
Marketing:►Improving/Developing marketing collateral to support sales efforts for all VMEdu brands►Prioritizing materials required for corporate sales opportunities
MyGMATstudy Status: ►Need to build team US based team to support GMAT study course development (Item writers/reviewers & 99 percentile resources)►GMAT team in India already up and running – delivering sections of course content which are being reviewed by Karen & Ruth►Forward looking planning for MyGMAT development/ review/ test/ deployment, etc. in process
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Keep Students Engaged
1. Use EVERYTHING in the PMStudy Book Bag as a learning tool:• Name Tags, Post-Its, (Thinking) Caps
2. Advocate Class Participation• Everyone Reads; Everyone Answers Questions
3. Invent Games to Help with Tough Knowledge Areas• Time, Risk, HR
4. Use Visuals – A Picture Paints A Thousand Words• Board Visuals, Flip Charts, Hand-outs
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Think Outside of the Box• Dare to Be Creative
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Suggestions for Improvement
PMStudy Process Chart:
• Green Arrow with Red Stem provides a visual of Process Outputs becoming Process Inputs
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Teaching History
► PMP - January 2010 until now► Over 150 students► ITIL Foundation - certified in April, 2012► First scheduled class is Portland, June 5
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Class Geography
► Portland area (primary)► Seattle area, Knoxville, Orlando, Chicago, Houston,
Cincinnati, Los Angeles, West Palm Beach, Boise► Classes range from 3 – 12 people► 5 – 10% change jobs after PMP obtained
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Positives
► The materials work. Combo of online prep & tests, workbook, & process chart allow people to focus properly to pass the exam
► Supplies are always on time, and plentiful► Large oil-cloth process charts are a hit► Nice venues; timely contracts (food varies)► We attract high caliber students► Other faculty are always ready to help
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Challenges
► Differing student preparation levels► Late application to PMI, or audit► Company enrolls students -> less ownership► Losing to competitors due to class availability► Fear of cancelled classes resulting from not seeing a
venue listed (new test change fee)► Late assignment to classes (or no, then yes)► Separate PM vs ITIL calendars (coordination)
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Questions – Company Level
► What is our ability to initiate a class in a new “city” (Wilsonville, Tigard, Hillsboro) even if published numbers show low base
► Process for students who register at $1849, then go back to pay and see $1949
► Who handles student follow up when an alternate instructor is teaching
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Suggestions
► List of alternate instructors, by city. Earlier assignment of remote classes
► Online access to what students see on pmstudy.com► A place to submit “defect reports” for later updating of the
workbook (google docs?)► Reminders for students who register but don’t attend (like
Knoxville, re: upcoming class)► Combined visual PMP, ITIL class calendar
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Logistics
► Well supplied w/ books & gifts - balance varies► Time needed to keep track of supplies (no idea when to
expect until after it has shipped)► Shipping with Fedex Ground account and 5 days time to
remote classes works well► Hotels sometimes surprised by our hours► Courtesy hotel room rates are appreciated
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Corporate Marketing
► Tough to move group interest-> registration► Have had several groups of 3-6 from the same company
for PMP in public classes► Seems much easier to market for ITIL, netting larger
groups► Titles of best contact person (training mgr, IT supervisor?)► Have we set a government rate?
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Experience with PMstudy
2011 – 2012 Completed 37 classes from January 2011 through current. Added Dayton to the Ohio area in 2011 which has started to receive
recognition from the community due to layoffs and an emphasis on government agencies and contractors obtaining certification.
The new test roll out last September slowed down my classes for about 8 months. Partly due to all the rumors about the test. Students were terrified to take it. Now it is picking back up.
I have settled into a great area in Indianapolis and Cincinnati which has helped get attendance up in those areas. Indianapolis has been difficult due to a lack of budget dollars for training.
PMstudy is becoming a known, credible, resource for PMP Certification Training in Dayton. This has been difficult due to our competitor there.
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Experience with PMstudy
2011-2012 con’t I have had difficulty with the new Prometric exam rules that charge
a student $70 if they move the exam. When we cancel classes it is difficult on students as their employers do not reimburse them if they move the exam.
This year my opportunity is to grow my class numbers. I am using quite a few social media groups to do so; Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.
