5 Websites Entrepreneurs Can Use to Learn New Things
Technology has put increasing pressure on professionals to keep up. While continuing education has long been required of teachers and medical professionals, employees in all fields are now required to continue to learn. A college degree may help a graduate land a job, but to continue to excel, he or she will be expected to have the latest certifications and tech knowledge relevant to the job.
But just as technology has created the demand for up-to-date training, it has also created a solution. There are so many websites dedicated to online learning, entrepreneurs can sometimes have a difficult time deciding which one to choose. Here are five great sites to get started.
HubSpot’s training section is geared toward helping professionals reach their marketing goals. The site’s certification programs are designed to prove a professional’s skill at using HubSpot’s tools. If certification isn’t your goal, you can watch some of the many marketing how-to videos available or attend a user group conference hosted by the marketing solutions provider.
Entrepreneurs located near Cambridge, Mass., can take courses at HubSpot’s headquarters. While these classes don’t offer the self-guided pace you can enjoy online, they do offer a personalized learning experience in a group training session. You’ll likely need to be a HubSpot customer to qualify for most of the courses, but HubSpot certification could serve as a valuable item for your resume.
2. TakeLessons
Whether you want to learn a foreign language or perfect your Microsoft PowerPoint skills, TakeLessons is designed to provide the instruction. The site connects you with a nearby teacher offering short lessons on your chosen subject. Many local classes are taught in a studio or at a library to eliminate any safety concerns. Each instructor has prices and credentials listed, so you can pick the teacher that best fits your needs.
Online courses are taught online via webcam. This gives students access to instructors across the country via Skype. Students can interact with instructors as though they were seated across from them from the convenience of their own homes.
3. Lynda.com
Lynda.com’s video tutorials make it popular with businesses in need of affordable software training. For a monthly fee, students can choose from more than 5,800 video courses, including how-to courses for aspiring programmers to tips on learning how to use Windows 8 or the latest Mac OS.
In addition to its software courses, Lynda.com also provides business-oriented courses. Watch videos on dealing with a difficult boss, income tax fundamentals, deciphering body language signals, and much more.
4. MonkeySee
MonkeySee’s instructors are experts in their respective fields, providing tutorials on a wide variety of topics. Learn car-care tips from AAA or gardening tips from expert landscapers. More than 11,000 professionally produced free videos are available on MonkeySee, with short ads before each one. Each video is short enough to give you a brief overview of the topic without overwhelming you with information.
The career section of MonkeySee includes topics like public speaking, goal setting, sales skills, time management, and small business startup tips. For professionals in the middle of a job hunt, multiple videos are available offering interview tips.
5. Duolingo
If learning a foreign language is your goal, Duolingo can help. You can choose from 18 different languages, with courses provided in short, easily digestible bites. Best of all, the courses are free. The app records how many consecutive days you work on your lessons and removes heart icons for each incorrect answer. Once all your hearts are depleted, the system refreshes them and allows you to start over.
Duolingo offers apps for iOS, Android, and Windows Phone, allowing you to work on your lessons while on the go. If you find yourself with a little extra time at work or home, you can take a quiz and get caught up. Duolingo might not be the best service for learning a language from the beginning but if you simply want to brush up on your skills or try out a few different languages, it’s a great free solution.
If you’re interested in bulking up your resume or keeping your knowledge current, these services can get you up to speed. For time-challenged professionals, they’re the perfect choice, allowing you to take courses from the comfort of your home, at a time that’s most convenient for you.
