Toyota has really leapt on the social media juggernaut recently by teaming up with cloud computing provider Salesforce.com to create a social network that’s specifically designed for Toyota drivers and their cars – and this, for me, is high-end use of social media and technology at the moment. It’s all about creating a network, a safe place for a community to congregate, share ideas and learn more about a company’s products and services. And this lends itself incredibly well to the training world. 

So, reading the Toyota article, I thought, if this manufacturing giant is enjoying all that IT innovation has to offer, could it be time to review your own methods of communication? 

In true social spirit, they’ve called the network Toyota Friend and it will be used to help customers feel better connected to their vehicles, their dealership and to the Toyota brand itself. Initially launching in Japan, drivers will be able to access information about their closest local dealership as well as having easy access to maintenance and product advice. 

Toyota Friend will adopt many popular social networking techniques and services to increase engagement and communication with its customer base. For instance, the service can sync up with Twitter and Facebook to allow specific updates and information to be sent to an individual driver. For example, if battery power is running low on a vehicle, the social network will tweet this alert to the driver immediately. Whilst available on board the vehicles, the service will also be accessed via smart phones and tablets. 

Think about the possibilities within training, a training management system can help companies to stay in touch with their delegates, before and after training programmes, update them on content developments. 

The technological possibilities for engagement are vast and ever increasing – not just in the auto industry but in all industries across the board. Think about your own business – have you actively built up a well-connected community that has all the tools needed to link up to share knowledge and insight? Do you have sufficient IT platforms in place to assist communication between delegates and employees? Are you making maximum use of e-learning potential in your training strategies? In a rapidly expanding technological environment – it’s important to ask such questions. 

Toyota have obviously recognised the way in which social networking services are transforming human interaction and felt they should evolve in line with this progression. It’s likely that this manipulation of social and mobile technologies will equal a bright future for the car industry and will transform the car ownership experience. What can you do to revolutionise the channels of communication within the training world? 

Take the first step by talking with accessplanit about the products and services that we have developed specifically for the training industry. Call 0845 5430229 to discuss anything from a learning management system (LMS) to email marketing, and from a customer relationship manager (CRM) to complete administration automation.

While the banking industry may not seem the logical starting point for lessons in building business and sustainable growth – oddly enough I think the training world could learn a thing or two, particularly where technology is concerned.

According to a recent report from Cable and Wireless Worldwide, since the start of the credit crunch, customer demands relating to online banking, customer service and trust have increased. More and more, users are demanding immediate and direct control of their money and improved customer service to counter a dip in faith they have for the banking industry.

So, how has the banking industry responded? Well, after a damaging few years, it’s clear that the industry has had to up its game in building bridges between banks and their customers. It’s also evident that improved communication is at the heart of improving relations between customers and their financial service providers. Sound familiar, training professionals?

In a recent UK consumer survey, 60% of respondents claimed that their bank’s online facilities were of increasing importance to them. In fact, this online channel was ranked more important than trustworthiness, interest rates and charges. This just shows how crucial it is for banks to focus their efforts on new technology and new channels of communication – rather than just relying on in-store and call-centre services.

When it comes to customer engagement and communication, the public now expect organisations to take an innovative approach to technology and online convenience. Banks (just like training companies), whether they like it or not, will have to ensure a robust customer service experience that stretches way beyond the branch-based one. This will probably be through the development of more sophisticated online and mobile services and potentially through the use of social networking.

The key to success seems to lie in giving users access to information whenever they need it, wherever they are and through whichever channel they choose to use. This is an approach that’s right at the heart of our thinking here at accessplanit and our belief that e-learning is the future of improved accessibility and communication, via an effective training management system, throughout entire organisations.

As a society, we are no longer passive recipients of information – we actively hunt it down and expect the world at our fingertips. We know what information we want and how we’d prefer to access it, so we make proactive choices about how and when we engage with technology. Whether it’s managing our financial affairs or enhancing our skills through e-learning, we’re a nation of discerning tech-users who demand results at the touch of a button. Now is the time to jump in and see how technology can transform training results. 

Call us today on 0845 543 0229 or email enquiries@accessplanit.com to find out how our products can streamline processes, save on time and money, then revolutionise the delivery of programmes.

Embracing new technology is essential for any industry to progress, and with technology and web-based services advancing and expanding so rapidly, it would be foolish not to jump on its potential. 

This week saw the world of high-end, designer fashion enter the digital age. Leading fashion brand, Burberry, recognised the power, influence and scope of the Twittersphere and has really used it to its advantage. 

