software training business plan

How to Start a Computer Training Business

A computer training business helps clients improve their computer skills. Classes are offered at different skill levels, from basics all the way up to advanced applications. Their clients range from corporations to private individuals, each sharing one common goal — to be more computer literate.

Learn how to start your own Computer Training Business and whether it is the right fit for you.

Ready to form your LLC? Check out the Top LLC Formation Services .

Start a computer training business by following these 10 steps:

• Plan your Computer Training Business
• Form your Computer Training Business into a Legal Entity
• Register your Computer Training Business for Taxes
• Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
• Set up Accounting for your Computer Training Business
• Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Computer Training Business
• Get Computer Training Business Insurance
• Define your Computer Training Business Brand
• Create your Computer Training Business Website
• Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your computer training business. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas .

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

What will you name your business?

• What are the startup and ongoing costs?
• Who is your target market?

How much can you charge customers?

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

Choosing the right name is very important. Read our detailed guide on how to name your business . We recommend checking if the business name you choose is available as a web domain and securing it early so no one else can take it.

Want some help naming your computer training business?

Business name generator, what are the costs involved in opening a computer training business.

Startup costs to launch this type of business vary depending on the business model. Many computer educators work from home, traveling to their clients or teaching classes online. Others go big from the start, opening an educational facility complete with state-of-the-art equipment.

Launching a home-based computer education program requires little more than computers, software, training materials, insurance, and an advertising budget. This can be done for $2,000 or less.

Opening a training facility, however, requires a significantly higher startup budget. An 850 square foot facility, equipped with multiple computers, furniture, fixtures, and staff, costs $55,000 to $80,000. Exact costs vary based on your region, the number of team members you employ, and how much equipment you plan to start with.

If you have the necessary computer knowledge but aren’t sure where to start, consider one of the many franchise opportunities. While most franchises have specific rules regarding how much startup capital you must have, many new business owners find that they save money in the long run. Aligning yourself with the right franchise gives you access to a proven business model, marketing support, and brand recognition.3

What are the ongoing expenses for a computer training business?

A home-based computer training business faces few ongoing expenses. Your budget should include office supplies, equipment maintenance, travel expenses, marketing, business insurance, payroll, and printing costs for educational materials.

If you elect to open a training facility, you will need to budget for additional expenses. These include rent, utilities, building maintenance, and additional business insurance.

Whichever route you take, your annual budget should also include ongoing education and certification for you and your staff. Consider this an investment in your business’s future growth and stability.

Who is the target market?

When creating your detailed business plan, spend ample time researching what computer skills are in high demand. Identify what parts of the market are oversaturated and avoid those. Focus on niches that lack quality training. This will help you clearly identify your target market and develop a targeted marketing plan.

Examples of target niches include:

• Individuals who have just purchased their first computer
• Fortune 500 companies who require Microsoft training for their workforce
• Real estate agents who lack desktop publishing skills
• Human resources software training
• Patient management software training for physicians and medical staff

How does a computer training business make money?

Your computer training business will make money by charging a fee for your educational services. Most computer trainers charge a flat hourly rate or a flat fee per class session.

Pricing will vary depending on the course and educational setting. A basic online computer class might cost $49, while more advanced training might cost $175 per person. The average cost for a private training course is $40-$60, depending on the material taught.

How much profit can a computer training business make?

The estimated profit for the 850 square foot facility we mentioned earlier is almost $49,000 in the first year. The second and third year’s estimated profits are just over $77,000.

Now, let’s look at a home-based training business that teaches three hour-long classes six days/week at $175/person. If each class has seven students in it, this comes to $3,675 per week. While the revenue looks significantly lower, your overhead expenses are minimal. If you have $1,000 in monthly overhead expenses, your annual profits will reach almost $165,000.

How can you make your business more profitable?

Diversity is key in this profession. Offer a wide range of classes and attendance options. Offering access to your training materials for a small fee is a great way to boost your business’s annual profits.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC's free Small Business Startup Guide - a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship , partnership , limited liability company (LLC) , and corporation .

Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your computer training business is sued.

Form Your LLC

Read our Guide to Form Your Own LLC

Have a Professional Service Form your LLC for You

Two such reliable services:

You can form an LLC yourself and pay only the minimal state LLC costs or hire one of the Best LLC Services for a small, additional fee.

Recommended: You will need to elect a registered agent for your LLC. LLC formation packages usually include a free year of registered agent services . You can choose to hire a registered agent or act as your own.

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website . If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil .

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

• Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
• Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

• Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
• Build your company's credit history , which can be useful to raise money later on.

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance . This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance . If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you aren't feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out our Design Guides for Beginners , we'll give you helpful tips and advice for creating the best unique logo for your business.

Recommended : Get a logo using Truic's free logo Generator no email or sign up required, or use a Premium Logo Maker .

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator . Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a computer training business

Once you’ve identified your target niches, you can develop a marketing strategy that reaches them. For example, patient management software training includes doctors and medical staff. Approach doctors offices, medical facilities, and hospitals to let them know how you can help them. Place ads in medical journals, online publications, and forums. Create targeted social media ads for the medical community. Be particular about how you go about targeting a niche audience.

In this competitive industry, it’s important that you establish your business as an industry authority. This means crafting quality content that addresses your target niche’s pain points. Your website should add value and showcase client success stories.

How to keep customers coming back

While this is a competitive industry, it’s also recession-proof and is in no danger of becoming obsolete. In fact, business owners who are committed to expanding their own knowledge and keeping up with emerging technology trends can find themselves busier than their business plan predicted. Your commitment to your clients and their pain points will create a dependency that ensures your clients keep coming back for more.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business .

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

• All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
• Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
• Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended : Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders .

Other popular website builders are: WordPress , WIX , Weebly , Squarespace , and Shopify .

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2023 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it's fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

Do you have a firm understanding of computers and software? Are computers your passion, and do you enjoy passing your knowledge on to others? Are you ready to be your own boss and take charge of your own future? If so, launching a computer training business could be the ideal business venture.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a computer training business?

As a computer trainer, you will spend your days educating clients on all things related to computers. From computer basics to advanced software applications, it’s your job to ensure every student leaves with newfound computer confidence.

When you aren’t teaching, you will spend your time honing your own skills and learning about new and emerging industry trends. Your clients will look to you as an authority figure on the subject. Gaining and maintaining their trust means you should know about technological advancements and changes as soon as they’re announced.

While your computer knowledge is what will generate revenue, this knowledge is wasted if you don’t have any customers. Therefore, it’s important that you dedicate part of your time to a marketing strategy and other business-related tasks.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful computer training business?

Success in computer training requires advanced computer knowledge and the ability to effectively share that knowledge with others. You must be able to communicate with students from all backgrounds and skill levels.

Depending on your business model, you may work in a group setting or provide one-on-one training. Education sessions should be organized and detailed. It’s also important that you remain flexible and patient. Keep in mind, most of your students are intimidated by the very idea of learning about computers. Therefore, it’s important that your passion for computers shines through and that you create a safe and engaging learning environment.

While not a requirement, having computer certifications is strongly recommended. Your certifications will show customers that you possess the skills you claim to have and that you value your own education. Since there are a number of specialized certifications, this will also help in targeting specific niches.

What is the growth potential for a computer training business?

While the computer training sector is competitive, there is significant room for growth. Business owners with long-term growth goals are encouraged to write a well thought out business plan with defined goals and a growth strategy.

The annual average companies spend on general staff training is $3,000, with $8,200 spent on information systems training. Before launching your business, conduct research on where the greatest opportunities lie and focus your energies there. Play on your strengths and offer training programs that set you apart from the competition.

TRUiC's YouTube Channel

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Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor.

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a computer training business?

Having extensive computer knowledge doesn’t automatically make you a great teacher. Successful computer trainers recommend practicing over and over before putting yourself in front of a class. In addition to practicing, they also recommend attending a few courses for yourself. Pay attention to how the instructor communicates and interacts, which subjects are difficult for students to grasp, and what teaching methods work best.

When determining what classes you’ll offer, consider what computer and software knowledge is in high demand. If a professional stands to land a better job with certain skills, they are more apt to pay for your training course. Examples of software skills that are in high demand are Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Visual Basics.

Consider joining one of the many industry-related associations . This will serve as a networking tool and help with your business’s professional development.

How and when to build a team

When you build your team depends on your business model. If you open a facility, you’ll need staff to manage the day-to-day operations and educators to teach the classes you offer.

Everyone, from the front office employee to your teachers, should have a firm understanding of computer basics. When selecting teachers, consider your strengths and weaknesses. Hire educators that play on your strengths and fill in the gaps where your skills are lacking. This ensures a well-rounded educational center and positions you for future growth.

Have a Question? Leave a Comment!

Updated on: 10 Dec 2020 , 9 mins to read

How to start a training business: 6 steps to success

The eLearning market is growing — fast. So fast, that from the $200 billion in 2019, it’s now expected to grow over $375 billion by 2026. And as people are warming up to the idea that eLearning is just as effective as traditional training, there’s never been a better time to think about how to start a training business.

Before you jump headfirst into starting a training business of your own, you’ll want to slow down and make sure you have everything in place. Do you know what will make your business successful?

Here’s our six-step plan on how to start a training company .

How to start a training business in 6 steps (and make it a success)

Starting a training company isn’t much different from setting up any other company. You’ll still need to think about all the essential aspects of business 101: Who’s your client base ? How will you persuade them to choose you? How will you beat the competition ?

Let’s look at how you can set your eLearning business up for success.

• Know your audience
• Use the right technology and tools
• Think about the content
• Partner with the right people
• Run it like a business

Curious to learn more? Let’s dive in!

1. Know your audience

Before starting your own training business, you need to decide who you’ll target with your business.

Enter market research.  The best way is to hire a market research company that can assess the viability of the training business you’re considering. A more affordable option is to talk to people, run an informal survey, or put up a simple “sign up for updates” form on your Facebook or landing page to gauge people’s interest.

Ultimately, the goal is to land on a specific target audience for your services before you start a training business. Who are they? What do they need to learn? What do they want to learn? The next step is to determine how large this audience is . This way you’ll be able to estimate your company’s profitability.

Sustainability and profitability are two elements you should look at before you commit your time and money to start an online training business. Of course, you’ll only be able to tell with real certainty after your business opens doors, but this will definitely help you rule out some impossible markets.

Another factor you need to consider regarding your audience is whether  you’re targeting your local market (which, in countries like the US or China can be more than big enough) or an international one. This will affect a great many things, such as your content (depending on who you want to reach you might need to offer localized courses), the way of delivery (to easily target an international audience you’ll need a full-featured eLearning platform), even your payment methods.

Another consideration is whether you are targeting the general market (that is, J. Random User on the web) or businesses.

Don’t rule out enterprise training. Offering enterprise training as an outside contractor is a wholly viable business option. Not all enterprises have internal enterprise training programs, and even those that do, don’t cover all their training needs with them. That’s where you, as an independent training contractor could come in and offer a complete training program saving them from the hassle of deploying and maintaining it.

2. Use the right technology and tools

To run a successful eLearning business, it’s important to pick the right technology. After all, eLearning is 50% content and 50% delivery. Delivery refers to speed, UI, ease of use, intuitiveness, features ,  and more. And that is all technology.

Modern technology, high-speed internet, and the emergence of turn-key, full-featured LMS platforms like TalentLMS , have leveled the playing field. With the right tools in place, even a small, two-person company can compete with a big, established training provider — if not in breadth of content, then surely in quality and presentation.

Besides, don’t forget that the technology you choose will affect your scalability options further down the road — i.e. how big your business can eventually get.

You probably want your eLearning business to be infinitely scalable from day one, but that’s not easy (or affordable) to achieve, especially if you’re considering building the learning platform yourself. It’s also something that’s not necessary to address when you first start a training business.

In this case, cloud-based LMS is the best solution , as essentially you offload the scalability problem to your cloud provider, and you’re free to increase your plan (and reach) whenever the need arises.

This flexibility will usually come at a small per-user fee, paid to your Cloud vendor. But, unless you’re at Google scale, it’s still better than paying a huge amount upfront for building your own server farm, plus the salaries to maintain your own IT team.

Build your online training courses in minutes with TalentLMS. The learning management system that’s easy to set up, easy to use, and easy to customize.

3. Think about the content

When we’re thinking about how to start a training business, one of the first things that comes up is content. Because content is indeed the core of your business.

Whether you’re offering Arabian flute lessons to all consumers or Economics 101 to enterprise audiences, your content needs to be top-notch, because this is what will make your eLearning business stand out.

Think polished, professional-looking content , with a high enough production value. No sloppy writing, no boring PowerPoints, no boring videos of talking heads.

Take the time to do it right yourself. Or hire a talented writer, and learn about all the trade tricks that can increase the perceived — and actual — quality of your content (e.g., consistent typography).

The most important decision, though, is the kind of content you’ll invest in. While you might be passionate about Latin, it doesn’t mean others are too — especially not a large enough audience to help you sustain an online training business.

