I write a daily email helping Learning & Development professionals ditch meaningless work and earn more money
Deaf ears
Writing emails, making YouTube videos and teaching courses is something I naturally gravitate towards.
Why?
Because deep down, I'm a teacher.
It may say "designer" or "consultant" on my profile, but when all is said and done, teaching is where I come to life.
And educating those on a better way of doing things is a critical part of our role as a learning designer.
This has become especially true since I've swerved turd-polishing and started to design solutions which may positively impact my client's businesses.
But you can only teach those who are open to learning.
Yesterday, I received an email from a client who decided to work with another vendor.
This was disappointing, but actually came as no surprise—as I was explaining how converting her content into eLearning may not achieve her goals, I could see her eyes glaze over.
I wasn't addressing her immediate concerns.
Which were "I need a quick, impressive solution which doesn't require you to do much more than send you my slides".
Becoming adept at educating our clients on a better way is a crucial skill to master.
But even the best teachers can't help a student who isn't ready to listen.
You can lead a horse to water, right?
So, even if you fail, chalk it down as a successful learning experience (you should do the same with "failed" interviews too).
With each new attempt, you're learning the subtleties of what works and what doesn't.
Increasing your chances of a better outcome next time.
Yours,
- Ant
PS. As I mentioned yesterday, I'm developing a course teaching frustrated learning designers how to go from order-taker to business partner by creating high-value, high impact training. Click here if you'd like to stay in the loop.
Ant Pugh
I write a daily email helping Learning & Development professionals ditch meaningless work and earn more money
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