Building your learning brand

When you think of any of the top brands what do you think of? Exactly what they want you to think is the quick answer.

When you think of the learning you provide - what do you think people will say about it? Building a brand for your learning is as vital in L&D as it is for any business. It will help you defend budget, build a following and inform strategy.  As such you will enjoy this short video of Richard Branson being interviewed to help you on your way to sharing your passion for learning with those around you.

Can Business Nouse be taught?

Is having a ‘head for business’ instinctive, or can business savvy be taught?

In 1996 Michelle Mone started up her designer lingerie company, MJM International. Today her business is thought to be worth £50 million. Carol Savage has headed up marketing for leading brands such as Sara Lee and Disney. They tell Jenni Murray what they think on Woman's Hour. You can access it via this QR code.

They talk about the key being about determination, having a fire in your belly - your attitude sees you achieve.

Jenni compares two incredible business women. Michelle Mone who grew up with Richard Branson pinned on her wall instead of pop stars.  And Carol Savage who decided to study an MBA whilst pregnant and stumbled upon a great idea for business.

Their 3 key pieces of advice are:

1. Be prepared to build relationships that enable you to rely on people who have great skills e.g. in L&D build your relationships with marketing or finance so that you really do get to know the business inside out.
2. Challenge people strongly and positively to hone your understanding
3. Seek out ways to learn continuously.

So, yes the practicalities of reading balance sheets and understanding the theory can be taught but business nouse really comes from continuously challenging yourself, your understanding and the understanding of those around you.

What is your 'Golden Thread'

I heard this phrase again last week form Ray Pendleton at Thirsty Horses and it really made me think about what my golden thread is.

A golden thread is a term used to describe two elements that are linked in their most direct form.

e.g. Organisational rhetoric into action or people with places.

When you think about your work in L&D what is your Golden thread? How do you ensure that you really are connected in the strongest way possible in your work?

So a couple of questions for you:

1. How clear are you on how your work directly impacts the organisation vision and strategic objectives?
2. How clear are others in this?
3. How well do you challenge your team on their contribution to this?
4. How well do you explore with stakeholders how you can maximise value beyond simple actions?
5. How well do you use the process of learning as well as content to embed these underlying principles?

But more importantly are you passionate about it? Remember you wouldn't say "Will you marry me, you're interesting?" No of course you wouldn't (Larry Smith at TED speaking about why you will fail to get a great career.
So Q6 is...

6. If the golden thread is the direct link, the link where you know you are making a massive difference, how will you get juiced, really juiced about it so you can create the highest expression of your talents.