You should also be cautious of uber-trendy subjects, as they may be unsustainable for any significant period of time. Cryptocurrency might be trendy now, but not in the next two years, and the last thing you’d want is to have invested loads of money on content that won’t pay off.

4. Partner with the right people

You might be tempted to wear every single hat in your new business. That’s fair. When you’re starting a training business, chances are you can’t afford to hire a dedicated department for marketing or sales. But, doing it all yourself is not a viable option, either.

Instead, find the right freelancers and partner with them. For example, you can outsource plenty of business administration tasks to a virtual assistant. You can hire freelancers to cover your marketing tasks, and even get instructional designers and subject matter experts to design your courses.

Be honest about your weaknesses and your strengths. And then hire the right people who complement those.

5. Market it

If you have your business license at hand, your content polished and loaded, and your LMS ready to welcome your learners, you might think you’re all set.

But that’s just the first part of starting a training business. The really hard part will be to market your training offering so that enough people sign up.

This all depends on your marketing budget and your ingenuity. At the very least, you should give your website and service a professional and memorable look based on your corporate branding .

Your target audience will also determine how you will market your eLearning offerings. For example, if you target a niche industry (e.g., music production courses), then it would be a good idea to advertise in trade magazines and websites. If you’re competing for enterprise training contracts, you should target websites like LinkedIn, talk to enterprise executives directly, etc.

Of course, if your eLearning business idea is unique and your content well thought out, it might market itself through word of mouth and favorable online reviews. But don’t depend on that  — to paraphrase Glengarry Glen Ross, you should “always be marketing”.

6. Run it like a business

This goes without saying, but if you want to start your own online training business, you would need to treat it like a business, too.

First, you’ll need a quick starter course in economics to learn about revenue, taxes, and  pricing . Don’t assume that you know these things and that running a business is intuitive. Some economic concepts are common knowledge. But most will come as a surprise, or maybe a revelation. A lack of understanding of notions like sunk cost, opportunity cost, and price curves has hurt far too many businesses to mention.

Grasping economic concepts is just the start; equally vital is establishing an LLC business bank account to separate personal and business finances, ensuring legal and financial clarity.

You’ll also need to keep up with the bureaucracy (the IRS doesn’t joke around), keep an eye on your competitors, and be on the lookout for new business opportunities and partnerships.

If what you have in mind is the cliche image of a boss who doesn’t do anything but collect profits each month, you better forget it. Running a business is a 24/7 job.

How to start a training company 101: From theory to practice

Now you know how to start a training business. And even though it’s hard work, there’s never been a better time to dive in. The online training industry is booming and will continue to grow.

Are you considering starting your own training and development company? What’s stopping you? Already a proud eLearning business owner? What lessons did you learn when you started your training business?

Let us know in the comments!

Save time, frustration and money with TalentLMS, the most-affordable and user-friendly learning management system on the market. Try it for free for as long as you want and discover why our customers consistently give us 4.5 stars (out of 5!)

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Originally published on: 13 Jul 2018

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How to develop a highly effective software training plan.

The CloudShare Team

Does your business have a corporate software training program ? How well does that program align with your long-term business objectives? If your organization is anything like most, the answer is probably not well .

Table of Contents

Alignment between training key performance indicators (KPIs) and business goals is more important than ever in the face of tightening budgets and increased competition. However, this appears to be something that very few businesses have managed to achieve.

In a recent survey of our users , for instance, only 20 percent of respondents viewed their training program as very well aligned with their business goals. The majority of respondents (66 percent) had KPIs that were only somewhat aligned, while 14 percent reported little to no business alignment. That’s a problem, and not just from a budgeting perspective.

Software training programs that fail to mesh with organizational objectives likely aren’t teaching participants everything they need to know.

So let’s say you’re one of the 66 percent (or worse, one of the 14 percent). What exactly can you do about it? The answer is simple – develop a plan .

Our Chief Marketing Officer, Annie Reiss, recently co-hosted a webinar with L&D champion Brenna Strickland on what that involves. Below, you’ll find a recap of some of the major points.

Determine Your Obstacles and Priorities

There are two questions you need to answer when laying the groundwork for your training plan. First, what do you want to accomplish? And second, what factors might impact your efforts?

Let’s say, for instance, that you want to implement ongoing SaaS software training for your company’s internal project management software. Your priority for that training would be to ensure all employees have a baseline level of competence with the software, which in turn would increase operational efficiency and productivity for the organization. Factors that might impact or impede that goal could include:

• Losing an employee
• Having to onboard a new hire
• Dealing with a merger or acquisition
• Changes to a product’s release schedule
• Purchasing new software
• Introducing a new strategic initiative
• Upcoming events that may require training and support

You’ll need to account for these obstacles and how you’ll overcome them. Establish clear processes for handling turnover and onboarding, and study any roadmaps that are potentially relevant. Have a plan for each scenario – that way, you can keep things moving forward.

Identify Your KPIs

Once you’ve established your core priorities, the next step is to define your KPIs, which come in two forms. First are training KPIs – these are what you’ll use to measure and track the progress and effectiveness of your training. Second and more importantly, you have business KPIs.

These are things like customer satisfaction, career growth, project completion time, and short-term turnover. You should already know which of these metrics is most important to your business. Figure out where you can make the greatest impact, and you can then use the associated metric to convey your training program’s ROI.

Take Stock of Your People and Resources

People are the lifeblood of every successful corporate initiative, and software training is no exception. Once you’ve figured out the basics of your training program, you’ll next want to assess your team.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of each team member? How are they currently using their time, and could they be doing anything more effectively? In what way could each team member contribute to your training?

You’ll also want to catalog your systems and tools. Which of these systems require additional training? Are there any tools or systems you’re currently missing?

Establish a Game Plan

At this point, you should have a concrete idea of what you want to achieve with your training and the resources that you can use to achieve it. Now, you need to establish your approach. To that end, ask yourself the following questions:

• What’s my target timeframe for this training program?
• What is my company culture on learning, and how well does it support this initiative?
• Do I have any other training commitments planned?
• Are there any opportunities to monetize this training? Should I attempt to monetize it?
• How will my organization deliver this training?

Document your entire training plan up to this point – you’ll need it for the next step.

Seek Executive Buy-In

Now, we’ve gotten to the hard part. You’ll need to get an executive sponsor. Find someone in a leadership position who believes in what you’re trying to accomplish and can make a case to colleagues for your training program’s value.

Work with that sponsor to set a joint definition of success and keep them updated and engaged on your progress.

Develop (And Submit) Your Training Budget

You have a goal, a plan, and an executive sponsor. All that’s missing is a budget. Think about what you’ll need to accomplish your objectives and how much that’s likely to cost.

You can use your training budget from the previous year as a starting point or look at industry benchmarks and averages . Make sure to evaluate your year-over-year run-rate items, maintenance fees, and any ongoing software licenses. You’ll also want to determine if your budget will be set and static or if you have a bit more flexibility.

If the required budget for your training program exceeds your overall training budget, don’t panic. You might be able to bring in additional funds through revenue-generating programs, find line items that can be swapped for different investments, or make a case to leadership for additional investment.

Measure, Monitor and Revise

There’s one final step before setting your training plan in motion. You need to make sure you have a way to measure and monitor your KPIs. You may also want to consider setting personal, team and departmental goals.

If it helps, you can use the Objectives and Key Results (OKR) Framework. This framework standardizes the process for defining and establishing measurable high-level goals by providing direction and clarity to a business’s objectives. The framework is also an excellent way to keep everyone aligned, encouraging greater collaboration and making it easier to measure progress.

Per CIO Magazine , OKRs are particularly well-suited when you want to set ambitious goals and targets.

Why (And How) to Develop a Knockout Software Training Program

Software training isn’t something that can be executed on a whim. It requires a strategic, deliberate approach – a plan developed in alignment with long-term business objectives. Now that you know the basic steps involved in that approach, the rest is up to you.

With that said, if you’d like a bit of a deeper dive into the points discussed in this blog, including best practices for workshops and skill assessments, check out How to Develop Knockout Software Training Plans .

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Business Plan for Software Company

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Software Company Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 500 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their software companies.

If you’re unfamiliar with creating a software company business plan, you may think creating one will be a time-consuming and frustrating process. For most entrepreneurs it is, but for you, it won’t be since we’re here to help. We have the experience, resources, and knowledge to help you create a great business plan.

In this article, you will learn some background information on why business planning is important. Then, you will learn how to write a software company business plan step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What is a Software Company Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your software company as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategies for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for a Software Company

If you’re looking to start a software company or grow your existing software company, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your software company to improve your chances of success. Your software company business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Software Companies

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a software company are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans, and angel investors. When it comes to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to ensure that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business. Personal savings and bank loans are the most common funding paths for software companies.

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How to write a business plan for a software company.

If you want to start a software company or expand your current one, you need a business plan. The guide below details the necessary information for how to write each essential component of your software company business plan.

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your executive summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the kind of software company you are running and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have a software company that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of software companies?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan.

• Give a brief overview of the software company industry.
• Discuss the type of software company you are operating.
• Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers.
• Provide a snapshot of your marketing strategy. Identify the key members of your team.
• Offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Overview

In your company overview, you will detail the type of software company you are operating.

For example, you might specialize in one of the following types of software companies:

• Open source: An open source software company is one that produces a code base that is free for any entity that desires to use it. The value of this structure is found in the auxiliary services and customizations that are provided to clients. Examples of highly-profitable open source software companies include Linux and Red Hat.
• Client-specific: As cloud computing continues to grow in popularity, more companies look to specific software programs to drive their businesses further into high-growth positions. Examples of client-specific software companies include Oracle and SAP.
• Programming services: Software companies that provide programming are essential to the tech industry. Examples include Microsoft and ADP, well-known giant software companies.
• System services: Software companies have become highly successful, as they’ve perfected the art of creating systems for personal computers and the growing field of tablets and other personal devices. Examples of software companies that focus on systems include Intuit and Adobe.

In addition to explaining the type of software company business you will operate, the company overview needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to questions such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include the number of software programs created, the number of specialized SaaS services created, or reaching X number of clients served, etc.
• Your legal business Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry or market analysis, you need to provide an overview of the software company industry. While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the software company industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your marketing strategy, particularly if your analysis identifies market trends.

The third reason is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your software company business plan:

• How big is the software company industry (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential target market for your software company business? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your software company business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: start-up tech companies, companies in need of CRM software, research and development companies, and cloud-computing corporations.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of software company business you operate. Clearly, start-up tech companies would respond to different marketing promotions than major cloud-computing corporations, for example.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and industry profiles. With regard to demographics, include a discussion of the locations, type of services or programming needed and revenue potential of the client companies you seek to serve.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target clients within the companies you will target. The more you can recognize and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

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Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other software company businesses.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t directly competing with your product or service. This includes generic software outlets, private individual providers, and computer servicing companies.You need to mention direct competition, as well.

For each direct competitor, provide an overview of their business and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as

• What types of customers do they serve?
• What type of software company are they?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regard to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you provide options for the customized software?
• Will you offer products or services that your competition doesn’t?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer bundled pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a software company business plan, your marketing strategy should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of software company that you documented in your company overview. Then, detail the specific products or services you will be offering. For example, will you provide open source programming, SaaS products, or software to support Microsoft systems?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your plan, you are presenting the products and/or services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the site of your software company. Document where your company is situated and mention how the site will impact your success. For example, is your software company located in a professional technology park, a standalone building or is it purely online? , Discuss how your site might be the ideal location for your customers.

Promotions : The final part of your software company marketing plan is where you will document how you will drive potential customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Quarterly press releases to industry-wide interest groups
• Engage in social media mining and marketing
• Offer informative blogs; become a speaker in seminars
• Create a strong presence at tech trade shows and conferences
• Give expert opinions on tech social media platforms
• Improve the SEO (search engine optimization) on your website for targeted keywords

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your software company, including meeting with clients, planning new software development, training personnel, and running administrative services.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to sign your Xth contract, or when you hope to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your software company business to a new city.

Management Team

To demonstrate your software company’s potential to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally, you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing a software company. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act as mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in managing a software company or successfully running a small technology development firm.

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Financial plan.

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements.

Income Statement

An income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenue and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you introduce a new software program on a yearly basis, or will you customize software for return clients? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets

Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your software company, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a lender writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement

Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and ensure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit, but run out of money and go bankrupt.

When creating your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a software company:

• Cost of computer and software equipment
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Other start-up expenses (if you’re a new business) like legal expenses, permits, furnishings and office supplies

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include the patents you own on software programs or a list of clients on monthly retainers.

Writing a business plan for your software company is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will understand the software company industry, your competition, and your customers. You will develop a marketing strategy and will understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful software company.

Software Company Business Plan FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my software company business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily write your software company business plan.

How Do You Start a Software Company Business?

