Channel Learning

Extended enterprise LMS stakeholders were proving that learning initiatives make a legitimate business impact by comparing trained vs. untrained audiences on metrics like sales volume, customer satisfaction, retention and lifetime value.

If training departments don't step up, extended enterprise learning sponsors move forward on their own -- often duplicating technology, content and effort.

Here's the most important distinction to keep in mind: Departments that care about educating external audiences are not investing in these programs because compliance rules require it but because these learning programs lead to a direct, measurable business impact.

Offering extended enterprise learning is about helping your corporation (large or small) increase overall sales revenue, improve profit margins and stay ahead of competitors in a challenging global marketplace.

It's still early, but perhaps one of the most interesting opportunities is coming from the association space, where gamification and digital badges are being used to help bridge the skills gap.

With a registration model, usage calculations can be based on any of several metrics:  how many users log into the LMS, register for an instructor-led class or webinar, buy content or earn a certification. 

When you want advice you can trust from learning tech blogs, where do you go? If you dismiss LMS vendor content, it's time to take a closer look. Here's why.

 These "all purpose" LMS platforms are used to deliver, support and measure online and classroom training programs for any combination of employees, channel partners, dealers, franchisees, customers, business prospects and others.

Among LMS technology trends to watch, I think there will be more innovation in mobile, social, badges and certification, as well as capabilities that attract new users and facilitate training content commerce.

One of the best things about being a learning technology analyst is that I get to meet so many smart, passionate people who are pushing the boundaries of the LMS and business success as we know it.  Every day I speak with founders and senior executives, sales and marketing teams, as well as customers and prospects from all over [...]