Build your skills
Working as a contractor, your biggest asset is your skill set. Indeed, a particular industry expertise, degree or professional qualification is likely to form an integral part of what you think you can offer your clients. The temptation to rest on your relevant experience and focus solely on building your client base can be strong. However, to do so could not only mean you miss out on opportunities for self-development; it could set you back in growing your business.
Relevant training
Some courses will feed into the life of your business on a day-to-day basis, maximising your commercial awareness with palpable results. Courses in Accountancy (whether formal qualifications such as ACCA or non-accredited short courses offering a more general introduction to accountancy principles) are one practical example, but have you considered learning more about Marketing? This could lead to a Chartered Institute of Marketing qualification and even the opportunity to achieve Chartered Marketer status (for more information on CIM courses, go to http://www.cimlearningzone.co.uk/ece/cfml/index.cfm). Courses can be taken in part time evening mode. With an increased understanding of marketing techniques, the international marketplace and what makes consumers tick, you could create a strategy for your business that exceeds your greatest expectations.
IT is another area that could add unlimited value to your business. Whether you want to pursue a recognised qualification such as CLAIT or the European Computer Driving License, or simply want to understand the possibilities for Internet promotion, the range and popularity of IT courses mean that there should be a course to suit your needs (see http://www.learndirect-skills.co.uk for some options available).
Basic skills
If, on the other hand, you want to bring your basic skills in literacy and numeracy up to speed, now is the time. There is currently a government target to reduce by at least 40% the number of adults in the workplace without basic skills qualifications to NVQ Level 2 by 2010. This means adult learning grants are readily available to those who feel they need further training in this area.
There are also a host of possibilities for those wishing to learn English as a second language.
For more information on Basic Skills, see the Learning and Skills Council website: http://www.lsc.gov.uk/
The government’s Train to Gain programme helps businesses equip their staff with skills. If you think this could be relevant to you, call 0800 015 55 45 for more information.
Industry-specific know-how
You may simply want to gain an overview of a particular industry, market or area of expertise. It’s a particularly good idea when branching out into a new sector. Further Education colleges offer courses across a huge number of industry areas, from Retail to Human Resources, and these are often available part time.
The time is now
Gaining a qualification, taking existing studies to a more advanced level or diversifying the industry areas in which you operate can revolutionise both the service you offer your clients and the way they see you. Furthermore, the additional flexibility you have as a contractor in terms of scheduling tasks could mean that this is the ideal time for education and training that you were too busy to undertake as a salaried employee. Seize the moment.
|