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DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME WITH TRAINING - Maximize your ROI and ROE 

Never before have there been so many options for microfinance learning and training - everything from day-long workshops and longer training programs to formal degree offerings from traditional universities, and online and distance learning opportunities. 

Here are 7 basic steps to consider in finding the best match and getting the most out of any microfinance training program to maximize both your Return on Investment and your Return on Expectations. 

1. When considering training needs, compare training with other possible solutions 

As with any investment, target most of your training on the areas where you can reap the biggest, fastest and easiest rewards and remember that training is not always the silver bullet or the answer to performance problems. 

2. Get clear about the key goals you are trying to reach 

Take time to identify your training needs and objectives. As someone once said, "If you don't know where you are going, you'll probably end up there." 

3. Choose the right program 
Microfinance training comes in many forms, from formal instructor-led classroom sessions to brown-bag lunches, and each has distinct advantages and disadvantages. How do you choose the best program or course from the many out there? 

A good place to start is to find out what microfinance programs and learning events are available. The most important thing to consider is whether the content of the course meets your training needs. Obtain a copy of the course outputs and objectives and find out as much as you can about the course before you begin - read the course description, ask about prerequisites, and talk to other learners who have completed it. 

4. Look for a program that was developed with the help of industry experts 

When we invest time and resources in the pursuit of learning, it is reasonable to expect that the training we receive is relevant, current and based on the best information available. Programs such as the Boulder Institute of Microfinance and the CGAP Skills for Microfinance Managers Training Program were designed by industry experts and have many years of microfinance training experience. Some programs, such as MicroSave, provide certification to independent trainers in the use of their materials. 

5. Look for a program that caters to adults 

Adult learners typically don’t have time to waste. Look for programs or training sessions that can clearly state what you will gain in knowledge, skills and professionalism. In addition to content, convenient schedules, location, and cost are important. 

6. Look for a program that caters to your learning style 

Identify how you prefer to learn. Some people enjoy group learning, while others prefer individual study. Some people prefer steady progress through a training process, while others are eager to get hands-on experience. Training comes in a wide range of forms. Conferences typically shower a mass of information at a large audience. Seminars help people acquire knowledge more interactively. Workshops provide opportunities for practice. Distance learning and e-learning provide opportunities for self-study, such as the online lessons offered by the Rural Finance Learning Centre, or the CD-ROM based UNCDF Microfinance Distance Learning Program. 

7. Use it, Don’t Lose it 

Microfinance organizations spend considerable sums of money on training but much of that is wasted through weak linkages between the training and the workplace. Ensuring positive returns on both investment and expectations is possible by recognizing that learning is an active process that continues after the training takes place. To maximize your investment in training, keep an action plan or a "Brilliant Idea List" to identify key points to remember and apply on the job, and discuss what you learned with your co-workers - one of the best measures of learning is the ability to teach others.