I am hoping to be able to add another area between Pittsburgh and Columbus. I am just not sure where it should be. I believe there is opportunity there if it is in the right place. Perhaps Wheeling, WV.
I am looking at ways in which I can get the PMstudy & Itil training out there. Thinking about putting a screen in my back window of my SUV with the 800# and logo.
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ITIL Training
ITIL Training I am currently studying for the first exam. I should be scheduled to
take it within two weeks.
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Corporate Accounts
Corporate Accounts Acquired in 2011 & 2012: Completed training of the Westinghouse Nuclear Team and for
Vivisimo in Pittsburg, PA. I had a 100% pass rate first try for 13 students. These students came to individual classes vs in-house.
Had first training class for Alliance Data in May, 2011. There were 14 students all of which had taken an onsite PMP Prep course 3 months earlier and had failed. I had a 100% pass rate of which only 2 had difficulty passing the first try.
I picked up Lexus Nexus as a corporate client. I have successfully trained 6 project managers of which all passed first try. Lexus Nexus will not commit to a contract due to budget issues.
I have been invited back to Alliance Data to have a second class in July, 2012. I am excited to be a part of their program. They are very impressed with Pmstudys program and have incorporated it
into their transition into a more projectized organization.
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Corporate Accounts
Challenges of Corporate Accounts: It has been difficult to obtain contracts with companies due to the
inability for them to train all or a group of Project Managers in one class. We do continue to get their project managers but not as a group.
Some corporations have requirements that the courses be accredited. PMstudy does not have this accreditation and therefore they will not use our programs. However, I am able to get one offs from them.
The economy has not allowed some corporations to set aside dollars for this training. Lexus Nexus is one of them. Some students have to pay for the training themselves and will not be reimbursed.
PMstudy is not part of some corporate preferred providers. This is a challenge as they don’t have a clear process as to how to become a preferred provider.
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Overview
► PMstudy Experiences► ITILstudy Experiences► Corporate Accounts► RFP Process
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Pmstudy Experiences
► Have trained 392 students in over 70 classes► Setting Ground Rules has been Key
► Having students be patient on results► Highlighting methodology and repetition works► Over 25,000 successful PMP certified students
► It has been important to anticipate what questions students will ask and have additional examples to clarify the material
► Know the material (workbook, chapter tests, final test)► Final day builds confidence
► Final test repeat questions – Let them know it reinforces key concepts
► Afternoon group sessions relax students after a rigorous week
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ITILstudy Experiences
► Have facilitated 3 classes with 17 students► 1 student had to take the test twice to pass
► It has been fun facilitating a new course.► ITIL training moves at a less intense pace (different!!)► Less material; but still a lot of student interaction
► Setting ground rules is still important► Building my own confidence: I need to develop more
industry examples to answer/clarify student questions about the ITIL framework, as I did with PMstudy. I have been working on it; but still need some improvements.
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Corporate Accounts
► Quanta Services (Houston) – 75 students 2011► Classes were at Quanta Headquarters► Director of Employee Development was a former PMstudy
student.
► Devon Energy Proposal► ITIL Foundation – 160 students► CAPM – 50 Students► PMP Boot Camp – 70 students► RFP dollar value - $302,000
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RFP Process
► Comments:► First Draft of RFP Process► Regardless of how we become aware of an RFP, there should be
a central location to approve responses, log the RFP and track progress throughout the process.
► For the purpose of the RFP Process, I have assigned Phoenix Sales/Marketing as the central point of contact.
► I used RFP database as the term for storage and tracking of all RFP information. I was not sure if Teamwork will be the final platform.
► RFP Owner is used for the person responsible for the RFP response or Proposal
► Past RFPs and RFP templates will be stored in the RFP database for RFP owners to utilize when creating proposals.
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RFP Process Continued
►Receive RFP - Phoenix Sales/Marketing office should be notified of all new RFPs through the Sales/Marketing RFP email account.
► Notification from PMI LinkedIn Group► Internet Search► Industry trade publications► Instructor Lead from students► Customer Contacts Phoenix Office or Instructor
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RFP Process Continued
► Phoenix Office logs new RFP into RFP database► A decision is made whether to approve a response to the RFP.► If an RFP response is not approved for response, reasons for non-
approval are documented in the RFP database.► Approval would require a complete review of the RFP
requirements and any contractual provisions that may be included for large corporations (e.g. insurance, bonding, etc.)
