"Classes, Users Clinics and Seminars"     As seen in Engraver's Journal

The goal of this month’s talk is to get the most out of classes or seminar.  As you may know there are many great classes and seminars at trade shows.  And from time to time distributors and independent rep.’s have users clinics. The big difference is user clinics are usually aimed at clients that are already educated in the software or gear that is being sponsored by the giver of the clinic. Where a seminar is a designed as a introduction to the subject matter, and a class can be both.

Here are some rules of thumb to prep. for a beginning class or seminar.  First, study the subject matter.  The easiest source for preparing for a class is old issues of industry magazines.  Remember, most of the lectures write articles, as i do for the magazine that advertises their classes.  And yes in the future I do plan to gave technical lectures at trade shows.  But, whatever sources you use, have some background on the subject.  From this exposure you can evaluate, whether a course is needed or wanted.            

Now that you have learned enough about your grand subject to want to go forward and learn more.  The first question to ask is will this continued education farther your business.  These experiences are not free, so think of what your are going to get from it.  Next, I would check out who is teaching the course.  You would not wish to find out that a guy teaching a technical course on Dalhgren Wizzard xl’s.  Was just a sales rep. And not a technician, at all.  Or have a lecturer that has never owned a engraving shop or worked as a engraver teach a course in engraving. Heck you know more than they do.   I think you can see my point, make sure the lecturer can teach you something.  Lastly, bring the right items to class.  Recorder, paper pen, you know class stuff.

I would also ask if they have video or CD-ROM would even be better.  It is great follow up material and can be used as refresher leader.  It will also help you pass on what you have learned to other in your shop.  The other great thing about tapes is if you miss something in class you can pick it up later.

Now, once in class, have a set of questions you need answers to.  Keep this list to less than ten.  As you will more then likely not get a chance to ask all your questions?  So, a short list will force you to rate the questions and ask the most important ones first.  But, hold your question and pay attention between straight lecturing and question other ask you get a high percent of your question answer with raising a hand.

At these events there are breaks, during these breaks interact with the other engraver.  Most of best and powerful information I have collect in this industry, I learned of other engravers.  So, network, network, network…and learn.

As, class progresses you pick up on the audio-visual tools and structure of the presentation.  As the class ends write a criticism and are constructive.  The lecture will wish to know what they can do better and what them presently doing right.

So, in review, prepare, choose a good lecturer,  go with the right tools,  have a power list of questions, learn from others, and have fun.