Beyond Free Coffee & Donuts

Rating:
Summary: A Good Read!
Review: Employee development manager Sophie Oberstein and marketer Jan Alleman show why and how training programmers need to become marketers. To help you meet that demand, their workbook explains to trainers how to create and implement a marketing strategy that proves training programs boost the bottom line. They also spend time on the critical area of motivation. The authors provide a useful tool-kit for designing a marketing plan, including instructions on writing and designing promotional materials. The book serves as a good introduction to marketing for its primary target market, so we can recommend it confidently to professionals involved in training and development. One caution: the workshop format of the book is great if you are learning, and want to stop to answer questions or fill in the blanks, but it doesn't make for smooth reading.

Rating:
Summary: Go back to coffee & donuts
Review: I had high hopes for this book to be helpful, but starting with the title and going through each page I found no new or original information. The authors seem to have read the very same entry level books I have read and decided to write a book. Its not new information and frankly anyone who is doing this type of work should know this material already. I was very, very dissapointed. Amazon has other books on this subject and I suggest you spend your money there.

Rating:
Summary: Great Book for the Everyday Trainer
Review: In the introduction, the author sets the stage perfectly for this book. She says that this book does not exist to help trainers get more "get butts in seats." No, Oberstein's argues that the optimal situation for a trainer is to have the right people in the right class. The right "butts in seats." Seems like common sense, but organizations don't always behave in this fashion. Even more important, Oberstein argues, by getting the right learner in the right class, Oberstein points out that you will have even an more important outcome - respect from your organization. In today's world, what could be more important to trainers.
The ideas in this book are not meant to be groundbreaking, but should act as a reminder that you have more tools in your training marketing toolbox than you ever realized. Where the book shines is how it carefully explains how to use the tools you have more effectively, including everything from simple e-mail notices or flyers posted on lunch room walls to complete marketing campaigns to roll out major initiatives. You will probably find yourself saying more than one time, "that's a good idea" or "I never thought of that." As for value, four or five important "ah-ha's" in any book makes it a valuable book. Readers should find at least this number of important moments of enlightenment in this book and most likely even more. What more could you ask of any book?