Best Advice I've Received From Senior Trainers

Over the last 8 years, I’ve had the privilege to befriend the best in the learning & development industry.

Some I have studied from directly, others via coffee talks, many from advice in passing and more from their writings and posts.

Today, I’m beginning a list of things I practice as a result of their teachings.

1. Tell people what you do. Don’t expect them to know.

2. Appreciate everyone in the L&D process. Sales, production, branding, admin, etc

3. Do your best irrespective of how much you’re paid.

4. When invoicing for a pro bono, charity or heavily discounted service, always state the actual value before discounting it. The original PIC might understand your true value, but other and future officers in the organisation might not. Allow that document to represent you.

5. Make your training providers look good to the client.

6. Never accept a client who wants to poach you. Report them to your training provider immediately.

7. When a TP treats you unfairly, tell them. It might be a misunderstanding. Part ways as amicably as possible if necessary. Never leave a reason for others to pin the blame on you.

8. When asked for a discount, offer an instalment first. When that doesn’t work, offer to reduce the content or performance period instead.

9. On socmed and closed groups, beware what you say about whom. Screenshots are always possible.

10. Family and health first. Always. Money is anywhere.

11. Learn. Learn. Learn and Stop Bangauing!

12. Always allow for feedback. Take what you can use and give back what isn’t.

13. Go beyond the money.

14. Help as many people as possible, whenever possible, however possible. Stop to care for yourself when you feel unappreciated.

15. Give to people and expect only from Allah.

16. Never stay in one spot for too long. Keep moving or someone will overtake you or worse, run you over.

17. Be aware of your friends in need. They might not know you care. Help them.

18. Upgrade your training materials every year until former clients expect you to have something new the next time you meet.

19. IQ for your content, EQ for your delivery, BQ for the experience, SQ for your purpose.

20. He is always watching. Always act to get His redha upon you.

21. Find someone who has walked the path you want to walk and model them. Chase them. Until you overtake them. Then find someone else and repeat.

22. Sacrifice if you want. But watch your limits lest you be sacrificed instead.

23. Today’s mistakes are fuel for tomorrow’s success. Treat life like a journey and every mistake as exploring ways to do it wrong.

24. When you are employed, every difficulty is a learning opportunity. Think of it as if you’re being paid to learn.

25. Be very clear what kind of work and clients you care to engage with. If their business model or ethics go against your religion, principles or values, be brave to take your leave.

26. Money is not an objective, but it is how we get resources to live. Plan and monitor your cashflow. Allocate funds for savings, investment and learning.

27. Stay abreast of issues clients face in their industries. Master their jargon. Know their pain points. Converse with them and demonstrate your understanding and value.

28. Learn to manage your emotions. If you can do this, there isn't much else that can stop you.

Add on your own in the comments!