Why Should You Offer CEUs ONLINE?

For many years, I held my Lighting Certification through the NCQLP, which required me to take continuing education credits or do special work to maintain my certification. Many of my friends and colleagues were registered architects or credentialed interior designers in the same boat, having to complete a certain amount of CEU’s for their livelihood. Problem is, the building industry isn’t always amenable to getting this done…

During busy times, there were many days I worked 10- or 12-hour days, and then brought work home with me. Finding a day (or three) to travel to a manufacturing facility wasn’t always possible and my boss typically wanted me to stay behind working on billable jobs, rather than taking time away from the office to visit manufacturers. But every manufacturer was offering CEUs if we would just stop by and see their products. I loved it when I could make it happen, but honestly it was pretty rare.

Any manufacturer of building products can apply to become an AIA-approved provider so that they can offer CEU courses to their clientele. It’s a great marketing technique, and in-person classes are, of course, preferred. If you can get specifiers to come in and develop a relationship, see your facility, and have a great time, they tend to be more loyal. But we all know it’s not possible (or cost-effective) to reach everyone and it’s not possible for everyone to be able to come.

Luckily, we are now living in the digital age, where CEUs can be offered online. From the AIA’s standpoint, it doesn’t matter whether a class is offered in-person or online, as long as it meets certain criteria. So offering CEUs in an online setting is a great way to reach more potential customers and offer them something they really need. It’s also a great way to continue marketing to them after they’ve left your facility. If you can offer regular CEU training courses, your customers will remember that YOU are the company that supports their ongoing learning.

Online courses can take many forms, but the more interactive and fun they are, the more your customers will appreciate them. By targeting the right topics that show off the best of what your company has to offer, you are indirectly advertising your products while providing your clients with valuable information. The right online course developer can help you target the right topics and utilize images of your products to demonstrate the concepts described in the course.

If you are working for a manufacturer, consider offering a variety of online CEU courses to your clientele. And if you need ideas or tips on how to make that happen, we can help! www.HCeTrainings.com