How You Can Use The Web To Become A Better Leader

When was the last time you spent even 60 minutes on your own professional development? If you can’t remember, you’re not alone. One of the biggest challenges business owners and managers face is they get so busy in their day-to-day operation that they neglect their most important asset, themselves. Forbes.com leadership expert Lisa Earle McLeod says, “ You’re the biggest asset your business has. If you’re not developing your own skills, it’s like not maintaining your equipment or your customer base. Eventually your business will suffer.” But who has time to read a book or attend a seminar when you’ve got a business to run?

That’s where the web comes in. Online learning is exploding, and webinars are one of the most effective ways you can develop your skills without investing a lot of time or money. McLeod, who runs a sales and leadership training firm, says, “Personal development doesn’t have to be boring, expensive or time-consuming. We do a lot of webinars for our clients because it enables us to take a single topic, like selling skills, employee engagement or organization skills, and provide people with quick, easy to use advice and tools, no travel required.”

CMIT has partnered with McLeod to create a webinar series titled “Grow Your Small Business Without Giving Up Your Life.” As a CMIT QuickTip subscriber, you’re invited to attend for free. (registration info below)

Here are McLeod’s 10 Tips for getting the most out of any webinar:

1. Be Choosy - Your time is valuable. Look for webinars that provide true skill development rather than just an overview of something. Think about what would have the biggest impact on your life or business.

2. Consider the Source - Look at who’s offering the webinar and who’s leading it. There are tons of webinars out there and many of them are just sales pitches in disguise. Make sure the webinar is sponsored by a trusted source and is being delivered by an expert in the field.

3. Expect Takeaways - A good webinar should provide you with a downloadable tool you can use right away and that you can share with your employees and colleagues.

4. Block Out Time – Treat the webinar as you would a client meeting or any other important appointment. If you’re serious about your development, you'll schedule time for it.

5. Turn Off Email – Multi-tasking is a myth. If you’re going to attend, make sure you’re fully focused.

6. Log On Early – Many webinar providers, including CMIT's provider Go To Meeting, do a system check and take a minute to load, especially the first time. Log in a few minutes early to make sure you’re ready before the official start time.

7. Choose Your Audio – Webinars usually give you the option of dialing in via phone, or listening via your computer. Make your choice when you log in. If you want to be able to ask questions and your computer doesn't have a microphone, choose the phone option. If you choose listening from your computer, make sure your speakers and mic are on.

8. Participate - If the webinar gives you an option; by all means participate. It will make the call more meaningful for you and everyone else. In many cases, if you ask a question you’ll get expert advice from someone you might not otherwise have access to.

9. Share Recordings – Most webinars provide a link to a recording of the call after the fact. If you learned something, share it with your colleagues and employees.

10. Apply and Enjoy – The ideal webinar is entertaining AND informative. So take a breath before you start, grab pen and paper to record useful info, settle into your chair, and show up with a learner attitude. This is about improving your business and your life, it should be fun and interesting.

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