Did you know that your local community college can be an excellent place to continue your education, build your business and establish yourself as an expert in your field?
While those seeking a degree are accustomed to wading through course catalogs full of business classes in addition to all the other offerings a college may have, it's easy for those of us who aren't attending school full-time to forget about the continuing education classes in such schools. Some business-related classes, such as software training classes, will meet weekly or several times a week for an entire quarter. Others, however, may only last a few days or a few hours.
Depending on the skill set you want to master, you may be able to attend a seminar in a single night that will get you on the right path. Want to build your own website? Check with the local community college. Ready to learn feng shui to add to the services you offer as an interior decorator? Get the basics from a pro in your community. One of the community colleges near me offers single day small business courses such as "Budgeting for the Small Business Owner" for less than $50...for a two-hour course.
Speaking of $50 for a two-hour course: if you're an expert in a certain area, it would be well worth it to contact schools near you and ask about becoming a teacher for their continuing education program. Under most circumstances the individuals that teach continuing ed programs such as small business courses, art classes, martial arts and the like are professionals who own or operate their own businesses. They are not necessarily degreed professors who have been teaching for decades. If you are "in the trenches" in your field, you probably have information and skills to pass on to the students at a college or the folks who want to continue their education in such a manner.
Teaching these classes offers you another entry on the resume/bio and plenty of potential exposure for your business and services. Don't forget that being a public speaker or teaching a class can drum up an amazing amount of publicity and garners respect in most fields when you speak from authority and know your stuff.
Now it's time to blend the concepts of the phrase "Those who can, do; those who can't, teach."
If you can, perhaps you should DO and TEACH.
» Education and Expertise: Establishing Both from Workerette
Today over at SmallBizMentor I spent some time discussing the importance of community colleges and the continuing education opportunities they offer people in business. I believe that it is vital that women in business take advantage of the class... [Read More]
Tracked on: February 8, 2006 10:05 PM | Permalink to Trackback