July 2003

Question

I am considering hiring trainers, consultants where I was the only consultant trainer, I am the president. What type of insurance do I need to protect my company, these people will be traveling?

Answer

You probably already know that you will need Workers' Compensation Insurance to protect your company from injury claims by employees for on-the job injuries. It is a no-fault type of insurance that will pay the medical bills and a portion of the lost wages. Have you spoken to anyone about Professional Liability which provides protection should someone in your company give one of your clients bad advice that causes injury? You may also wish to consider Insurance for Employee Claims to protect you against employee lawsuits. You really should sit down with your insurance agent and discuss what you will need. Requirements vary from state to state. Two good references are The Legal Handbook for Trainers, Speakers, and Consultants by Patricia S. Eyres and The Consultant's Legal Guide by Linda Byars Swindling, esq. and me. The later includes a great chapter on Employment Issues.

Question

In November you addressed question # 3 in regards to sub-contracting with companies for training, etc. I would like to know how to begin a career which involved sub-contracting with companies for teaching, training, updating, etc. I teach everyday and would like to retire early and begin a career but do not know where to begin. Please help!!

Answer

I suggest you begin looking in your area for training and consulting companies and determine several companies for whom you would like to work. One of the best things about sub-contracting is that you can live anywhere and work for companies all across the country. Therefore, you are not limited to the companies in your city. Why not contact a few of the larger training companies such as DDI, Forum, The Bob Pike Group, Franklin Covey, or Herrmann International to find out whether they are hiring. By the way, the economy has taken its toll this year on many consulting firms, so don't be discouraged if you do not receive in immediate yes.

Question

For the past 2 years I've been teaching and designing training programs for the entire state of West Virginia's public sector employees (22,000). Although I find the task rewarding, I'd like to relocate to New York City or Washington....what strategy do you recommend for me to get started?

Answer

That's a big move-from a state where the number of people in the entire public sector is equal to the number of people who work in one building. But go for it. There are many things to think of, and given the economic times, I suggest that you have a solid job offer before you move. If you would like to stay in the government sector, try local, state, and D.C. federal agencies. You don't say whether you are an internal or external trainer, so I can't give you much more than that. If you do decide to move to the D.C. area, don't forget about the cities around the area such as Arlington or Alexandria. On a personal note, if you are currently living in West Virginia, don't be shocked by the cost of living in either of those cities.

Question

I have been doing instructional design work for about 2 years, and I love it. I have been designing and editing interactive, animated computer-based training. Unfortunately, due to a merger, I was just laid off from my full time job at a Fortune 500 company. I am very interested in continuing constructing instructional materials as a consultant. Do you have any suggestions how I can break into this field?

Answer

There are so many things to think about! You need to determine first of all whether there is a market for your skills and then who the clients would be. You need to decide if you would like being an entrepreneur and whether you have financial funds to support yourself as your business gets started. Read Geoff Bellman's book, The Consultant's Calling to explore the philosophy of the field. If you think you are a fit, write to me and I will send you a copy of The Consultant's Quick Start Guide. It is a guide that will help you develop a business plan, identify the decisions you must make, and help you get started.