The fashion industry is fast-paced, constantly changing and evolving – so it makes sense for it to take a progressive approach to utilising technology. Just as cutting-edge artistry hits the runway with each new season, cutting edge technology is needed to promote and support these ideas and creativity. 

As the world of haute couture turns to the web for inspiration; isn’t it time that every business asked what technology and innovation could do for them? 

So what did Burberry do? Well, the brand teamed up with social media giant Twitter, to create the first ever ‘Tweetwalk’.  This enabled images of every new look to be tweeted before it hit the actual catwalk. The show was also streamed live via Facebook to 8 million eager online fashion lovers. 

The training industry may not be melting under the spotlight in the quite the same way, but essential parallels are clear: e-Learning enables individuals to digest information and improve their knowledge and skills on their terms, it’s about giving control back to the audience – in exactly the same way that Burberry has done. Training is cutting edge in the same way that fashion is, and it’s about time that providers of the latest and most innovative programmes, appreciated that and connected with their audiences via channels that are as forward-thinking as their training. 

Not only is this an interactive and innovative venture that engages Burberry fans, it’s also a savvy business move. This method of instant and mass audience engagement is perfect to whet the appetite of fashion buyers across the globe. All collections could be pre-ordered instantly on their website. It would be interesting to see how the incorporation of Twitter has boosted sales. 

So, if you work internally as a trainer, take a minute to look around your organisation…are you harnessing all the potential technology could offer? Think about the way in which you develop and train your team. Has it evolved, grown and innovated over the years or has it remained static? When it comes to sharing skills and knowledge in your organisation, be honest, are you a trendsetter or a rather unfashionable follower of the norm? 

Call 0845 5430229 to speak with accessplanit today, because we are developing the latest training management systems to help training professionals build their client base and get better results from their programmes. From learning management systems to online booking forms, and from automated text messaging to e-Learning, our tools can help businesses to interact with their audiences and be more effective when they deliver training.

Without wanting to heap too much praise on Google this week, it is interesting to see the innovative tech-firm in the papers for reasons other than a new product launch. This time around the search engine is taking inspiration from its status as a global, ultra-successful content provider to improve its own internal development strategy.

Any training professionals out there with both feet still firmly in the non-digital world, take note. 

Google’s search engine processes one billion searches daily, while 48 hours of content is uploaded to Google-owned YouTube every minute. These are impressive statistics that have benefitted users all over the world. So how can Google tap into this model for the benefit of its own staff?

Google has seen how the world interacts with its products and wants to harness this success amongst their own internal community. After all, as Google has readily pointed out, YouTube’s video content is an incredible, ever-growing learning resource.

Universally recognised for leading the way in web content generation and information sharing, Google now plans to emulate these learning techniques internally. 

As Google’s workforce has now reached a dizzying 20,000 employees across 30 different countries, e-learning will prove the best, most efficient way to share knowledge on a company wide scale. They are hoping to develop more connections and collaborations between staff by supporting and encouraging virtual knowledge transfer. 

As Google is a hot bed on innovation, it has recognised the full potential that e-learning has to offer in terms of training and development. An internal Gwhiz tool has been developed so staff can connect with one another by searching for employees with relevant expertise. The company has also invested in specialist learning media studios. This means that films can be shot, produced then uploaded to ‘G2G TV’ where they can be shared and utilised between employees. 

Google is at the forefront of web-based innovation, so hopefully their commitment to e-learning will encourage smaller organisations to follow their lead. Content sharing and web-based learning is changing the face of training and development – making skills and knowledge more accessible than ever. It’s exciting to see just how far this innovation will take us.

Speak with accessplanit today if you want to direct your training company towards the digital age and benefits from services ranging from email marketing, a learning management system, and fully streamlined administration.

No-one should ever take criticism lightly, especially when it is connected with technology, and especially when that criticism comes from Google’s head honcho, Eric Schmidt. Schmidt has claimed that Britain’s school IT curriculum is in need of a long overdue overhaul, saying that it was throwing away its computer heritage by teaching kids how to use software without giving them any insight into how it’s created.

In light of these remarks, employers and the government have joined together in launching the ‘Behind the Screen’ scheme which aims to advance IT skills in our secondary schools. Not before time. Due to kick off in November, this pilot scheme will help transform IT teaching by placing more focus on developing software and writing computer programmes. Ultimately, it hopes to develop GCSEs and A-levels in these areas.

So what are businesses learning from this new approach? Well, the training industry has a lot to learn. Firstly, training companies should take a leaf from Google’s book and accept that learning is evolving, it can never stop still, and from learning management systems to e-learning, trainers need to update and adapt their approaches to corporate learning, just as the government has vowed to for school pupils.

