Any tips on market research for a training business?
January 27, 2011 12:57 PM   Subscribe

I am considering running training courses in software. How can I research the need for this locally?

I am considering running training course in software locally. I would prefer to target businesses rather than individuals. I have experience as a trainer and am quite happy developing materials and delivering them. But I am unsure of how to assess the need for this kind of course locally, how best to approach a business, what kind of business to approach etc.

Any hints, tips or references from people with better insight into this would be extremely useful, thankyou.
posted by zingzangzung to Work & Money (1 answer total)
 
Best answer: I do this as part of my current business. My advice would be to contact local web development, software development, and IT service providers (no matter how small) and see if you can partner up with them to offer this as a value-add with services they already provide, or may wish to provide. At the very least, you'll be in their head. At the very most, you won't need to worry about market research as you'll suddenly be very busy training people. :-)

The least you need for a solid pitch:
1. An email address that seems business-like
2. A website that tells more about you and, if at all possible, demonstrates what you can do
3. References
4. An idea of who's using what software, and what parts they struggle with (contractors can help you with the first part; potential clients can help with the second part)

Ideally you will also have:
1. Experience with web-based software like Wordpress or even just standard WYSIWYG editors and HTML editing -- like CKEditor. There are lots of businesses who just got a website that a programmer thinks is very easy to use. :-)
2. Experience with web-based training, or posting your own videos in an accessible way
3. An idea of what this will cost businesses, because they know they will need to nag you like crazy for more and more help. Some of them will end up asking you to do things for them, and will wonder if you can do that too, if your rates are reasonable.
4. Connections with local educational institutions -- local colleges and universities are a good way to supplement your income with PT teaching, but they're also there to help you develop your connections and offer to teach occasional seminars on software use, things like that.

The more you can blend training and support, the better. That's why I think it's smart to go to software providers first. If they're willing to help you get access to their clients AND tell you how the software works or be available to answer your questions, you are most of the way there.

Good luck!
posted by circular at 1:24 PM on January 27, 2011


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