Tips for Training Users Around the Globe

Does your organization facilitate training and support users in different countries? With modern technology, we can easily connect with others around the world, but the goal is to ensure that the virtual training we provide is just as impactful as any in-person training. Here are some tips for training users around the globe.

Accommodate different time zones and languages

Accommodating time zone differences and agreeing on a schedule beforehand allows you and your client to prepare accordingly. This includes providing training outside your local standard business hours. Additionally, if there are any language concerns prior to the training date, discuss which people on staff may be best suited to deliver the training in the client’s native language if it is preferred.

Be sensitive to cultures that differ from your own

Knowing your audience is key. Spending time understanding the client’s culture can reinforce the way you deliver training and how your training is received. Educating yourself on current events, geographies, and cultural values of the audiences you interact with can impact the style of the training or simply the terminology used. For example, address terminology “zip codes” versus “postal codes” and differences in phone number formats differ greatly between the United Status and Europe. Preparing test data that aligns with the audience’s country or region will make the learning process much easier and relatable.

Prepare for technical dilemmas

Technical difficulties are unforeseeable and often uncontrollable. Whether you are giving a presentation, using video conferencing software, or utilizing specific technical equipment, you should be prepared to easily switch to “plan b” in case you lose connectivity or something breaks. Some ideas you may consider are researching whether any product releases are scheduled around your training date, having an extra power supply readily available, or saving files locally on your machine in case you experience difficulties accessing them online. Speak with your manager or technical team to ensure you are working with the most reliable software and equipment. It may also be helpful to do a few dry-runs to test that your connectivity is stable.

Use your camera

Having a friendly face to look at, instead of a photo, icon, or blank screen, can promote relatability and encourage participation during training. So if you have a webcam, use it! Cameras provide a personal touch that some people find valuable throughout their learning process. It also helps everyone forget that you might be thousands of miles away from each other. On the flip side, it’s also helpful when audience members use their cameras so you can observe their expressions and gauge their interest during different parts of the training.

Encourage participation and incorporate interactive experiences

Creating an interactive training environment can boost participation and learning. Especially during sessions that may span across multiple hours or days, it’s easy for attention spans to drift. That’s why we’ve implemented hands-on exercises in between presentation slides and screen sharing sessions so users can try out what they just learned. Lastly, stop for questions! Asking your audience if they have any questions makes them feel like an integral part of the process and allows you to clarify content.

Reach out to Beringer today!

Does your organization need tips for training users around the globe? At Beringer, we love to implement Microsoft Dynamics 365 solutions and related technologies. We’ve been working with Microsoft Dynamics since its inception, and we’re always finding innovative ways to implement the latest tools and help automate business processes.

Beringer Technology Group, a leading Microsoft Gold Certified Partner specializing in Microsoft Dynamics 365 and CRM for Distribution also provides expert Managed IT Services, Backup and Disaster Recovery, Cloud Based Computing, Email Security Implementation and Training, Unified Communication Solutions, and Cybersecurity Risk Assessment.