Secondly, the training industry needs to brace itself for this IT-savvy team of new consumers that are growing out of their school uniforms and into work clothes. Sooner than you know, your business will be training and selling to these technologically-minded youngsters, and there’s every chance you could be left behind.

This shake-up in school IT training is evidence of the rapidly advancing and expanding technological landscape we’re in. It’s an ever-evolving world filled with practically limitless possibilities. It’s no wonder our children need to be well-versed in the potential and development of technological platforms.

The nation’s schools have recognised the significance of software development in today’s society and have taken a proactive approach in its incorporation into their curriculum. Isn’t it time that all businesses acknowledged the full potential of technology within their organisations?

With a new generation of tech-savvy, highly-skilled IT professionals coming up through the ranks, organisations need to be ready to utilise them. Whether it’s by harnessing all the scope of e-commerce platforms or integrating the power of web-based software – is your organisation proactively seeking tech-based solutions and opportunities? Now more than ever, it’s important to ensure your company doesn’t get left behind in the technological growth spurt.

Speak with accessplanit today about the software that has been developed to help training companies streamline their processes, cut administration costs, and be better equipped to communicate with a growing tech-happy audience.

The traditional image of the bookworm has changed. No longer content with the shelves of the library or the local bookstore, they’re now searching online for the latest e-books and buying in ever greater numbers. In fact like most other industries, the publishing industry has completely transformed itself since the advent of the internet. And why shouldn’t it, the way that its target market behaves has changed, as a growing number of readers have shifted the way they carry out the age-old hobby. Publishing has had to change too.

The latest example of this comes with the news that Waterstone’s will be developing and selling their own e-book reader. This follows their rivals Amazon and Barnes and Noble, who have both produced e-book readers, called the Kindle and Nook respectively.

In fact, Amazon now claims to sell more ebooks than hard copy books, while Barnes and Noble appear to have clawed back some market share as result of ebook sales to Nook users.

Waterstone’s new approach comes after the company was bought by Russian businessman Alexander Mamut from previous owner HMV. Having appointed James Gaunt as managing director, he will be hoping this new approach reverses a decline in sales.

So why are we, as a training management system company so interested in the publishing world? Well, it’s just the latest evidence of a company turning to technology to generate new innovative business models. Unfortunately, it is also an approach where many other companies still lag behind – and the training world is no different.

In fact, it’s particularly true amongst HR providers, who have failed to utilise new technology in a way that will not only streamline their operations but also help them to improve their service.

While concerns about losing a personal touch in a business like HR is understandable, new technology can actually retain individual unique selling points while adding efficiencies and enhancing client contact.

The benefits of technology to all aspects of HR, not just corporate training, have been so well-documented that it’s not even worth spelling them out again, but what the Waterstone’s move shows is a company migrating to a new platform because it has become evident that that is where its audience has moved to. The introduction of technology into HR is no longer just about streamlining and cost-cutting, it’s actually about the need to reflect a natural shift in employee, delegate and human behavior.

As the change in the world of publishing shows, more and more people are using the internet help them in both their business and personal worlds. HR providers must take heed.

If you want to hear more about the accessplanit approach to training management software, e-learning, and find out about our award-winning learning management system (LMS), get in touch with the team today on 0845 5430229. Or click here to email us.

Electrical goods retailer, Dixons, has seen some dwindling sales statistics this year and has claimed they’re suffering from a fragile trading environment. Compared with last year’s figures, like-for-like sales in the UK and Irish Republic fell by 9% and by 10% on a total sales basis – but for companies that thrive on the bringing the latest technology to the general public, I’m surprised they haven’t jumped on the opportunity to maximise E-Learning and develop in-store understanding of products.

Admittedly, due to the uncertain economic climate, many retailers have suffered from a lack of consumer confidence and consumer spending - purse strings have been tightened and many luxury goods have been knocked off shopping lists. In addition, the firm claims that the World Cup and iPad launch had a positive impact on sales figures last year – making it difficult for like-for-like comparison.

With many people reluctant to part with their hard-earned cash at the moment, what can high-street retailers do to help boost sales?

The rise of online purchasing has seen a more convenient but arguably more impersonal shopping experience. When it comes to costly items, such as electronic equipment, many people prefer to shop in-store to view the product in person as well as benefit from the expertise of the store’s staff. When spending large amounts of money, it’s important to understand the product you’re buying and feel confident it’s the right purchase for you.

This is where E-Learning can help. E-Learning platforms can offer a simple, rapid and effective option for sales staff training.

