People & Performance – August 2002 issue back to articles menu

Self-employed trainers Unite!

What’s a ‘SIG’? it’s a Special Interest Group. What’s a SETSIG? it’s a SIG for Self-Employed Trainers. SIG’s are common among professional organisations – it’s a fact that when you group together many professionals under a broad heading like Training & Development, there will be sub-groups within the main body of general members who’s specific needs are perhaps not being met as well as they could be. These SIGs operate under the umbrella of the parent body – in this case NZATD – and can report through local committees if there are lots of them, or through a National committee if the numbers are few. The SIG provides a forum for discussion of specific issues that are relevant to that particular type of member, but usually only of passing interest to the main membership.

So the SETSIG has been offered via broadcast email to all members (through Branch emails) and so far the uptake is about 30 interested people.

Here’s a sample list of the specific topics (taken from the broadcast exploratory email):

How to share ideas and support each other even though we may compete in business terms
Laid-back Networking. Creating awareness without creating offence. What Networking is, what it isn't, why it's necessary, how to do it.
Small business accounting - making the most of tax advantage, cost control, budgeting, goal-setting
Advertising. What works, what doesn't.
Proposals. Half your time is wasted. But which half? How to spot the 'Tyre-Kickers' and the 'Information-Collectors', and minimise wastage.
Credit Management. Cash Flow can Kill. You're not an Interest-free Bank.
Fee rates. What are you worth?
Copyright. Sticking up for your rights.
Dealing with NZQA requirements and maintaining your sanity
Collaborating while maintaining independence
Self Employment, working from home, and still having a relationship
Computers and Printers and Software and Insanity - the link!
Recovering from disaster jobs
The Customer is not always right.
Maintaining self-esteem
Self-Motivation
Working alone - the need for systems, technology and self-discipline. What to do without them.

That's just a starter list, one person's input - no doubt there is more to come!

In the interim, SETSIG will be reported through Auckland Committee only for simplicity, but it is offered as a National SIG. Initially it will be an email forum only, we hope to make it much easier (and open to all members to have a peek) by putting the forum up on NZATD’s website. Surprisingly, some of the interest has come from people who are not currently self-employed but who have expressed an interest in becoming so, and also from one or two who just want to stay in touch with (and perhaps understand more about) the thoughts and needs of the self-employed trainer.

There are rules of course – not least to do with having good anti-virus protection since part of the purpose is to swap files such as templates and interest items, some rules on courtesy and professionalism, and yes – no spamming or overt marketing.

Currently the interest has come from the North Island with only one from the Mainland – if you didn’t get the email and you want to be part of it, email Steve Punter at steve@sta.co.nz and get yourself on the list.

Carpe Diem

steve@sta.co.nz back to articles menu