Starting a Software Company business is easy with these 14 steps:

• Choose the Name for Your Software Company Business
• Create Your Software Company Business Plan
• Choose the Legal Structure for Your Software Company Business
• Secure Startup Funding for Your Software Company Business (If Needed)
• Secure a Location for Your Business
• Register Your Software Company Business with the IRS
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get a Business Credit Card
• Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits
• Get Business Insurance for Your Software Company Business
• Buy or Lease the Right Software Company Business Equipment
• Develop Your Software Company Business Marketing Materials
• Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Software Company Business
• Open for Business

Where Can I Download a Free Business Plan Template PDF?

Click here to download the pdf version of our basic business plan template.

Our free business plan template pdf allows you to see the key sections to complete in your plan and the key questions that each must answer. The business plan pdf will definitely get you started in the right direction.

We do offer a premium version of our business plan template. Click here to learn more about it. The premium version includes numerous features allowing you to quickly and easily create a professional business plan. Its most touted feature is its financial projections template which allows you to simply enter your estimated sales and growth rates, and it automatically calculates your complete five-year financial projections including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. Here’s the link to our Ultimate Business Plan Template.

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Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.   Click here to see how Growthink’s business plan writers can create your business plan for you.

Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

Thinkific Plus

How to start a training business: a comprehensive guide to success, share this article.

Imagine standing on the edge of a vast field, one that’s fertile and primed for cultivation. This field represents the training business landscape, brimming with potential and ripe for cultivation by the right entrepreneur. 

Starting a training business requires preparation, careful planning, diligent maintenance, and a touch of creativity.

There’s no better time to seize this opportunity, particularly considering the high demand for training services. From professional skill enhancement to personal development, more people than ever are looking for comprehensive, accessible training to help them reach their goals. This demand is expected to increase further in the coming years, making it a potentially lucrative venture for those who are ready to till the soil.

Skip ahead: 

Identify Your Niche

Create a business plan, legal considerations, establish your training center or online platform, develop your training programs and curriculum, marketing your training business, measure success and refine your strategy, tips for growing your training business, frequently asked questions, steps to starting a training business.

Venturing into the vast field of starting a training business might seem daunting at first glance. However, breaking it down into manageable steps can help make the task less overwhelming and more approachable. 

Each step represents a crucial part of the process, from the initial stages of identifying your niche to creating a business plan to finally measuring your success and refining your strategies. Keeping track of these steps not only ensures that no important detail is overlooked but also facilitates a smooth and organized business setup.

Choosing your niche can be intimidating, but it’s absolutely critical to the success of your business. 

This vital first step begins with an assessment of your skills and expertise. Are there certain areas of knowledge or skills you’ve amassed that could prove beneficial to others? 

Perhaps you have years of industry-specific experience or an advanced degree in a specialized field, which you can then channel into the training landscape.

In addition to understanding your expertise, it’s crucial to analyze market demand for your chosen niche and scrutinize both existing and potential competition. 

This entails conducting a rigorous research process to grasp the specific needs, interests, and preferences of potential learners. 

• Are there sufficient individuals interested in your area of expertise? 
• How can your offerings stand apart in the current competitive landscape? 

The insights gleaned from this process will enable you to maximize the yield from your entrepreneurial field.

Related: Training Ideas Generator

Your business plan serves as your entrepreneurial guide, providing essential direction and structure for your training business. 

Begin with establishing your mission and vision, which convey the core purpose of your business and the future you aim to shape through your services.

Identifying your target audience is the next crucial step. By thoroughly understanding the demographics, preferences, and learning styles of your prospective clients, you can ensure your services are finely tailored to meet their needs. 

The business plan should also include measurable goals and milestones that will mark your progress on your entrepreneurial path. Whether it’s acquiring a specific number of learners in the first year or launching a designated number of courses, these goals serve as signposts to guide and inspire your efforts.

To develop a comprehensive business plan, consider including:

• Executive Summary: An overview of your business and plans.
• Company Description: Details about what your company does and who it serves.
• Market Analysis: An examination of your industry, target market, and competitors.
• Marketing and Sales Strategy: Your plans for attracting and retaining customers.
• Service Offerings and Pricing Structure: A detailed explanation of your services and pricing.
• Management and Organizational Structure: The structure of your company and the roles of each team member.
• Financial Projections and Funding Requirements : A projection of future revenues and expenses and details of funding requirements (if applicable).

Deciding on your business structure is akin to laying the foundational bedrock upon which you’ll sow the seeds of your enterprise. There are several options available:

• Sole Proprietorship: A simple structure for a single owner who wants to control all business decisions and responsibilities.
• Partnership: Suitable for businesses with multiple owners who share in the company’s profits and losses.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC): This structure limits owners’ liability for business decisions or actions of the LLC.
• Corporation: A complex structure that involves legal protection and requires a board of directors, corporate officers, and shareholders.

Each of these options comes with its unique benefits and drawbacks. It’s advisable to consult with a legal professional or business advisor to help you select the most appropriate structure for your training business.

Just as a farmer requires an optimal plot of land to sow their seeds, you too need to establish the ideal platform for your training services. This could be a physical training center or an online platform . 

Both come with distinct advantages, and the most suitable choice depends on your target audience, budget, and the nature of your training programs.

A physical location provides a conducive environment for in-person interactions and hands-on training. Conversely, an online platform enables you to cast your net wider, potentially attracting a global audience, and offers the added benefits of flexibility and convenience. You can also deliver a mix of in-person and online training.

It’s also worthwhile considering the investment in a user-friendly Learning Management System (LMS) or an online training platform to enhance your training delivery.

As you establish your training platform, you’ll also need to determine the method of delivery for your training. 

Will it be in-person workshops and seminars, online courses and webinars, or a blended learning approach that combines the two? 

The necessary technology, equipment, and software for your chosen delivery method should also be part of your consideration.

Developing your training programs and curriculum forms the heart of your training business. Your actual training materials need to be engaging and high-value, capable of inspiring your audience and helping them to achieve their goals.

The key to crafting effective training programs and courses lies is understanding your target audience. Delving deep into their needs, preferences, challenges, goals and learning styles can inform the structure and content of your training programs. 

• Would they thrive better in self-paced environments, or do they require the structure and guidance of an instructor-led program? 
• Would they value the weight of a certificate program or the flexibility and diversity offered by a series of short courses?

When developing your curriculum, it’s crucial to consider these factors, shaping your offerings around the unique requirements and aspirations of your learners. You should commit to regular updates to your training materials. 

By aligning your content with the latest trends, research, and industry practices, you maintain the relevance and value of your courses. 

This ensures your programs are not just a static product but a dynamic learning experience that evolves with the times and keeps your training business at the forefront of the industry.

Remember, a successful curriculum is not just about knowledge transmission; it’s about creating transformative learning experiences that empower your audience, helping them grow and flourish in their respective fields.

Marketing catalyzes growth in your business. Begin by building a strong brand identity that reflects your values and mission, creating an impression in the minds of your clients about your business.

Develop a marketing strategy that effectively leverages the right channels to reach your target audience. This could encompass a blend of traditional advertising and digital marketing techniques.

Harness the power of social media, content marketing, and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to augment your online visibility. These tools can boost your engagement with potential clients and expand your digital footprint.

A robust marketing strategy might also involve developing a website and optimizing it for search engines. 

Utilize social media platforms and online forums to promote your training business and network with industry professionals and potential clients. 

Offering free resources or introductory workshops can demonstrate your expertise, generate interest, and attract prospective learners to your programs.

Lastly, consider your pricing and payment options. Research competitors’ pricing structures to establish competitive rates. 

Offering various payment options such as credit cards, PayPal, and invoicing for corporate clients, along with discounts for group bookings, early registration, or loyalty programs, can provide additional appeal for prospective clients.

In your journey towards establishing a thriving training business, tracking progress and refining your strategy is not just the final step but a continuous one. 

Make a habit of regularly evaluating your business performance against your established goals and milestones. This assessment should cover various areas of your business – from customer acquisition and retention rates to course completion rates and overall financial health.

One of your richest sources of improvement ideas comes directly from your clients. Make it a practice to gather their feedback , as their perspectives can provide invaluable insights into how your services are received.

Feedback, both positive and critical, can reveal opportunities for growth, enhancement, and innovation that you might not have considered otherwise.

Finally, you must remain adaptable and ready to adjust your strategy as required. The business landscape, much like nature, is in a constant state of flux. Whether it’s a shift in market trends, advancements in training technology, or changes in your client’s needs, your readiness to evolve with these changes is crucial.

A successful training business isn’t static; it grows and adapts, continually evolving to meet the needs of its clients while maintaining its financial health. 

This continual refinement and adaptation are what will ensure your training business doesn’t just survive but thrives for the long haul.

The most successful training entrepreneurs actively seek growth strategies for their businesses. They strive for excellence, going out of their way to learn the latest and greatest strategies.

Here are a few practical tips that can help drive the growth of your training business:

• Collaborating with Industry Experts: Teaming up with industry experts can significantly boost the quality of your training content. These specialists bring a wealth of experience, knowledge, and credibility to your programs, making them more attractive to potential learners. Collaborations can also lead to the expansion of your professional network and present more growth opportunities.
• Offering Certification Programs: Certification programs provide added value for learners, acting as a seal of quality assurance and competency in their chosen field. By offering certification programs, your training business can stand out from the competition, attracting more clients seeking recognition for their newly acquired skills.
• Expanding Your Services and Target Markets: Never limit your field. Consider expanding your service offerings or venturing into new target markets. With the world becoming more connected every day, there’s potential to reach diverse audiences seeking knowledge in various fields. Always be open to new opportunities and keep your finger on the pulse of market trends and demands.

Remember to keep an eye on the competition, too. Is there something extra your competitors offer? What can you do to set yourself apart?

Growth can feel like pulling teeth at first – but with a few strategies and the right approach, you’ll see numbers start to skyrocket. 

Like a good harvest, reaping the fruits of a successful training business is a rewarding experience. It’s a journey that starts with identifying your niche, creating a comprehensive business plan, and navigating the legal landscape. 

It involves setting up a conducive platform for training, developing engaging programs and curricula, and executing effective marketing strategies.

Growing your training business is a continuous endeavor, and with the right mindset and strategies, you can ensure the fertility of your professional field. Collaborations, certification programs, and the expansion of services can all play a significant role in this growth process.

Download the In-Depth Checklist: How to Start a Training Business

Equip yourself with the essential knowledge and guidance you need to launch your training business successfully. Our comprehensive In-Depth Checklist provides a step-by-step roadmap, empowering you to navigate the intricacies of starting a training venture with confidence.

Q. What are the initial costs of starting a training business?

The initial costs of starting a training business can vary widely, depending on several factors. If you’re starting an online training business, for instance, costs will generally be lower than setting up a physical location. 

Primary costs may include investing in a high-quality learning management system (LMS) or online training platform, creating course content, and marketing your services. If you opt for a physical training center, you’ll need to factor in the rent or purchase of a location, outfitting the space for learning and potentially hiring staff.

 Consultation with legal professionals, business registration, and obtaining necessary permits also add to initial expenses. It’s crucial to outline these costs in your business plan for a clear financial overview.

Q. How do I price my training services?

Pricing your training services should consider several factors: the cost of producing and delivering the training, your time and expertise, market rates, and the perceived value to your learners. 

Research your competitors’ pricing strategies to understand what your target market expects to pay. Offering various payment options and discounts for early registration, group bookings, or loyalty programs can also enhance your pricing strategy’s attractiveness.

Q. How can I differentiate my training business from competitors?

Differentiating your training business involves highlighting what makes your offering unique. It could be your unique expertise, the quality of your course content, collaboration with industry experts, or offering certification programs. 

Tailoring your programs to the specific needs of your target audience and providing an exceptional learning experience can also set you apart. Remember, your brand identity plays a crucial role in differentiating your business in the market.

Q. What are the best marketing strategies for a training business?

Effective marketing strategies for a training business include developing a strong online presence through a user-friendly, SEO-optimized website. 

Utilizing social media platforms, offering free resources or introductory workshops, and networking with industry professionals can also enhance your visibility. 

Remember to leverage content marketing to showcase your expertise and engage potential clients. Your marketing strategy should be as dynamic as the market itself, adjusting to trends, audience preferences, and business goals.

Q. How do I ensure the success of my training business in the long run?

Long-term success in the training business requires continuous evaluation and adaptation. Regularly assess your business performance and gather feedback from clients to understand what works and what needs improvement. 

Keep your training materials up-to-date and relevant to ensure they continue to meet your learners’ evolving needs. Lastly, consider growth strategies such as collaborating with industry experts, expanding your services, and venturing into new markets. 

Ensuring the success of your training business requires ongoing care, creativity, and diligence.

This article was originally published July 2023 and was updated in October 2023 to be even more useful.

Daniela Ochoa is the go-to Content Marketing Specialist here at Thinkific Plus! With years of experience in marketing and communications, she is passionate about helping businesses grow through strategic storytelling, innovative digital campaigns, and online learning at scale.On this blog, she shares her expertise in content marketing, lead generation, and more.