► Phoenix sales/marketing may wish to provide a list of RFP response questions that the RFP owner must submit to customer for clarification of the RFP.
► Begin tracking progress of the RFP response (online updates will come from marketing or RFP owner)
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RFP Process Continued
► Assign approved RFP response ownership (Phoenix Sales/Marketing action).► If the instructor who identifies an RFP opportunity has the time and
ability to respond to the RFP, the instructor will have the option to create the proposal utilizing RFP templates and standard pricing. ► Any deviation from standard terms and pricing must be approved by
Phoenix Sales/Marketing.
► If the Phoenix sales/marketing office generates the lead; or, if the instructor identifying the lead does not wish to respond:► Assign the RFP response to sales/marketing personnel; or,► Assign the RFP to an instructor who:
► Geographically is near the customer's headquarters; and/or,► Has industry knowledge that would aid in development of a proposal;
and/or,► Has had contact or has developed a relationship with the customer from
past interaction.
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RFP Process Continued
► Assigned personnel develops RFP Response► Complete review of RFP
► Important deadlines► Required format for response► Company and Training detail requirements► Develop list of RFP clarification questions if necessary
► Leverage Standard proposal templates and previously created proposals to draft a proposal► There are two files in the RFP database
► Past complete RFPs in "Proposals" file► RFP section templates in "Proposal Templates" that are generic. These
sections can be cut and pasted to build a new RFP
► RFP Owner inquiries should be directed to Phoenix Sales/Marketing via their RFP email account.
► Review final draft against all RFP requirements
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RFP Process Continued
► Submit RFP to Customer► A copy of the final version of the RFP is archived in the RFP
database.
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RFP Process Continued
► Post-RFP Follow-up► Success
► Final contract negotiation and signing will be coordinated between RFP owner and Phoenix Sales/Marketing
► RFP owner develops a schedule for training with [email protected]
► Lessons Learned - why did we win the account?► RFP owner should meet or Conference with the Customer.► RFP owner will document Lessons Learned in the RFP database.
► Failure to win the business► RFP owner should Meet or conference with the customer if possible. Company
web sites often have information regarding RFP results, if this is not possible. Government RFP responses are most often considered public information
► Who won the opportunity?► Why did we fall short? Price? Methodology? Generic training versus industry
specific?► What could we have done differently?► RFP owner will be update Lessons Learned in the RFP database.
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RFP Process Continued
► ACTIONS:► 1. Determine which instructors wish to be part of the RFP process.
Not all instructors may want to respond to RFPs.► 2. Develop a summary of instructor backgrounds that could aid in
specific industry responses.► 3. Request resumes from all instructors that could be used in RFP
responses. Resumes would be added to the "Proposal Template" file the RFP database.
► 4. Set up a Sales/Marketing Email address specifically for RFP communications.
► 5. Request instructors send RFPs they feel would be useful to Corey, so he can add them to the RFP "Proposal file" in the RFP database.
► 6. Add RFP section templates to the "Proposal Templates" section of the RFP database.
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RFP Process Continued
► OPEN QUESTIONS:► Are we going to use Teamwork going forward? If so, create a
lessons learned folder for RFPs and Corporate Customer Accounts
► Who is the main contact(s) for question regarding proposals? I generically used Phoenix Sales/Marketing. Do we want one central contact?
► Is Teamwork going to be our Database?► How to get notified ASAP of RFPs? Can we automate the process
and receive daily updates from the PMI LinkedIn Group?► Why do we have a failure rate of 100% for RFP? Lessons learned
will be an important part of changing this trend.► How do bonuses work if multiple faculty are involved in RFPs?► Should Phoenix Sales/Marketing approve the RFP response
before it is sent to the customer?