With more advanced technological products packed with an abundance of features continually coming to market - it’s important that sales staff are fully up-to-speed with what’s on offer. If they’re fully informed of a product’s benefits and capabilities, they’re much more likely to present it in a favourable light to the customer. An educated sales team leads to educated customers. In turn, it’s likely that an educated customer feels more confident and inclined to make a purchase.

E-Learning can offer instant access product tutorials to ensure retail staff have the product information they need at their fingertips. Easily updated with each new product, the E-Learning model can provide on-the-spot training whenever and wherever the individual wishes to access it. This could be in the form of a quick demo accessed by iPhone or as a group in-store.

However a retailer chooses to use E-Learning, it could provide flexible, tailored sales training that’s reflected on the balance sheet. 

Call accessplanit today to find out about the features of the E-Learning product on 0845 543 0229. Or click here for more details.

Living and working in Lancashire, it’s great to see the newly revamped Blackpool Tower reopen this week with what look like some incredible new features that will attract even more tourists to this iconic British town.

It has seemed as though Blackpool’s appeal has waned over the past few years but hopefully this move can inject some new life into the area. Just like the football team’s short but sweet stay in the top division, this great attraction’s rebirth will keep Blackpool in the public’s mind.

It’s fair to say that Blackpool has always held a special place in British culture, even without this new facelift. Domestic and foreign tourists alike have associated it with the unique traditions of a British seaside town, and the latest sprucing up of the traditional favourite has been a big part of the PR associated with this refurb too. The tower has retained its ornate ballroom, which will be used to host the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing final, and the circus, which aims to continue its run of never having missed a season.

These traditional attractions have been complemented by some new 21st century attractions too. A new 4D experience involves following the flight of a seagull and includes life like water effects. The tower also has a revolutionary new all glass viewing platform 500ft up in the air.

What this revamp demonstrates is that when done correctly, tradition can mix with technology to achieve really stunning results. It is an example that many businesses should be taking note of. Just as Blackpool has merged its traditional seaside characteristics with some cutting edge modernity, so businesses can marry traditional service and training values with IT tools that work best in the modern online world.

Companies that pride themselves on the fact that their training and development courses provide a personal touch that makes them unique, shouldn’t worry about losing these values if they embrace modern techniques. Because they enable you to be vastly more efficient in the way you work, you can actually be more personal and contact clients and prospects through more media than you did previously. Not only that, businesses need to realise (just as Blackpool has) that businesses and consumers require more features to attract them and bulk out their proposition, something that’s only possible through technology innovations.

Unlike the football team’s brief affair with top flight football, the town is using technology to lay some steady foundations for its long-term future, and just as training businesses that we work with are starting to learn, this step into a brave new world of technology doesn’t have to be done at the expense of traditional values.

If you want to learn more about how accessplanit works with training companies to help them integrate intelligent technology into their business, while holding onto traditional values, call the team on 0845 543 0229 or click here to email. 

Now that it seems the rioting behaviour that consumed the UK public for days on end is finally behind us, it's time to reflect.

The government has to show that it is taking action, and for the home secretary, this meant calling in the leaders of social networking sites and telecommunication firms to discuss how they will stop the scaling up of violent action in such a short space of time, should the problem ever occur again. What short-sightedness. It simply highlights how out of touch some ministers and certain sections of the population are with technology, and the communicative platforms that are common-place in the world today.

Ministers that want to cull the spread of word, halt communication and muzzle youngsters, are fighting a losing battle. Facebook, Twitter, BBM and other tools are simply children of the technological revolution, you can’t stop that. What you can do is try to educate and shift the thinking of those using the tools, to ensure that the content is not inciting violence – the problem is not with technology, but with the content being spread.

But, in truth, when it comes to technology, you can’t stop still, it is ever-changing, and to try and resist it or continue without acknowledging it, in business especially, is totally futile.

If anything, this is technology doing what it does best, marketing news and spreading the word in lightning speed, and it is about time people managed to get their heads around that notion.

In the training industry, there is an element of resistance to technological change, especially when it comes to eLearning. Though many will be inclined to say they accept its merits, there is a feeling of ‘technology will never be able to replace classroom-based training’, but it is and it will. A training management system can totally revolutionise the way that trainers work, in so many different ways.

Remember, the new generation of employees, the ones that will be training and developing their skills over the next ten, 15 or 20 years, are growing up alongside the technological advances that we all saw create such havoc in UK cities last month, it is second nature to them, and, more to the point, impossible to stop.  Instead of standing in its way and trying to resist the next inevitable wave of technology, work with companies like us at accessplanit, to evolve with it.