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January 28, 2021 Insights Software Development

Developing a software training strategy that rocks.

Technology evolves so fast that it’s not uncommon for skills gaps to suddenly “appear” out of nowhere. While the “rapid pace of change” and the global IT skills shortage present a pressing need to lock down talent ASAP, companies shouldn’t rush toward band-aid solutions.

Focusing on short-term talent solutions, unfortunately, doesn’t solve the problem. At best, it allows you to deal with it later, which, in the case of the current skills shortage, could mean bigger challenges down the road. Eventually, these temporary solutions can cause lasting damage to your organization.

It’s better to be proactive about creating a sustainable software developer training strategy that allows your talent to evolve at the rate of change. This is critical since, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2020 Future of Jobs report , skills gaps are likely to remain just as high over the next five years as in-demand skills evolve.

Effective software developer training is a long-term strategy that aligns around business needs, deepens knowledge, and keeps your workforce relevant. In this article, you’ll learn how to develop a successful training program for your team.

Focus on Core Business Goals

According to the Consumer Technology Association’s 2020 Future of Work Member Survey , 80% of technology companies believe they’ll need more employees with technical skills in the near-term, while 75% say they’re already struggling to find candidates with the right skills.

Researchers found that data analytics, general software development, and project management are the most in-demand tech skills as of October 2020. They now represent the foundational skills that should be the first priority for organizations, regardless of industry, business size, and objectives.

In the World Economic Forum (WEF) report, 40% of business leaders stated they believe that their existing workforce will need to be re-skilled within the next six months, and a whopping 94% said they now expect employees to learn new skills on the job–up from 65% in 2018.

Your software developer training plan must align with your business goals. Start by defining what you hope to accomplish with your dev team. Do employees have what it takes to move the business strategy forward? Do they deliver products that exceed customer expectations? Are they using state-of-the-art technologies and processes?

Keep an eye on industry trends–think programming languages and technologies that are just emerging or growing fast.

As you evaluate the latest set of trends, focus on those that connect to your core business model. Look to align your training goals with the roadmaps and release schedules of the most relevant tools being used by your aggregate client base.

3Pillar Software Engineer, Paul Estrada, adds, “in some cases, you may find that you need to hire specialized talent with research skills to keep up with innovations in a field. Take Machine Learning, for example. ML is hot these days. If you’re a big enough company or really want to beat the competition, you’ll need AI/ML researchers and data scientists, not just developers. This creates a whole new need for training and transfer knowledge dynamics.”

A Business Leader’s Guide to Software Development

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Run a Skills Audit & Create Personalized Development Plans

Once you’ve determined your business goals, run a skills gap analysis to figure out where your workforce is right now and what skills they need to obtain next to move the needle in the right direction.

Regular skills audits allow organizations to:

• Size up the workforce. Identify where your team is right now, how far their current capabilities fall short of business needs, and which areas should be a top priority.
• Optimize your training budget. On average, organizations spend $1,200 per employee per year on training. Running a skills gap analysis can reveal where you’re spending your training budget and allows you to reallocate funds toward programs that support the big-picture strategy.
• Support long-term recruiting goals. Skills audits also allow you to identify the skills you can’t develop internally. Once identified, you can focus your recruitment efforts on bringing in the talent you need to start filling critical gaps.
• Get in front of disruption. Keeping up with the latest technologies and best practices is essential for survival.

Armed with the right insights, you can start mapping skills gaps and developing a plan for closing them–be it revamping your training strategy or creating a new program that better aligns with where your industry is heading next.

For example, you might consider creating personal development plans for your software engineers based on the results of their assessment.

Use this as an opportunity to discuss development opportunities with individual employees. What are their career goals? What skills are they interested in learning or improving? From there, create a plan that aligns your upskilling initiative with each developer’s strengths and interests.

3Pillar’s Octavio Islas Frias says, “I think it’s important that the training strategy match with specific career roadmaps so that engineers stay motivated and interested in the work.”

If it’s not realistic to provide personalized training, creating standardized career paths that apply to specific groups of employees with similar goals may be just as effective.

Whatever your approach, your software engineer training strategy should fit into long-term development plans that build developer skills over time and allow them to contribute to the organization’s success in new ways.

Create Space for Hands-on Learning

Many training workplace training programs rely on lectures or pre-recorded videos. It isn’t exactly the best approach for teaching employees new skills they can put to good use.

Most (good) developers are naturally curious. They’re excited about trying new tools, remain eager to learn new programming languages, and finding new solutions to problems. Consider using your team’s inherent curiosity to your benefit by giving employees time to explore emerging technologies on the job. This might mean giving them a certain number of hours a week they can use for self-guided learning or a personal pet project.

Abel Gonzalez Garcia says, “apart from the time, you’ll also want to make sure that employees have access to the resources they need to try the new tools–such as permissions to install software programs or registration with paid accounts–so that the company security policy isn’t negatively impacted.”

You might also try something more formal such as a paid training program for developers who are interested in learning specialized skills that help you achieve future goals.

For example, Hired’s 2020 State of Software Engineering report saw demand for AR/VR talent rise by 1400% and noted that engineer respondents predict that we won’t see the full impact of the technology for a few more years. As such, (and assuming you have a valuable use case in mind), now might be a good time to start developing AR/VR specialists before the need becomes critical.

That said, if you choose to make self-guided learning part of your company culture, keep in mind that employees may need an incentive to fully buy into the program. According to a recent LinkedIn study, 94% of employees say they’d stay with a company longer if it invested in learning programs.

Yet, despite their interest in learning opportunities, employees often struggle to make room in already-busy schedules to take advantage of those opportunities. Business leaders may want to consider connecting training opportunities to specific outcomes, like salary increases or career advancement opportunities—which can both address the skills gap and create more effective learning.

Establish a Culture that Supports Knowledge Sharing

Coding Sans’ State of Software Development 2020 report stated that the biggest challenge tech workers face is knowledge sharing. Respondents cited a lack of mentorship opportunities for junior developers, as well as effective onboarding for new employees.

• Onboarding. New hires are 30x more likely to consider leaving an organization if they don’t think they can achieve their goals at that organization.
• Mentorship programs. Creating a culture where mentorship is a priority allows you to keep the talent pipeline full. It allows you to promote from within, keep pace with change, and save money on recruiting and onboarding costs. What’s more, it also allows you to avoid the opportunity cost of using outdated technology and responding too slowly to change.
• Apprenticeships. Apprenticeship programs or internships offer a transitional training program where junior-level talent can learn the skills they need to be successful on the job. According to the CTA survey mentioned above, 72% of respondents say they plan on hiring new employees based on relevant skills, regardless of education level, while 24% say they plan on looking toward workplace training programs like apprenticeships to fill gaps.
• Partnerships. For organizations lacking resources required to develop software engineer training programs on their own, engaging external stakeholders such as educational institutions, non-profits, foundations, and industry associations can be a cost-effective alternative to building and maintaining a program from scratch. Plus, it comes with the added benefit of adding fresh perspectives, new talent, and a network of relevant connections to the workplace learning experience.

Finally, it’s important to mention that a culture of learning starts at the top. The LinkedIn report also found that while larger companies understand the critical importance of closing skills gaps, many enterprises fail to leverage their executives to champion a culture of learning. Executive championship plays a critical role in encouraging employee participation. The report found that employees spent more time learning when executives recommended specific online courses.

Final Thoughts

As organizations compete for a limited number of qualified candidates, they’ll need to rethink their software developer training strategy in order to get ahead of the skills gap and find creative ways to evolve their workforce to keep pace with change.

Software Development Table of Contents

• Ch. 1: Current State of Software Development
• Ch. 2: Importance of Software Development
• Ch. 3: 10 Leadership Traits for Modern Software Development Leaders
• Ch. 4: Importance of Good Governance Processes in Software Development
• Ch. 5: Insights for Recruiting and Retaining Great Software Talent
• Ch. 6: Developing a Software Training Strategy That Rocks
• Ch. 7: Best Practices for Creating a Software Culture Where Teams Can Thrive
• Ch. 8: Building and Managing High-Performance Teams
• Ch. 9: Critical Metrics for Measuring Software Development Team Performance
• Ch. 10: Strategies for Improving the Performance of Software Development Teams
• Ch. 11: Managing Distributed Software Teams in the Age of Covid-19
• Ch. 12: Preparing for the Future with Application Modernization
• Ch. 13: Creating an Agile Enterprise with Minimum Viable Architecture
• Ch. 14: 10 Components of an Effective Change Management Strategy
• Ch. 15: How to Choose the Right Cloud Platform
• Ch. 16: Key Decision Criteria for Selecting a Development Framework
• Ch. 17: Shift Left Benefits in Software Development
• Ch. 18: The Business Impact & Benefits of CI/CD
• Ch. 20: Everything You Need to Know to Create a Test Automation Strategy
• Ch. 21: Developing an Enterprise Software Strategy
• Ch. 22: Build or Buy? A Decision-Making Framework for Software Development Investments
• Ch. 23: Strategies for Getting Approval for Software Development Projects
• Ch. 24: 10 Software Development Challenges Faced by Modern Enterprises
• Ch. 25: Software Development Best Practices
• Ch. 26: The Most Common Reasons Software Projects Fail
• Ch. 27: Measuring the Success of Your Software Development Projects
• Ch. 28: The Importance of Integrating the User Experience into Software Development
• Ch. 29: The Importance of Quality Attributes in Software Architecture
• Ch. 30: Predictions About New Trends in Software Development
• Subscribe to Our Weekly Newsletter to Keep Up with our Latest Insights

Get your free playbook today.

Software Training Plan Template

What is a Software Training Plan?

A software training plan outlines the objectives, actions, and key performance indicators that a software development team should consider to ensure end-users are educated about the software they use. Through a software training plan, teams can better understand where knowledge gaps exist and create plans to reduce them. The plan is designed to help teams increase user adoption and satisfaction, and ensure the software runs optimally with minimum issues.

What's included in this Software Training Plan template?

• 3 focus areas
• 6 objectives

Each focus area has its own objectives, projects, and KPIs to ensure that the strategy is comprehensive and effective.

Who is the Software Training Plan template for?

This Software Training Plan template is designed for software development teams in all industries. It provides a simple step-by-step guide to help teams create a plan for training end-users, improving user adoption, and ensuring the software runs optimally. This plan is optimized for teams of any size, from small startups to global enterprises.

1. Define clear examples of your focus areas

The first step in creating a Software Training Plan is to define your focus areas. These should be specific and measurable, and should be related to the objectives you want to achieve. Examples of strategic focus areas that could fall under a Software Training Plan could be: Increase User Education, Increase Software Maintenance, and Increase User Support.

2. Think about the objectives that could fall under that focus area

Once you’ve identified your focus areas, you should think about the objectives that could fall under each one. An objective is a measurable target that you can use to track the success of the plan. Examples of objectives could include reducing user issues, increasing user adoption rate, or increasing software maintenance rate.

3. Set measurable targets (KPIs) to tackle the objective

Once you’ve identified your objectives, you should set measurable targets (KPIs) to track the progress of the plan. A KPI is a measurable target that can be used to evaluate the success of the plan. Examples of KPIs could include increasing knowledge of software usage, increasing user satisfaction, or increasing system uptime.

4. Implement related projects to achieve the KPIs

Once you’ve set your KPIs, you should implement related projects to achieve them. A project (action) is an organized effort with a specific goal. Examples of projects could include creating a software training program, creating an onboarding process, or creating a system monitoring plan.

5. Utilize Cascade Strategy Execution Platform to see faster results from your strategy

The Cascade Strategy Execution Platform helps teams create, track, and measure strategic plans quickly and easily. With Cascade, teams can quickly identify knowledge gaps and create plans to reduce them, increasing user adoption, satisfaction, and ensuring the software runs optimally.

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Software Company Business Plan

High margins, low startup costs, global reach, and a recurring revenue model make starting a software company a lucrative and rewarding profession.

Need help writing a business plan for your software company? You’re at the right place. Our software company business plan template will help you get started.

Free Business Plan Template

Download our free business plan template now and pave the way to success. Let’s turn your vision into an actionable strategy!

• Fill in the blanks – Outline
• Financial Tables

How to Write A Software Company Business Plan?

Writing a software company business plan is a crucial step toward the success of your business. Here are the key steps to consider when writing a business plan:

1. Executive Summary

An executive summary is the first section planned to offer an overview of the entire business plan. However, it is written after the entire business plan is ready and summarizes each section of your plan.

Here are a few key components to include in your executive summary:

Introduce your Business:

Start your executive summary by briefly introducing your business to your readers.

Market Opportunity:

Products and services:.

Highlight the software company services you offer your clients. The USPs and differentiators you offer are always a plus.

Marketing & Sales Strategies:

Financial highlights:, call to action:.

Ensure your executive summary is clear, concise, easy to understand, and jargon-free.