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• Midwest Region, based in Chicago• Roughly 30-40 classes taught, over 3 years• Currently working as a full-time PM• Teaching weekend and corporate classes
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Experiences with PMstudy/ITILstudy training
• Spend time on student introductions• Inject humor• Encourage participation• Review concepts each morning• Relate experiences to material
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Process of getting corporate accounts
• Talk about class, etc. first• Offer help with application• Inquire if they have friends/colleagues • Offer the reduced rate for corporate classes and
convenience of location • Full-time PM, current skills
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Improvement opportunities for the company
• Provide continuous access to online questions• Better consolidated feedback• Offer: Agile, Risk, Planning & Scheduling• Better system for incoming calls
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Learning Experiences
► Military students - Fixed mind set
► Odd learning styles The paper folder The dot and X’s lady
► Failure Emails
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Positive Experiences
► 2 Russian ladies – English second language – both passed
► Several Individuals get jobs► 100% Pass Rate Classes► Emails of Joy
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Corporate Clients
► BCBS Montana► LSI► Denver Water Board► CSU ?
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Improvement
► Six Sigma access email
► ITIL Exam registration instructions
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Teaching Pmstudy/ Corporate Classes
PMstudy classes Corporate Classes: Negotiating the Contract Challenges:
Keeping the class focus Minimizing the side conversations among students Working with students with limited Project Management
Experience
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► Regular Classes: Albuquerque, Boise, Idaho Falls, Phoenix Weekend, Salt Lake City, Tucson, and Tulsa
► Extra Classes: Grand Rapids, North Scottsdale, Omaha, and Phoenix
► Great compliments on material and support► Weekend Challenges –
► Carry over of last week► Pick-up of ideas for second week testing► Maintaining the confidence level
► “The” student and maintaining the right direction
Overview of Teaching Experience
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► Sandia National Labs – Albuquerque, NM► 9 Students
► All Passed first time► Great reviews from students
► 4 Additional students in Open Enrolled classes
► Dematic (HK Systems) – Salt Lake City, UT► 6 Student at a discount in one class
► 4 passed first try► One passed in second try outside Guarantee► One did not re-take
► 2 Additional students in Open Enrolled classes
► RMStudy Class – Gila Bend, AZ► 10 Students enrolled► Ruth developed material and instructed
Corporate Accounts
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► Better student collateral► Pens► Highlighters
► Take advantage of the material to offer a broad overview of all training offered by VMEdu
► Minimize the food ordered for the afternoon breaks in the classes
► Coordinate the offering on the PMP and ITIL in a location (Passed ITIL Foundation! YAHOO!)
► Many Corporate Sales Opportunities in Teaching Areas
Improvement Opportunities
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Contents
1. Improve Corporate Sales
2. Social Media presence
3. Using Facebook & LinkedIn effectively
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CORPORATE SALE CONVERSIONS FROM CLASSES
► Most people are life long learners commend your students for taking the steps while in class.
► Better coming from AN established relationship with instructor.
► Instructor warms the relationship.
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Corporate Sales
ACTIONS► Get students to post flyers
in break-rooms► Give students an email to
send out to coworkers or place on intranet
► Standardized letter to corporate decision makers
► Lunch & Learns► Locating and finding
decision makers► How to get them to buy?► Use warm marketing
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Sample Letters
► Send congrats letter to them immediately after passing PMP.
► Benefits of ITIL training letters► Benefits of Risk Management Letters
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Social Media ideas for Instructors► Sign up for Twitter/LinkedIN/Facebook as a
business.► Find your course invite online in LinkedIn &
Facebook and post/like for their followers and friends to see.
► Exam pass “shout-outs” Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.► In welcome email to students encourage students to tweet
on Social Media sites.► Include social media handles in signatures on email to
prospective students.► Follow your students on twitter, friend your students on FB
w/Business account, connect w/them on LinkedIn.
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Ideas, continued
► PMstudy reply to posts, mentions & #hashtags on twitter.► Agree to twice a week post in LinkedIn groups► Establish yourself as a thought leader professional in the
field.► Old students more than a year ago send PDU reminder
emails. ► Encourage them to join us on Social Media. Ask them to
join fan pages or business page and tweet about us.
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► Setting up your own business page would be a great way to engage students and update them on statuses.
► Old students can encourage new ones.► Topics can be uploaded► Professional instead of getting too personal
► Check out Scotty’s page
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FB goal for Instructors► To drive more Customers to our FB fan page and to
engage more customers.► Increase the likes to double digit thousands within 6
months.
► Currently 3682 likes for PMstudy ► How many of your friends are following??
► Currently 144 likes for ITILStudy► How many of your friends are following??
Page 93 VMEdu Inc: Faculty Meeting on May 05
Twitter - A Step-by-Step Guide
► Sign-up and post a profile. Visit Twitter and click on the "Get Started - Join" button in the middle.
