Connect4Growth - The Utlimate in Strategic Vendor Management

Connect4 Training has enhanced and improved its proven processes over time, however these processes have essentially remained the same since they were developed back in 1992. What best defines Connect4 Training's services is that they are NOT "cookie-cutter". Our goal has always been to help our clients find exactly the right training vendor that best-fits their needs, through a perfect marriage of technology and personalized service.

We listen to our client...

For every search our Connection Advisor team does, we help our client's meet their objectives by following several key steps. First, by intently listening to the client, we learn as much as we can about them, and their context. We ask questions to understand the client's business, people, and their learning culture. Then, we learn about the client's training need(s), and what they want to accomplish with their training project(s). Finally, we further explore the client's need by asking about budget available, timelines, the training audience, their training history, and the kind of trainer that they feel would make the most sense for them. Once we've gained this knowledge, and the client's trust, only then do we act. Often, at an early stage, we able to offer suggestions, based on our broad and deep knowledge of the marketplace, about other possible alternatives, such as methods of delivery that they never thought of, or solutions that they never considered.

Searching the Marketplace...

Once the client-needs exploration stage is complete, we will then have a good, clear picture of what type of solution the client is looking for, or needs. (Like any good consultants, we make it a point not to "jump to a solution".) Only then, do we "go to the market" to look for vendors who closely-fit the client's requirements. "The marketplace" we explore will first be our own 3000-vendor Network, and then the broader marketplace. We'll look at both the "tried-and-true", as well as the "latest and greatest" services available. Depending on what will fit best for our client, we can search for traditional classroom, blended (e-learning combined with classroom instruction), or experiential learning solutions. Our clients like our flexibility and our personalized approach, which gives them a much broader window on the world of training resources.

Preparing our RFI - a Request for Information...

Once the needs are explored, and several potential vendors are identified, the next stage includes writing a Connect4 Training Request For Information (an RFI). The RFI is a key step in Connect4Training's vendor search process. It is a synopsis of the client, their industry, and a summary of the training opportunity. RFIs are informative, yet they keep the identity of the client confidential. Once the RFI is prepared, our Connection Advisor Team goes to work, searching their network and the broader training marketplace to find and hand-pick vendors who will receive the RFI from Connect4Training.

Advantages of using an RFI...

We have always used the RFI format. There are several advantages that the "streamlined" RFI process offers over a formal and lengthy RFP. First, RFI's give the vendor a 'sketch' of the training opportunity and requires only a brief response from the vendor that is interested in competing for the project. With that infomation, the vendor will know whether they are interested in the opportunity. They only need to present a synopsis about themselves and sketch-out a possible solution for an RFI (versus the length response needed for most RFPs). This gives our client a chance to get a broad view of who might be the BEST vendors, and not just those who have the time or the resources needed to write lengthy proposals. Also, our RFI process gives just the right amount of structure to the process and "invites" qualified vendors to throw their hats in the ring. Compare this to RFP's which can turn-off a strong vendor simply because they just don't have time to respond, or are skeptical about their chances of being considered fairly for some RFPs.

Presenting solutions to our client...

The final stage of the Connect4Training's unique RFI process is, depending on the nature of the search, the client receives a report with detailed "Profiles" on 2-5 pre-qualified vendors that they can then evaluate and further shortlist, eventually arriving at a final selection decision. The Vendor Profiles are short, concise "resumes" about the vendor. Custom-prepared for each client need, Vendor Profiles include information that identifies the vendor, lists their contact information, a description of the company/service, how they might approach the client's specific need, fee guidelines, and, typically 2-4 insightful and objective references. Once the client reads a Vendor Profile, they should have a very good idea of how well that vendor fits their organization and their needs. The next step, once the client decides they want to contact one or more of the vendors we presented directly, is to have us setup a meeting between them.

Leveraging technology to improve our customer responsiveness...

As an 'innovator' Connect4 Training (and its predecessor, The Training Broker) has always used technology to enhance our ability to respond to our client's needs, while still offering personalized service. We were the first company of their kind, in the early 90's, to establish a searchable database. Today that database has approximately 3000 registered vendor records. This database was created as a "trainer bank", a repository, for information on vendors. It was also a way for Connect4Training to stay current and track these companys' histories, while building relationships with many of them over time. The Connect4 Training computerized network is the primary tool that the Connection Advisors use to identify training vendors who were suitable for their client's needs.

Putting it all together into one comprehensive solution...for you

As you can see, Connect4 Training has found a way to create the perfect marraige of technology and personalized service, for the benefit of our clients as well as our vendors. With this leading-edge, 21st-century thinking on vendor matching, we are confident that we will continue to offer services that are valued, and perfectly aligned with our client's needs and expectations.

See what PVM4 Training service options we have for you. Ask us about how our Connection Advisory team can start searching and qualifying vendors for you today.

Learn about PVM4 Training, and request a sample copy of our Premier Comparative Report. Call 1-800-263-1311 or send an e-mail or complete our on-line request form.

What we deliver to you - The Tangible...