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2. Business Overview

The business overview section of your business plan offers detailed information about your company. The details you add will depend on how important they are to your business. Yet, business name, location, business history, and future goals are some of the foundational elements you must consider adding to this section:

Business Description:

Describe your business in this section by providing all the basic information:

Describe what kind of software company you run and the name of it. You may specialize in one of the following software company businesses:

• Enterprise software companies
• SaaS companies
• Mobile app development companies
• Web development companies
• Cybersecurity companies
• HealthTech companies
• Describe the legal structure of your software company, whether it is a sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, or others.
• Explain where your business is located and why you selected the place.

Mission Statement:

Business history:.

If you’re an established software company, briefly describe your business history, like—when it was founded, how it evolved over time, etc.

Future Goals

This section should provide a thorough understanding of your business, its history, and its future plans. Keep this section engaging, precise, and to the point.

3. Market Analysis

The market analysis section of your business plan should offer a thorough understanding of the industry with the target market, competitors, and growth opportunities. You should include the following components in this section.

Target market:

Start this section by describing your target market. Define your ideal customer and explain what types of services they prefer. Creating a buyer persona will help you easily define your target market to your readers.

Market size and growth potential:

Describe your market size and growth potential and whether you will target a niche or a much broader market.

Competitive Analysis:

Market trends:.

Analyze emerging trends in the industry, such as technology disruptions, changes in customer behavior or preferences, etc. Explain how your business will cope with all the trends.

Regulatory Environment:

Here are a few tips for writing the market analysis section of your internet software company business plan:

• Conduct market research, industry reports, and surveys to gather data.
• Provide specific and detailed information whenever possible.
• Illustrate your points with charts and graphs.
• Write your business plan keeping your target audience in mind.

4. Products And Services

The product and services section should describe the specific services and products that will be offered to customers. To write this section should include the following:

Describe your products & services:

Mention the software company products or services your business will offer. This list may include:

• Custom Software Development
• Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) Software
• Software as a Service (SaaS)
• Software Development Tools
• Software Consulting
• Software Maintenance and Support
• Software Testing and Quality Assurance
• Training and Documentation

Industry focus:

Quality measures, additional services.

In short, this section of your software company plan must be informative, precise, and client-focused. By providing a clear and compelling description of your offerings, you can help potential investors and readers understand the value of your business.

5. Sales And Marketing Strategies

Writing the sales and marketing strategies section means a list of strategies you will use to attract and retain your clients. Here are some key elements to include in your sales & marketing plan:

Unique Selling Proposition (USP):

Define your business’s USPs depending on the market you serve, the equipment you use, and the unique services you provide. Identifying USPs will help you plan your marketing strategies.

Pricing Strategy:

Marketing strategies:, sales strategies:, customer retention:.

Overall, this section of your software company business plan should focus on customer acquisition and retention.

Have a specific, realistic, and data-driven approach while planning sales and marketing strategies for your software company, and be prepared to adapt or make strategic changes in your strategies based on feedback and results.

6. Operations Plan

The operations plan section of your business plan should outline the processes and procedures involved in your business operations, such as staffing requirements and operational processes. Here are a few components to add to your operations plan:

Staffing & Training:

Operational process:, software & tools:.

Include the list of software & tools required for a software company, such as cloud services & infrastructure, project management tools, Version Control Systems, collaboration & communication tools, etc.

Adding these components to your operations plan will help you lay out your business operations, which will eventually help you manage your business effectively.

7. Management Team

The management team section provides an overview of your software company’s management team. This section should provide a detailed description of each manager’s experience and qualifications, as well as their responsibilities and roles.

Founders/CEO:

Key managers:.

Introduce your management and key members of your team, and explain their roles and responsibilities.

Organizational structure:

Compensation plan:, advisors/consultants:.

Mentioning advisors or consultants in your business plans adds credibility to your business idea.

This section should describe the key personnel for your software company services, highlighting how you have the perfect team to succeed.

8. Financial Plan

Your financial plan section should provide a summary of your business’s financial projections for the first few years. Here are some key elements to include in your financial plan:

Profit & loss statement:

Cash flow statement:, balance sheet:, break-even point:.

Determine and mention your business’s break-even point—the point at which your business costs and revenue will be equal.

Financing Needs:

Be realistic with your financial projections, and make sure you offer relevant information and evidence to support your estimates.

9. Appendix

The appendix section of your plan should include any additional information supporting your business plan’s main content, such as market research, legal documentation, financial statements, and other relevant information.

• Add a table of contents for the appendix section to help readers easily find specific information or sections.
• In addition to your financial statements, provide additional financial documents like tax returns, a list of assets within the business, credit history, and more. These statements must be the latest and offer financial projections for at least the first three or five years of business operations.
• Provide data derived from market research, including stats about the industry, user demographics, and industry trends.
• Include any legal documents such as permits, licenses, and contracts.
• Include any additional documentation related to your business plan, such as product brochures, marketing materials, operational procedures, etc.

Use clear headings and labels for each section of the appendix so that readers can easily find the necessary information.

Remember, the appendix section of your software company business plan should only include relevant and important information supporting your plan’s main content.

This sample software company business plan will provide an idea for writing a successful software company plan, including all the essential components of your business.

After this, if you still need clarification about writing an investment-ready business plan to impress your audience, download our software company business plan pdf .

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A Simple Business Plan Guide

Frequently asked questions, why do you need a software company business plan.

A business plan is an essential tool for anyone looking to start or run a successful software company business. It helps to get clarity in your business, secures funding, and identifies potential challenges while starting and growing your business.

Overall, a well-written plan can help you make informed decisions, which can contribute to the long-term success of your software company.

How to get funding for your software company?

There are several ways to get funding for your software company, but self-funding is one of the most efficient and speedy funding options. Other options for funding are

• Bank loan – You may apply for a loan in government or private banks.
• Small Business Administration (SBA) loan – SBA loans and schemes are available at affordable interest rates, so check the eligibility criteria before applying for it.
• Crowdfunding – The process of supporting a project or business by getting a lot of people to invest in your business, usually online.
• Angel investors – Getting funds from angel investors is one of the most sought startup options.

Apart from all these options, there are small business grants available, check for the same in your location and you can apply for it.

Where to find business plan writers for your software company?

There are many business plan writers available, but no one knows your business and ideas better than you, so we recommend you write your software company business plan and outline your vision as you have in your mind.

What is the easiest way to write your software company business plan?

A lot of research is necessary for writing a business plan, but you can write your plan most efficiently with the help of any software company business plan example and edit it as per your need. You can also quickly finish your plan in just a few hours or less with the help of our business plan software .

How do I write a good market analysis in a software company business plan?

Market analysis is one of the key components of your business plan that requires deep research and a thorough understanding of your industry. We can categorize the process of writing a good market analysis section into the following steps:

• Stating the objective of your market analysis—e.g., investor funding.
• Industry study—market size, growth potential, market trends, etc.
• Identifying target market—based on user behavior and demographics.
• Analyzing direct and indirect competitors.
• Calculating market share—understanding TAM, SAM, and SOM.
• Knowing regulations and restrictions
• Organizing data and writing the first draft.

Writing a marketing analysis section can be overwhelming, but using ChatGPT for market research can make things easier.

How detailed should the financial projections be in my software company business plan?

The level of detail of the financial projections of your software company may vary considering various business aspects like direct and indirect competition, pricing, and operational efficiency. However, your financial projections must be comprehensive enough to demonstrate a complete view of your financial performance.

Generally, the statements included in a business plan offer financial projections for at least the first three or five years of business operations.

What key components should a software company business plan include?

The following are the key components your software company business plan must include:

• Executive summary
• Business Overview
• Market Analysis
• Products and services
• Sales and marketing strategies
• Operations plan
• Management team
• Financial plan

Can a good software company business plan help me secure funding?

Indeed. A well-crafted software company will help your investors better understand your business domain, market trends, strategies, business financials, and growth potential—helping them make better financial decisions.

So, if you have a profitable and investable business, a comprehensive business plan can certainly help you secure your business funding.

What's the importance of a marketing strategy in a software company business plan?

Marketing strategy is a key component of your software company business plan. Whether it is about achieving certain business goals or helping your investors understand your plan to maximize their return on investment—an impactful marketing strategy is the way to do it!

Here are a few pointers to help you understand the importance of having an impactful marketing strategy:

• It provides your business an edge over your competitors.
• It helps investors better understand your business and growth potential.
• It helps you develop products with the best profit potential.
• It helps you set accurate pricing for your products or services.

About the Author

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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How to write a business plan for a training center?

Writing a business plan for a training center can be an intimidating task, especially for those just starting.

This in-depth guide is designed to help entrepreneurs like you understand how to create a comprehensive business plan so that you can approach the exercise with method and confidence.

We'll cover: why writing a training center business plan is so important - both when starting up, and when running and growing the business - what information you need to include in your plan, how it should be structured, and what tools you can use to get the job done efficiently.

Let's get started!

In this guide:

Why write a business plan for a training center?

What information is needed to create a business plan for a training center.

• What goes in the financial forecast for a training center?
• What goes in the written part of a training center business plan?
• What tool can I use to write my training center business plan?

Being clear on the scope and goals of the document will make it easier to understand its structure and content. So before diving into the actual content of the plan, let's have a quick look at the main reasons why you would want to write a training center business plan in the first place.

To have a clear roadmap to grow the business

It's rarely business as usual for small businesses. The economy follows cycles where years of growth are followed by recessions, and the business environment is always changing with new technologies, new regulations, new competitors, and new consumer behaviours appearing all the time...

In this context, running a business without a clear roadmap is like driving blindfolded: it's dangerous at best. That's why writing a business plan for a training center is essential to create successful and sustainable businesses.

To write an effective business plan, you will need to take stock of where you are (if you are already in business) and where you want the business to go in the next three to five years.

Once you know where you want your training center to be, you'll have to identify:

• what resources (human, equipment, and capital) are needed to get there,
• at what pace the business needs to progress to get there in time,
• and what risks you'll face along the way.

Going through this process regularly is beneficial, both for startups and existing companies, as it helps make informed decisions about how best to allocate resources to ensure the long-term success of the business.

Need a convincing business plan?

The Business Plan Shop makes it easy to create a financial forecast to assess the potential profitability of your projects, and write a business plan that’ll wow investors.

To anticipate future cash flows

Regularly comparing your actual financial performance to the projections in the financial forecast of your training center's business plan gives you the ability to monitor your business's financial health and make necessary adjustments as needed.

This practice allows you to detect potential financial issues, such as unexpected cash shortfalls before they escalate into major problems. Giving you time to find additional financing or put in place corrective measures.

Additionally, it helps you identify growth opportunities, like excess cash flow that could be allocated to launch new products and services or expand into new markets.

Staying on track with these regular comparisons enables you to make well-informed decisions about the amount of financing your business might require, or the excess cash flow you can expect to generate from your main business activities.

To secure financing

Crafting a comprehensive business plan for your training center, whether you're starting up or already established, is paramount when you're seeking financing from banks or investors.

Given how fragile small businesses are, financiers will want to ensure that you have a clear roadmap in place as well as command and control of your future cash flows before entertaining the idea of funding you.

For banks, the information in your business plan will be used to assess your borrowing capacity - which is defined as the maximum amount of debt your business can afford alongside your ability to repay the loan. This evaluation helps them decide whether to extend credit to your business and under what terms (interest rate, duration, repayment options, collateral, etc.).

Similarly, investors will thoroughly review your plan to determine if their investment can yield an attractive return. They'll be looking for evidence that your training center has the potential for healthy growth, profitability, and consistent cash flow generation over time.

Now that you understand the importance of creating a business plan for your training center, let's delve into the necessary information needed to craft an effective plan.

Writing a training center business plan requires research so that you can project sales, investments and cost accurately in your financial forecast.

In this section, we cover three key pieces of information you should gather before drafting your business plan!

Carrying out market research for a training center

Carrying out market research before writing a business plan for a training center is essential to ensure that the financial projections are accurate and realistic.

Market research helps you gain insight into your target customer base, competitors, pricing strategies and other key factors which can have an impact on the commercial success of your business.

In particular, it is useful in forecasting revenue as it provides valuable data regarding potential customers’ spending habits and preferences.

You may discover that your training center could benefit from offering more remote courses, as people may be more likely to take classes from the comfort of their own homes. Additionally, market research might indicate that people might be more likely to take classes that are shorter in duration, as they may prefer a quick and effective way of learning.

This information can then be used to create more accurate financial projections which will help investors make informed decisions about investing in your training center.

Developing the sales and marketing plan for a training center

As you embark on creating your training center business plan, it is crucial to budget sales and marketing expenses beforehand.

A well-defined sales and marketing plan should include precise projections of the actions required to acquire and retain customers. It will also outline the necessary workforce to execute these initiatives and the budget required for promotions, advertising, and other marketing efforts.

This approach ensures that the appropriate amount of resources is allocated to these activities, aligning with the sales and growth objectives outlined in your business plan.

The staffing and equipment needs of a training center

As you embark on starting or expanding your training center, having a clear plan for recruitment and capital expenditures (investment in equipment and real estate) is essential for ensuring your business's success.