► Write some updates. Twitter has a 140 character limit (the great equalizer) - Post a link to a news article you liked with a one line comment, mention an interesting thought you had, or tell everyone where you are teaching. Just write something.
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Twitter, continued
► Make friends. Pretty easy. Just surf the web on your favorite blogs, people's Facebook, LinkedIn profiles etc, and when you see a Twitter box that tells you what they are doing click on it. That will bring you to their profile and then you just click on the "Follow" button on the top left and you are now following them.
► How to post URLs. Twitter limits to 140 characters If you have a really long URL, that doesn't leave much room for Most people on Twitter use www.TinyURL.com to take a long URL and make it short. Give it a shot if you have a long URL that you want to market on Twitter.
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TWITTER, Continued
► Monitor conversations about your company. You can monitor what people are saying about any person, company or brand. Twitter has a search engine that lets you do just this. For instance, here is https://twitter.com/#!/search/realtime/pmstudy You can subscribe to these searches by RSS to keep yourself updated. Another tip is that you can "follow" all the people you find talking about your company (just click on their username to go to their profile). If they are talking about your company, they would probably be pretty happy that someone from the company wants to follow them.
Page 96 VMEdu Inc: Faculty Meeting on May 05
Twitter, cont
► How to "chat". Using the @ symbol before someone's Twitter username is how people have "conversations" in Twitter. This makes their username a link to their profile so other people can follow the conversation (sort of). For example if you wrote “@enilagam thanks for an awesome slide on Twitter today" that would be a way of telling me you liked this presentation. It's not IM (instant messaging), but it is sort of like a publicly broadcast IM service.
Page 97 VMEdu Inc: Faculty Meeting on May 05
WE NEED YOUR TWITTER HANDLE!!
Please follow @pmstudy on Twitter
Brainstorm on #HASHTAG CAMPAIGN
Page 98 VMEdu Inc: Faculty Meeting on May 05
SOCIAL MEDIA coming soon….► Encourage instructors to tweet & posts► Instructor landing pages linked to PMstudy► Pictures
► Visual inspiration ask can you guess what’s happening here
► Allow fans/followers to share social networks► PMP lessons learned► Message all fans to talk about class experience► FAQ► PMstudy blog
Page 99 VMEdu Inc: Faculty Meeting on May 05
TWEET IDEAS
Starting Class► Teaching a #PMP class in
#NewOrleans for @pmstudy this week.
► @newenrollee welcome to the #Atlanta PMP course this week. UR ready to pass the PMP.
► Post positive comments from Students
CAMPAIGN Ideas► Hashtags to start a trend► Like articles you read
about industry PM or ITIL related and post a comment with your professional @pmstudy signature.
► #PassPMPwithPMstudy► #PassITILexamITILStudy► #ITILstudyAtlanta
Page 101 VMEdu Inc: Faculty Meeting on May 05
How to use LinkedIn effectively
LinkedIn► Make sure profile is 100% complete► Establish yourself as a Thought Leader► Join industry specialty groups.► Participate in discussions► Comment on students posts► Update statuses on Sunday with class information► LinkedIN Events and join the class you’re teaching.► Ask for recommendations
Page 103 VMEdu Inc: Faculty Meeting on May 05
WE ALL USE SOCIAL MEDIA ANYWAY
► How do we keep up with it all – Hootsuite!!
Page 105 VMEdu Inc: Faculty Meeting on May 05
ITILstudy Summary
► 3 Classes To Date► Maryland, Atlanta, Chicago► Total of 14 Students
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ITILstudy Successes
► Very Positive Student Feedback (especially regarding methodology and materials)
► Many Students Interested in Pmstudy After Taking ITILstudy classes
► 100% Pass Rate
Page 107 VMEdu Inc: Faculty Meeting on May 05
ITILstudy Challenges
► Students Wanting to Take Test Early► Would Like More Examples► Hotels Not As Prepared for Weekend Classes
Page 108 VMEdu Inc: Faculty Meeting on May 05
Pmstudy Updates
► Enrollment Still Low in Detroit Metro Area but Success Rate is Still High
► Grand Rapids Classes Consistently Holding► Consider Offering in Different Areas (Ann Arbor, Lansing,
etc)