Don't drop the ball: 5 mistakes to avoid when choosing your learning solutions vendor

In today's high-octane business environment, your workforce is your high-performance engine. They possess raw talent and potential that, if utilised correctly, can play a huge role in helping you take the lead in? your target market. But first, you must unlock this potential. And doing so, requires the right fuel, the right calibrations, and the right strategy – continuous learning – delivered by a skilled pit crew; your Learning & Development (L&D) team.

However, often the skills that the market demands of your workforce are such that even the most dedicated internal L&D team may need a little bit of outside help to ensure top-notch performance. That's where a strong external L&D partner comes in, playing the role of a strategic extension of your internal capabilities. And that’s why, it’s important to know what to look for in the right partner for YOU.

This article takes a look at the common missteps companies make when searching for an external L&D partner, empowering you to make informed decisions and find the perfect fit to supercharge your business growth.

Mistake #1: No Map, No Direction

Imagine navigating a complex data centre blindfolded – a recipe for frustration and server crashes, right? The same applies to L&D. Without clearly defined goals – be it bridging a critical skill gap in cybersecurity, boosting sales effectiveness in a new market, or fostering a culture of data-driven decision making – it's impossible to find the right partner to steer you in the correct direction.

Mistake #2: Skipping the Inventory Audit

Before embarking on a critical software implementation, a wise IT manager wouldn't neglect to assess their existing infrastructure. Right? The same holds true for L&D. Taking stock of your current resources – LMS platform capabilities, internal content development expertise, and team capacity – allows you to identify the precise areas where a partner can add the most value.

Mistake #3: The One-Size-Fits-All Fallacy

The L&D landscape is a bustling marketplace teeming with vendors, each with unique strengths. Do you require a content creation powerhouse to craft microlearning modules that keep your geographically dispersed workforce engaged? Perhaps a tech whiz is needed to seamlessly integrate your LMS and learning analytics platform with a third party data visualisation platform.What is it exactly that you need?? Identifying your specific needs will help you target the ideal partner or partners with the perfect skillset to complement your internal team.

Mistake #4: Lost in the Search Engine Maze

While Google might be your go-to resource for everyday searches, it's not the most effective tool for pinpointing the perfect L&D partner. Industry-specific directories curated by organisations like Training Industry or Brandon Hall Group offer a more targeted approach. These platforms allow you to filter vendors based on specific criteria like size, specialisation, and client success stories, ensuring a more relevant pool of potential partners.

Mistake #5: Shallow Dive: The Power of Probing Questions

Don't be fooled by a flashy website and slick marketing materials. The key to a successful L&D partnership hinges on asking insightful questions. Craft a comprehensive questionnaire that delves into a vendor's experience, infrastructure, ability to meet your budget constraints, and, most importantly, their proven track record of success in achieving similar learning and development objectives for clients in your industry.

Finding the right L&D partner can help you transform your L&D function from a potential bottleneck to a strategic launchpad for success. By avoiding these common missteps, you'll be well-equipped to select a partner who seamlessly integrates with your existing team and propels your workforce towards achieving their full potential.

Here at DelphianLogic, we specialise in empowering organisations to build and manage thriving learning ecosystems. We bring a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success in collaborating with clients across various industries. Our team of experts works tirelessly to understand your unique needs and craft customised solutions that bridge skill gaps, cultivate a culture of continuous learning, and ultimately, drive business growth.

Ready to embark on a journey of learning and development transformation with DelphianLogic? Let’s talk