Both the recruitment and investment plans must align with the timing and level of growth projected in your forecast, and they require appropriate funding.

The staffing costs for a training center might include wages for instructors, administrative staff, and support personnel such as janitors and IT staff. The equipment costs might include computers, projectors, and other audiovisual equipment, as well as furniture, office supplies, and other items needed to run the training center.

To create a realistic financial forecast, you also need to consider other operating expenses associated with the day-to-day running of your business, such as insurance and bookkeeping.

With all the necessary information at hand, you are ready to begin crafting your business plan and developing your financial forecast.

What goes into your training center's financial forecast?

The objective of the financial forecast of your training center's business plan is to show the growth, profitability, funding requirements, and cash generation potential of your business over the next 3 to 5 years.

The four key outputs of a financial forecast for a training center are:

• The profit and loss (P&L) statement ,
• The projected balance sheet ,
• The cash flow forecast ,
• And the sources and uses table .

Let's look at each of these in a bit more detail.

The projected P&L statement

The projected P&L statement for a training center shows how much revenue and profits your business is expected to generate in the future.

Ideally, your training center's P&L statement should show:

• Healthy growth - above inflation level
• Improving or stable profit margins
• Positive net profit

Expectations will vary based on the stage of your business. A startup will be expected to grow faster than an established training center. And similarly, an established company should showcase a higher level of profitability than a new venture.

The projected balance sheet of your training center

The balance sheet for a training center is a financial document that provides a snapshot of your business’s financial health at a given point in time.

It shows three main components: assets, liabilities and equity:

• Assets: are resources owned by the business, such as cash, equipment, and accounts receivable (money owed by clients).
• Liabilities: are debts owed to creditors and other entities, such as accounts payable (money owed to suppliers) and loans.
• Equity: includes the sums invested by the shareholders or business owners and the cumulative profits and losses of the business to date (called retained earnings). It is a proxy for the value of the owner's stake in the business.

Examining the balance sheet is important for lenders, investors, or other stakeholders who are interested in assessing your training center's liquidity and solvency:

• Liquidity: assesses whether or not your business has sufficient cash and short-term assets to honour its liabilities due over the next 12 months. It is a short-term focus.
• Solvency: assesses whether or not your business has the capacity to repay its debt over the medium-term.

Looking at the balance sheet can also provide insights into your training center's investment and financing policies.

In particular, stakeholders can compare the value of equity to the value of the outstanding financial debt to assess how the business is funded and what level of financial risk has been taken by the owners (financial debt is riskier because it has to be repaid, while equity doesn't need to be repaid).

The projected cash flow statement

A cash flow forecast for a training center shows how much cash the business is projected to generate or consume.

The cash flow statement is divided into 3 main areas:

• The operating cash flow shows how much cash is generated or consumed by the operations (running the business)
• The investing cash flow shows how much cash is being invested in capital expenditure (equipment, real estate, etc.)
• The financing cash flow shows how much cash is raised or distributed to investors and lenders

Looking at the cash flow forecast helps you to ensure that your business has enough cash to keep running, and can help you anticipate potential cash shortfalls.

It is also a best practice to include a monthly cash flow statement in the appendices of your training center business plan so that the readers can view the impact of seasonality on your business cash position and generation.

The initial financing plan

The initial financing plan - also called a sources and uses table - is an important tool when starting a training center.

It shows where the money needed to set up the business will come from (sources) and how it will be allocated (uses).

Having this table helps understand what costs are involved in setting up the training center, how the risks are distributed between the shareholders and the lenders, and what will be the starting cash position (which needs to be sufficient to sustain operations until the business breaks even).

Now that the financial forecast of a training center business plan is understood, let's focus on what goes into the written part of the plan.

The written part of a training center business plan

The written part of the business plan is where you will explain what your business does and how it operates, what your target market is, whom you compete against, and what strategy you will put in place to seize the commercial opportunity you've identified.

Having this context is key for the reader to form a view on whether or not they believe that your plan is achievable and the numbers in your forecast realistic.

The written part of a training center business plan is composed of 7 main sections:

• The executive summary
• The presentation of the company
• The products and services
• The market analysis
• The strategy
• The operations
• The financial plan

Let's go through the content of each section in more detail!

1. The executive summary

In your training center's business plan, the first section is the executive summary — a captivating overview of your plan that aims to pique the reader's interest and leave them eager to learn more about your business.

When crafting the executive summary, start with an introduction to your business, including its name, concept, location, how long it has been running, and what sets it apart. Briefly mention the products and services you plan to offer and your target customer profile.

Following that, provide an overview of the addressable market for your training center, current trends, and potential growth opportunities.

Next, include a summary of key financial figures like projected revenues, profits, and cash flows.

Finally, in the "ask" section, detail any funding requirements you may have.

2. The presentation of the company

The second section in your training center's business plan should focus on the structure and ownership, location, and management team of the company.

The structure and ownership part provides an overview of the legal structure of the business, who the owners are and how much each has invested and owns. If you are seeking financing it is important that the reader gets a clear picture of which legal entity is receiving the funds, and who controls the business.

The location part should give an overview of the premises from which the company is operating, and why that location is of particular interest (catchment area, accessibility, amenities nearby, etc.).

When describing the location of your training center, you could emphasize the potential for growth. It may be situated in a region with access to a large pool of potential customers, as well as resources that could support the expansion of your business. You could also emphasize the diversity of the local economy, which could indicate a stable market for your services. Additionally, you could point out the potential for strategic partnerships with other businesses in the area, which could help to increase your reach and build a network of customers.

Finally, you should introduce the management team. Explain each member's role, background, and experience.

It is also important to emphasize any past successes that the members of the management team have achieved, and how long they've been working together, as this will help potential lenders or investors understand why they should trust in their leadership.

3. The products and services section

The products and services section of your business plan should include a detailed description of what your company offers, who are the target customers, and what distribution channels are part of your go-to-market. 

For example, your training center could offer one-on-one tutoring, small group courses and online classes. The one-on-one tutoring would provide customized instruction tailored to a student's specific needs and goals. The small group courses would allow for students to work together to understand concepts more quickly, as well as build relationships with one another. Finally, the online classes would give students the chance to receive instruction from anywhere in the world, making it more convenient for those who cannot attend a physical location.

4. The market analysis

When you present your market analysis in your training center business plan, it's crucial to include detailed information about customers' demographics and segmentation, target market, competition, barriers to entry, and any relevant regulations.

The main objective of this section is to help the reader understand the size and attractiveness of the market while demonstrating your solid understanding of the industry.

Begin with the demographics and segmentation subsection, providing an overview of the addressable market for your training center, the key trends in the marketplace, and introducing different customer segments along with their preferences in terms of purchasing habits and budgets.

Next, focus on your target market, zooming in on the specific customer segments your training center aims to serve and explaining how your products and services fulfil their distinct needs.

For example, your target market might include adult professionals who are looking to gain new skills or certifications to advance their career. They may be looking to transition into a new field, or gain an edge in their current one. They are likely to be willing to invest in their education and may be looking for an intensive program that can provide quick results.

Then proceed to the competition subsection, where you introduce your main competitors and highlight what sets you apart from them.

Finally, conclude your market analysis with an overview of the key regulations applicable to your training center.

5. The strategy section

When you write the strategy section of your training center business plan, remember to cover key elements such as your competitive edge, pricing strategy, sales & marketing plan, milestones, and risks and mitigants.

In the competitive edge subsection, elaborate on what makes your company stand out from competitors. This becomes especially important if you're a startup, aiming to carve a place for yourself amidst established players in the marketplace.

The pricing strategy subsection should demonstrate how you plan to maintain profitability while offering competitive prices to attract customers.

Outline your sales & marketing plan, detailing how you'll reach out to new customers and retain existing ones through loyalty programs or special offers.

For the milestones subsection, outline your company's achievements to date and your main objectives for the future, complete with specific dates to set clear expectations for progress.

Lastly, the risks and mitigants subsection should address the main risks that could affect your plan's execution. Explain the measures you've put in place to minimize these risks, assuring potential investors or lenders.

Your training center may face a variety of risks. For example, your center could face a financial risk if there is a decrease in enrollment or if the cost of materials and supplies increases. Additionally, your center might face a risk of litigation if an instructor or student is injured or if a student is unsatisfied with the quality of training.

6. The operations section

In your business plan, it's also essential to provide a detailed overview of the operations of your training center.

Start by covering your team, highlighting key roles and your recruitment plan to support the expected growth. Outline the qualifications and experience required for each role and your intended recruitment methods, whether through job boards, referrals, or headhunters.

Next, clearly state your training center's operating hours, allowing the reader to assess staffing levels adequately. Additionally, mention any plans for varying opening times during peak seasons and how you'll handle customer queries outside normal operating hours.

Then, shift your focus to the key assets and intellectual property (IP) necessary for your business. If you rely on licenses, trademarks, physical structures like equipment or property, or lease agreements, make sure to include them in this section.

You may have a variety of key assets and IP at your training center, such as proprietary learning materials and teaching methods. These could include professionally developed course materials, e-learning modules, multimedia content, and textbooks that are all unique to your center. Additionally, you might have specialized equipment such as computers, projectors, and audio visual gear that allow you to conduct training sessions in an effective and efficient manner.

Lastly, include a list of suppliers you plan to work with, detailing their services and main commercial terms, such as price, payment terms, and contract duration. Investors are interested in understanding why you've chosen specific suppliers, which may be due to higher-quality products or established relationships from previous ventures.

7. The presentation of the financial plan

The financial plan section is where we will include the financial forecast we talked about earlier in this guide.

Now that you have a clear idea of the content of a training center business plan, let's look at some of the tools you can use to create yours.

What tool should I use to write my training center's business plan?

In this section, we will be reviewing the two main options for writing a training center business plan efficiently:

• Using specialized software,
• Outsourcing the drafting to the business plan writer.

Using an online business plan software for your training center's business plan

Using online business planning software is the most efficient and modern way to create a training center business plan.

There are several advantages to using specialized software:

• You can easily create your financial forecast by letting the software take care of the financial calculations for you without errors
• You are guided through the writing process by detailed instructions and examples for each part of the plan
• You can access a library of dozens of complete business plan samples and templates for inspiration
• You get a professional business plan, formatted and ready to be sent to your bank or investors
• You can easily track your actual financial performance against your financial forecast
• You can create scenarios to stress test your forecast's main assumptions
• You can easily update your forecast as time goes by to maintain visibility on future cash flows
• You have a friendly support team on standby to assist you when you are stuck

If you're interested in using this type of solution, you can try The Business Plan Shop for free by signing up here .

Hiring a business plan writer to write your training center's business plan

Outsourcing your training center business plan to a business plan writer can also be a viable option.

Business plan writers are experienced in writing business plans and adept at creating financial forecasts without errors. Furthermore, hiring a consultant can save you time and allow you to focus on the day-to-day operations of your business.

However, hiring business plan writers is expensive as you are paying for the software used by the consultant, plus their time, and their profit margin of course.

From experience, you need to budget at least £1.5k ($2.0k) excluding tax for a complete business plan, more if you need to make changes after the initial version (which happens frequently after the initial meetings with lenders or investors).

You also need to be careful when seeking investment. Investors want their money to be used to grow the business, not spent on consulting fees. Therefore, the amount you spend on business plan writing services (and other consulting services such as legal services) needs to be negligible relative to the amount raised.

The other drawback is that you usually don't own the business plan itself: you just get the output, while the actual document is saved in the consultant's business plan software - which makes it difficult to maintain the document up to date without hiring the consultant on a retainer.

For these reasons, outsourcing the training center business plan to a business plan writer should be considered carefully, weighing both the advantages and disadvantages of hiring outside help.

Ultimately, it may be the right decision for some businesses, while others may find it beneficial to write their business plan using online software.

Why not create your training center's business plan using Word or Excel?

I must advise against using Microsoft Excel and Word (or their Google, Apple, or open-source equivalents) to write your training center business plan. Let me explain why.

Firstly, creating an accurate and error-free financial forecast on Excel (or any spreadsheet) is highly technical and requires a strong grasp of accounting principles and financial modelling skills. It is, therefore, unlikely that anyone will fully trust your numbers unless you have both a degree in finance and accounting and significant financial modelling experience, like us at The Business Plan Shop.

Secondly, relying on spreadsheets is inefficient. While it may have been the only option in the past, technology has advanced significantly, and software can now perform these tasks much faster and with greater accuracy. With the rise of AI, software can even help us detect mistakes in forecasts and analyze the numbers for better decision-making.

And with the rise of AI, software is also becoming smarter at helping us detect mistakes in our forecasts and helping us analyse the numbers to make better decisions.

Moreover, software makes it easier to compare actuals versus forecasts and maintain up-to-date forecasts to keep visibility on future cash flows, as we discussed earlier in this guide. This task is cumbersome when using spreadsheets.

