Creating space in your diary to develop yourself professionally is just as important to you as training your clients. As an expert in your field, it is vital to keep your knowledge up-to-date.
Kate Marlow, Founder of Little Bird Communications, has discussed ‘CPD- Why bother and my top tips for pain-free CPD’, and as a PR expert, she is a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations. She admits to keeping her annual CPD record well up-to-date and submits it early. Marlow believes CPD gives her a professional direction, boosts her confidence and encourages her to think differently.
So here are Marlow’s top CPD tips:
Setting goals If you are joined to a professional body, find out the most common CPD to know that you are not alone.
Plan for it Develop a training plan by finding out when you are free in the year to learn so CPD won’t get in the way of your business and private life.
Choose activities that work for you and make it count Go to events, seminars, or workshops that are relevant only to you. Ring ahead and keep an eye on the agenda and speakers list so that you can get the most out of your time.
Log it as you go Keep CPD records organised and record CPD points after every activity. If you ask your professional body, they may have a system in place to help you.
Token reward Keep your CPD enjoyable, as Marlow confirms after every success, such as completing her CPD record, she ‘buys a new book’ or ‘walks with the dog’.
Amanda Rosewarne, Director of CPD Research and Accreditation at the CPD Standards Office, says: “Marlow’s top CPD tips are relevant for all trainers and coaches to ensure that they provide the most value to clients. By continuously seeking professional development opportunities, it will not only benefit you but also your business and reputation as a CPD accredited trainer. It will demonstrate to your clients that you know your stuff!”
By allowing yourself time to professionally develop, it can deliver high personal as well as professional returns.”
And as a trainer, you could pass these tips on to your own clients. After all, we all learning.
