What is the most effective way to get trained on Microsoft Dynamics CRM without breaking the budget?
Microsoft Dynamics CRM (now Microsoft Dynamics 365) users are presented with many options when it comes to training. Based on several decades of experience in this area, I offer the following recommendations on how to achieve optimal training results while also saving money.
1. Generic Training versus Personalized Training
In my experience, it is always better to work with our customers to develop a personalized agenda tailored to their needs. If you take a generic “Learn Dynamics CRM” course, it is likely based on demo data with the prebuilt standard script that Microsoft provides. In my opinion, this cookie-cutter training is a waste of time because you will end up focusing on things that aren't pertinent to your business.
At Forge XRM CRM, we strive to provide Dynamics CRM training tailored to your specific needs and incorporating real-life examples. We will literally take a problem you are trying to solve and include that in the training agenda, using your own data, not a demo system.
Personalized training may be more expensive, but it can save you money in the long run. If you are trained on your own system and accomplish something specific that pertains to your business, you can basically kill two birds with one stone. You will be sure that the system is operating according to your needs, and you will understand how to make the best use of it. You get the system the way you need it without paying for extra consulting time. We are, metaphorically speaking, teaching you to fish while making sure your gear is top-notch.
So, who on your team should be trained to “learn to fish”?
2. Group Training versus Train the Trainer
We offer both group training and “train the trainer” sessions, which involve training a key person (or persons) who will then train the rest of the team.
I feel that “train the trainer” is the best choice because it empowers someone on your team to continue training the user base after we leave. There will be follow-up questions. Of course, we are available to answer questions after the training is completed, but it is not an efficient use of time, and it becomes more expensive for you as the customer if we are called in every time you add a new user.
Even with “train the trainer,” we might be training multiple people in different divisions, so the location of training becomes a question.
3. On-site Training versus Online Training
We work with Dynamics CRM users worldwide. On-site training is great, and we will do it if it is warranted. But with today’s web technology, we have no problem doing remote training. It is just as effective to “virtually” be in front of your people.
In addition to being less expensive because you are not paying for travel time, remote Dynamics CRM training has at least two other benefits:
- We can train a wider, more diverse audience because you don't need to gather everyone from your team, across multiple locations, in one room.
- It is easier to break the training into multiple shorter sessions versus one long session.
4. Single Training Sessions versus Multiple Training Sessions
In an effort to save money, some customers will just book the minimum amount of training presented in the minimum amount of time.
If you are trying to lower the budget and decide to cut training hours, at least follow my recommendation to schedule multiple shorter sessions.
For example, we like to do a training session and then schedule a follow-up training the week after. This way, your users have a chance to practice, and they can ask questions while the information is still fresh in their minds. The second training reinforces the first, clarifying any questions that may have arisen.
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By Ryan Plourde, ForgeXRM,
Great!! You have clearly explained about CRM .