Now, let's talk about the written part of your training center business plan. While it may be less error-prone, using software can bring tremendous gains in productivity. Word processors, for example, lack instructions and examples for each part of your business plan. They also won't automatically update your numbers when changes occur in your forecast, and they don't handle formatting for you.

Overall, while Word or Excel may seem viable for some entrepreneurs to create a business plan, it's by far becoming an antiquated way of doing things.

• Having an up-to-date business plan is key to maintaining visibility on your future cash flows.
• A business plan has 2 parts: a financial forecast highlighting the expected growth, profitability and cash generation of the business; and a written part which provides the context needed to interpret and assess the quality of the forecast.
• Using business plan software is the modern way of writing and maintaining business plans.

We hope that this guide helped you to better understand how to write the business plan for a training center. If you still have questions, do not hesitate to contact us.

Also on The Business Plan Shop

• How to write a 5 years business plan
• Business proposal vs business plan
• Business plan vs strategic plan
• Business plan to find a partner
• Business plan myths

Know someone who owns or wants to start a training center? Share this article with them!

Founder & CEO at The Business Plan Shop Ltd

Guillaume Le Brouster is a seasoned entrepreneur and financier.

Guillaume has been an entrepreneur for more than a decade and has first-hand experience of starting, running, and growing a successful business.

Prior to being a business owner, Guillaume worked in investment banking and private equity, where he spent most of his time creating complex financial forecasts, writing business plans, and analysing financial statements to make financing and investment decisions.

Guillaume holds a Master's Degree in Finance from ESCP Business School and a Bachelor of Science in Business & Management from Paris Dauphine University.

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Creating a Comprehensive System Training Plan

Organizations recognize the value and benefits of developing training plans and delivery on the software system. When done properly, training can make employees more efficient—increasing proficiencies, productivity, and morale, while decreasing costs. But creating effective training isn’t easy.

Almost every organization recognizes the value and benefits of developing training plans and delivery on your software system. When done properly, training can make employees more efficient—increasing proficiencies, productivity, and morale, while decreasing costs. Training can streamline processes and save time and increase compliance with regulations. It can even lead to a happier, more satisfied workforce, which in turn reduces turnover and additional onboarding demands. But creating effective training isn’t easy. So, how does one create effective training strategy and materials?

1. Assess Your Needs

Before you can begin work on the training plan, you must determine training needs. Are you currently converting to a new software program? Looking to support ongoing users? Preparing for your annual giving campaign ? This is a good time to take a look at your overall needs and talk to not only leadership but also your users. Find out just what they need to position themselves for success. Conduct interviews, focus groups, and/or online surveys to determine the requirements for your audience. Remember to ask if you are helping your staff achieve their goals early and often throughout training implementation.

2. Develop Your Training Goals and Curriculum

Once you have assessed your training needs, you can determine your learning objectives. Consider what tasks your users will need to accomplish frequently. What did users, management, and leadership voice as key concerns? If your organization has a helpdesk or ticketing system, ask for a list of the most frequently asked questions and tailor your training to target those requests.

Consider the types of users you are training when establishing your objectives. Using role-based curricula will allow you to group topics together to ensure your users have a training path that is digestible. Senior leadership will have different training needs than a gift processor or business analyst.

3. Implement the Training Plan

When we think of training, we think of the traditional classroom setting, which remains a recommended approach for training new users. But this isn’t always feasible, and different modes of delivery can be effective for different learning types. Many organizations utilize e-learning to support their users through a combination of live webinars and pre-recorded sessions. If your organization does not have the capacity to purchase its own e-learning tools, inquire if other departments at your organization such as HR or talent management may have licenses available for platform sharing. Training materials need not be extensive and complex manuals; consider condensed quick reference documents or online guides to support your users.

4. Evaluate Training Effectiveness

Instructional designers and trainers often spend a considerable amount of time creating agendas, training tracks, and curriculum only to neglect assessment. How do we know if users’ needs have been met if we do not ask? Create an assessment using an online survey tool that measures attendees’ learning comprehension. Use query, export, or proprietary tools built into the program to audit your users’ work. Keep in touch with the helpdesk and track how frequently cases are filed. Training needs will grow and change, requiring you to adapt to changing needs. This may mean adapting training media or course offerings. You may be able to combine classes or offer other courses more frequently.

5. Provide Ongoing Training

Often when we think of training, we are in the midst of a conversion to a new system, but it is just as important to develop ongoing training plans independent of system go-lives to offer ongoing support to users. Keep regular office hours where users can stop by and informally ask questions about software or business processes. Create newsletters or e-newsletters that are targeted to software and support. If there is an all-staff meeting, use five minutes to demonstrate a shortcut that can streamline a fundraiser’s data entry. Keeping users informed and continually supported is critical to long-term success.

Find out how BWF can help launch your software training program.

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Free Training Plans Templates for Business Use

By Kate Eby | May 31, 2018

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A training plan holds you accountable for your actions by providing documentation to track and monitor progress toward a goal. To save you time, we’ve provided the top free, downloadable training plan templates for business use .

You'll also find details on what a training plan is , the benefits of using one , and tips on how to write one .

Free Training Plan Templates

In this section, you’ll find training plan templates available in Microsoft Excel and Word formats, as well as PDF. Download all of the following templates for free, and customize them to meet your organizational needs.

Staff Training Plan Template

‌   Download Excel Template

Try Smartsheet Template   ‌

A team or department manager can use this template to document their entire staff’s progress at once. You’ll find multiple charts to track knowledge areas, award competency scores, and list formal trainings and meetings (as well as who has attended them or completed the necessary tasks). This template enables you to monitor both hard and soft skills so that you can get a composite view of each employee’s progress.

Monthly Training Plan Template

Try Smartsheet Template  

This template provides a useful schedule to help you plan your training over the course of a month. List details such as department, training contact, topic, and location, and then complete the prebuilt schedule with training dates and times. To track your progress, use the provided columns to mark milestones. Use this template as a high-level monthly planning tool to ensure you’ve organized training sessions and met your goals.

Weekly Training Plan Template

Download Weekly Training Plan Template

Excel | Word | PDF

This simple training plan template is designed to track team or department progress on training activities over the course of a week. List the employee, activity, and desired outcome, and use the weekly calendar either to plan training sessions or to mark whether or not the employee completed the training work. Finally, leave remarks on each employee’s performance and sign off for approval at the end of the week. This template is especially relevant for a manager or a lead who needs to oversee multiple team members’ development over a short period of time.

Daily Training Plan Template

Download Daily Training Plan Template

Use this template to plan and track daily training tasks for a single team member. At the top of the template, list employee and training contact info, the department, and the goals or desired outcomes. In the chart below, list time, task, and duration of training, and sign each row as the employee completes an activity. Create a separate daily training plan for each team member to track their progress individually.

Annual Training Plan Template

‌   Download Word Template

This comprehensive annual training plan template is available as Word and PDF files. Create a narrative-style training plan with separate sections for background information, critical needs, goals, performance metrics, estimated budget, milestone schedule, and revisions. This template is best for teams that need to formally document their training efforts. For those who need a quick visual overview of progress, check out the simple annual calendar templates in this article .

Employee Training Plan Template

Download Employee Training Plan Template

Excel | Word | PDF  | Smartsheet

Use this Excel template to create a training plan for an individual employee. List employee information, including ID number, position, department, and reviewer credentials, and then create a list of activities for Week 1, and for 30, 60, and 90 days out. The template includes columns for you to note whether the activity is active or on hold, the point of contact for each growth area, status, and observations — all of which will help you measure employee progress and keep them accountable.

New Employee Training Plan Template

‌ Download New Hire Training Plan Template - Excel

This template is designed as an onboarding plan you can use to ensure new hires complete all the necessary training, paperwork, and activities as they acclimate to their new role. The template includes sections for activities completed through management, HR, IT, and peers, and it lists sample activities that a new employee might need to accomplish. Track the new hire’s orientation and integration from the first day through the first year with this easy-to-use template.

Project Plan Template

‌ Download Project Plan Template - Excel

Sometimes, training can occur on the job. One way to ensure that you stay on track — in time, on budget, and within resources — is to create a project plan that outlines all the tasks, activities, and milestones you need to accomplish en route to your objectives or deliverables. Download this project plan template in Excel to list all tasks, assign team members and due dates, and note progress with the built-in Gantt chart , all the way through to project completion.

What Is a Training Plan?

A training plan is a document that details the strategy and specific steps needed to accomplish a goal or an objective. You can create a training plan for nearly any undertaking, such as a business or creative project, team development, staff or new hire training, or a personal endeavor (such as a running a marathon ). Regardless of the objective, training plans hold you accountable for intentions, actions, tasks, or activities that must be completed en route to a larger goal.

Many different business roles can make use of a training plan, including trainers and instructors, managers, staff, employees, IT, support representatives, or the entire organization. Colleges and universities also frequently use training plans to track their progress toward a goal.

What Is a Training Action Plan?

A training action plan is a document that you create prior to the training plan, and lists only the actions necessary to achieve a particular goal. As opposed to a training plan, a training action plan does not include strategy or scheduling information. To learn more about action plans and to download action plan templates, read this article .

Benefits of a Training Plan

Building a training plan can help ensure the success of the project, onboarding , skill building, or other objectives you aim to achieve. By providing a road map to success, a training plan ensures that you accomplish tasks and meet milestones along the way to your overarching goal. In addition, a strong training plan can offer the following underlying benefits:

• Aid you in preparing objective, needs, strategy, and curriculum to be addressed when training participants
• Improve trainer and training participants’ experience by providing a clear plan of action
• Ensure that each training session is well planned, helpful, and inspiring
• Gain much needed expertise and experience, which can help you achieve your goal

Ultimately, these benefits can make it easier to accomplish your goals. Training plans play a vital part in making your organization more profitable, beating the competition, and creating a thriving work culture.

How Do You Design a Training Program?

Before you write your training plan, you’ll need to do some strategic thinking and create a program structure that reflects both the needs and abilities of your workforce and your goals. Designing a training program will vary based on the industry and type of undertaking, but some general tips can apply to any workforce training:

• Identify Training Needs: In order to design an adequate training program, you need to know your needs. Perform a training needs assessment in which you identify your goals, the tasks required to reach them, and the training activities that will support them.
• Set Learning Objectives: Once you have identified your needs, define what you want your workforce to achieve from an educational perspective. What do you want your employees to learn? How will you tangibly test knowledge growth?
• Create Training Materials: In most cases, providing your trainees with materials of some sort (be it physical or online documentation, or quizzes, games, etc.) will greatly enhance their learning and retention. Get creative and find useful ways to increase the “stickiness” of your training curriculum.
• Implement the Training Plan: Next, you have to execute the plan you’ve designed. Make sure to document progress, and note any problems or inconsistencies that arise. Use a training plan template (included above) to document and support implementation.
• Repeat Steps as Necessary: The goal of any training plan is to increase knowledge and skills, and you can’t rush the learning process. Take your time and ensure that everyone is getting the deep learning and practice that they need to be successful.
• Evaluate Training: This is a key element to the long-term success of your training plan. Elicit feedback from participants and managers, and refine your design for future use.

How Do You Write a Training Plan?

Just as the design of your training plan will vary based on your organization and specific goals, so will the documentation of your training plan. The templates included in this article offer a range of structures and styles, but you can customize all of them to fit your needs.

If you want to create your own document, here is a basic list of what to include in your written training plan:

• Objectives: List your goals, and make sure they are measurable and specific.
• Duration: Ideally, your training plan should be flexible, offer an approximate, realistic duration of the plan to give participants an idea of what to expect, and aid managers in evaluating performance. Some training plans include multiple future dates at which to measure performance (for example, 30, 60, and 90 days).  
• Venue/Facility: If you are hosting a workshop, include details about the venue and facility, such as directions and special instructions.
• Dates/Times: If there are specific meeting times that staff needs to attend, make sure to list them on the plan.
• Activities and Learning Strategies: Depending on how comprehensive your training plan is, consider including a section where you detail the activities and knowledge areas in which you hope to see improvement. However, not all training plans require this level of detail.
• Milestones: Include room to mark key milestones, as well as space for dates and a signature if applicable. You might also want to include a section to rank accomplishments or competencies along the way.
• Approval Signature: Include a space for the manager or lead contact to sign off once the training program is completed.

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How and Why to Create a Self-Service Software Training Plan

Software training isn’t what it used to be—and that’s a good thing. More and more, pricey software consultants are being replaced by self-service training portals, designed to accommodate the schedules and learning styles of the individual users, and built either by hand or with e-learning authoring software .

The stakes for this are high, however: Done right, it can boost employee morale and increase retention, but a botched self-service training process can mean wasted resources and an ill-prepared workforce.

Thankfully, there are some best practices that’ll help your business devise an effective self-service software training plan. But before we get to those, let’s cover the basics.

What is self-service software training?

Self-service software training is the process of providing individual employees with the resources they need to learn a new system. This usually involves the creation of an internal website or landing page that hosts all necessary training information, from a basic introduction to detailed tutorials for work-related tasks.

That said, determining the contents of your self-service training site can be tricky; you need to be thorough and comprehensive, but in a way that doesn’t confuse or overwhelm the trainee.

Here are some must-have items that make navigating your training site a breeze:

A diverse media mix

The written word, while tried and true, isn’t the only way to convey information. Some concepts can be explained through text, but others will require visual supplements in the form of screenshots or video—think YouTube clips, such as this tutorial for how to create an invoice in QuickBooks:

Even breaking sections out into numbered steps or bullets can be helpful, because the last thing your employees want to look at is a big block of words on a page.

Navigation links

The more information on your self-service training site, the harder it is for employees to find what they’re looking for. Avoid clutter by breaking your site into multiple pages and including a table of contents—with anchored navigation links—at the beginning. This will allow users to navigate directly to their desired section, thereby streamlining the process and saving valuable time.

An FAQ page

Your trainees are bound to have questions, many of which will be similar in nature. You can nip a lot of these in the bud by including a list of frequently asked questions. Be sure to include a contact form that allows employees to submit any unanswered questions with the option to schedule an appointment, request in-person assistance, or talk to a specialist.

Why self-service software training is important

Gartner predicts that by 2022 75% of organizations will include employee experience improvement as a performance objective for HR and IT groups. Why? Because employees are the engine that keeps your business humming—and the data shows that they prefer self-service options .

In most cases, what’s good for employees is good for your organization, and self-service software training is an employee- and business-friendly solution for a couple of reasons:

It offers more flexibility to time-strapped employees

With a centralized hub of information at their disposal, employees have ’round-the-clock access to the information they need, with the freedom to go at their own pace. This is much more navigable than companywide sessions, which, by nature, take a universal approach to training despite the distinct learning styles of each individual.

It’s a more scalable solution

Self-service training sites are more efficient, cost-effective, and scalable than traditional in-person training methods. Unlike hiring third-party specialists to conduct a series of costly training sessions, a self-service solution can reach an unlimited number of people with fewer resources. What’s more, all that information is available for as long as you need it to be—weeks, months, and even years beyond its original rollout.

How to get the most out of self-service software training

Employee training of any kind will always be a significant investment—if you don’t have a learning management system in place, you’re missing out on an important mode of employee development.

While the content itself will keep employees informed, there are other, less tangible things you can do to stretch your training dollar further:

Keep your information current

In today’s environment, business processes evolve at a rapid clip. Roles change, workflows shift, and the way you did things on the first day of training won’t last forever. If you want to extend the life of your self-service training site, you have to keep it as current as possible.

Monitor search activity

If your site includes a search function—and it should—monitoring what your employees search for will reveal the topics that matter most to them. Use these insights to identify points of emphasis or topics where you could be more thorough.

Optimize the site for mobile devices

Nowadays, mobile optimization is the rule, not an exception. Allowing your trainees to access information on their smartphone gives them the freedom and flexibility they crave, whether out of necessity or personal preference.

And that’s it—you’re now well on your way to having a bona fide self-service training process. But your quest for knowledge shouldn’t end here.

For starters, take a look at our lists of learning management and knowledge management systems. These products help businesses implement and manage ongoing training initiatives, helping to automate and streamline processes with maximum efficiency.

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5 Keys To Developing An Effective Training Plan

End-user training is one of the keys to the successful implementation of any software. Given the importance, we wanted to provide an overview of the process.

At Serviceaide, we sell easy-to-use, easy-to-customize software for both ITSM and enterprise service management solutions. Regardless of whether you are an IT analyst or other service professional, software that is difficult to customize does not mean it is a better solution. And “easy to use” does not mean that training is not required. That applies to both the technical team as well as the end users. In this blog, we will focus on the IT analyst perspective in approaching a new software implementation and delivering on the business value for employees.

Most ITSM implementations are linked to clear business objectives. Streamline internal processes. Improve efficiency and productivity. Reduce complexity. Automate routine tasks. In order to achieve these goals, engaging and training your workforce is critical. Think about the impact of a software change or new implementation on the rest of the enterprise. Training needs to be an important part of your implementation plan.

The planning for that training should begin long before the first build is ready for testing. Change management software is an important resource. Be sure to plan your end-user experience training strategy before you roll out your software implementation. A few simple steps include:

1. Establish training goals

What is your desired goal with the implementation of the new software? Are you clear on the impact on the organization? An important initial objective is to minimize any loss of productivity associated with the new implementation or transition. Supporting any initial questions, need for information and additional training is key. You need to get users to the skill level required to do their jobs as quickly and accurately as they were doing with the old software at a minimum.

2. Assess end-user needs

To create a training program, you must evaluate the technical skill level(s) of those who will actually use the software. Is there a gap that needs to be addressed between the old software in use and the new software/release? This is a critical step particularly if adding on, integrating, or moving away from legacy systems.

3. Determine your training delivery methods

There are many ways to deliver training for end-users. Often a variety of methods is most effective as people differ in their learning styles. Traditional training includes:

• Individual hands-on instructor
• Hands-on classroom style instructor-led training
• Seminar-style group demonstration
• Pre-recorded video sessions

Technology-based options include:

• Curated learning platforms that can provide self-paced training and interactive engagement
• Virtual agent training that can act as a support agent to facilitate questions and provide support on demand

4 . Create a training program

One size fits all is often not the best approach. End-user training is more effective and memorable if you tailor it to your own organization’s use of the software and specific business objectives. Provide examples that illustrate the difference between the old way of doing things and the new way. Provide examples of commonly asked requests. Illustrate the new way of doing things or finding information and resources.

It is also critical that you engage your broader employees in the definition of what success looks like for the organization or enterprise. You want them to feel ownership and contribute to the business goals, not see the new implementation as merely an exercise of frustration. Employees need to own the outcome and be rewarded in some way for contributing to the success of the program. Hitting employee adoption or usage goals should be celebrated.

5. Scale your training program

A scalable training program should be flexible enough to accommodate both small numbers of users (for example, when new employees join the company and need to be trained on the software) and large numbers (as is necessary in an organization-wide rollout of a new product). Your choice of training delivery (point #3) is an important consideration as you think about how to scale.

Train for success

As Peter Drucker once said: “Every enterprise is a learning and teaching institution. Training and development must be built into it on all levels.” Training is often the step that will determine whether an IT implementation team was successful. It helps reduce failure risk, decrease costs, and increase project effectiveness.

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8 Steps to Create an Effective Sales Training Plan for 2024

Head of Product at Gloww

• Published on May 6, 2024

Struggling to execute a sales strategy? If you haven’t invested in an effective sales training plan, you stand little chance of achieving your objectives. A sales team can only sell if they’ve been given the skills and resources they need to thrive. While some people have an innate ability to convert customers, sales team development gives you the chance to upskill entire departments. 

Below, we’ll take a look at what it takes to create an effective sales training plan in 2024. 

Benefits and Importance of Sales Training 

A sales enablement training plan provides your team with the resources needed to convert leads into customers and close more deals. By helping your team improve their communication skills, they’ll be better able to connect with colleagues and customers alike. Sales training also ensures your team is fully versed on the USPs of a particular product or service, giving them the best chance of sealing a deal with a customer. 

Struggling with high turnover? Sales training opportunities are an attractive prospect to employees, while professional development pathways will also appeal to top talent looking for their next appointment. 

8 Steps to Create an Effective Sales Training Plan 

To get the best results from sales training, you’ll need to create an ironclad plan. Below are some of the most important things you’ll need to consider. 

1. Identify Needs Through Assessment

Before you can create a training plan , you need to get a handle on what areas your team is struggling with. With a skills gap analysis, you’re essentially comparing what you need against what you have, spotlighting the shortfall that training needs to address.  

2. Define Training Objectives (SMART goals)

Does your stream struggle with securing new customers or have issues with customer retention? Perhaps some find it hard to deploy hard-sell tactics. Whatever areas you choose to focus on, make sure you’re considering SMART goals. An acronym for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely, a SMART framework serves as the foundation for creating a successful training strategy. 

3. Consider Experience Levels, Learning Styles, and Team Dynamics

When it comes to training, a one-size-fits-all solution rarely works . Your team is going to have wildly different levels of experience. Some are going to prefer to be mentored, while others will thrive with independent learning. Even the way your team interacts with each other on a daily basis can inform training. Consider all these factors when deciding on the best way forward.

4. Choose the Right Training Format 

Asynchronous learning can be cost-effective and time-efficient, but the lack of trainer oversight and direct connection can cause problems. For most companies, a hybrid approach that brings together independent learning with guided training will deliver good results. 

5. Consider Industry Experience, Training Experience, and Ability to Engage Your Team

If you’ve opted against third-party support, you’ll need to assign people from within your organization to trainer and mentor roles. However, an experienced employee isn’t always the best choice. They’ll also need to have mastered employee engagement and coax less confident team members out of their shells. Finding the right fit is often a case of trial and error.  

6. Develop Engaging Training Materials 

Your team is going to respond better to training if you’ve created compelling learning content. Reams of text aren’t the most inspiring tools for learning, so lean heavily on infographics and images that will help with visualization. People often learn best from real-life sales scenarios, so including case studies is also a good idea. 

7. Include Interactive Exercises, Role-Playing Scenarios, and Simulations

Role-playing exercises are a tried and tested approach, while training simulations can give you a clear idea of how well someone will fare in a live sales setting. 

8. Implement, Monitor, and Refine

The process isn’t over just because training is. Monitor sales performance and track success by keeping an eye on key performance indicators. If productivity is flatlining or customer satisfaction levels are still plummeting, it’s time to head back to the drawing board and make some changes. 

Essentials for Ensuring Your Team Understands Sales Training 

Sales is a multifaceted vocation. If you want your team to succeed, they’ll need to master a suite of vital skills. 

Sales Funnel 

Good salespeople need to understand the difference between unqualified leads from qualified ones. Only the latter group can be converted into loyal customers. 

Sales Methodologies 

Having a grasp on key sales methodologies like solution and conceptual selling will ensure your sales team knows how to act in any given scenario. 

In-Depth Understanding of Products 

If a salesperson doesn’t understand a product, they don’t have a chance of promoting its USPs to potential leads. As such, investing in product training for your sales team is a must. 

Understanding the Needs of the Customer

Some customers are simply looking for a service provider. Others are more indecisive, and unsure of their wants and needs. A skilled salesperson should be able to quickly sniff out what kind of customer they’re dealing with in order to seal the deal. 

Building Rapport and Establishing Trust with Customers

The best salespeople know how to strike the right note with customers, secure their trust, and maintain long-lasting relationships that continue to bring in revenues and generate fresh leads. 

Sales Techniques and Tools

Whether it’s proactive selling or a more personal approach that speaks to the customer as an individual, all manner of sales techniques can be deployed to close a deal. An effective sales team should also be armed with an arsenal of arsenal tools, such as client relationships and marketing automation software. 

Mindset and Motivation 

A successful sales mindset encapsulates confidence and determination to convert leads into paying customers. However, great salespeople need more motivation than this. Sales is more than a numbers game, with those who offer added value to their customers generally more successful. 

Five Common Methods for Sales Training 

Is your sales training curriculum falling short? Below are five useful methods for turning new recruits into top sellers. 

Role-Playing 

Role-playing is one of the most effective ways to train a sales team and instill good habits. For best results, craft scenarios to promote a particular sales technique skill, such as dealing with a tricky customer or demonstrating the USPs of a product. 

Shadowing 

Do you already boast top-tier salespeople within your team? Shadowing is a great way of onboarding fresh recruits , letting them learn the ins and outs of the job from the best possible people. 

E-Learning Modules

As well as being cost-effective, asynchronous learning is ideal if you can’t commit to many business hours for training. Perfect for independent learners, e-learning modules are also the only way forward if your business operates remotely. 

Group Discussions

Pick a topic like common sales stumbling blocks or pitching a new product and open the floor for discussion. Your team can then share their experiences, offering their own unique approaches to inspire colleagues. 

Feedback and Reviews

While receiving feedback from managers and colleagues can seem intimidating, it’s a handy tool for sales training. If someone is struggling to convert leads into customers, encourage other members of your team to offer their insights and opinions to help them improve. 

Streamline Sales Training with Gloww

Is it time to rethink your approach to sales training? With Gloww, you have everything you need to execute an effective sales training strategy . Perfect for connecting with remote teams, our full-featured video conferencing platform has all the tools you need to upskill and enhance existing talents. 

You can create tailored training sessions in just a few clicks or take your pick from a huge library of ready-made templates. Want to make things more interactive? Add live polls, trivia rounds , or classic games to increase engagement . 

You can start creating your online training sessions today. If you want to learn to unlock Gloww’s advanced features, why not take a look at our premium pricing tiers ? Do you have a question about the platform? Get in touch with the team. 

Ben Aflalo heads Gloww's product team with over two decades of leadership experience. Passionate about leveraging innovative technology, he is committed to building products for the greater good.

Table of Contents

• May 6, 2024
• by Ben Aflalo

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