New Year, New You – Take a Free Training Class

Paul Bamert

Well, not only is it 2014, but January is more than halfway over. I know, I probably should I have warned you to shield your eyes there.


Even though the ball drop is behind us, it’s never too late to talk New Year’s resolutions, right?  While I’m not usually one for resolutions, I’ve made a few professional resolutions this year.


Here are my short term goals to get my year kicked off right:


1.     First, as Product Marketing for training here at Blackbaud, I plan to be a student to some of the training I’m always writing and talking about.  I’m embarrassed to say that I have not yet immersed myself into our training classes, only understanding the content indirectly.


2.    My second goal is to leverage my newly acquired knowledge to become Blackbaud Certified in The Raiser’s Edge before the end of February!


3.     Finally, I plan to meet face to face with 2-4 non-profits each month here in Charlotte – my hometown.  All of these ideas are anchored in a common theme - my desire to get closer to you, the nonprofit user of software and the Blackbaud training consumer.  I want to see Blackbaud from your perspective.  My intent is to become a more informed NPO champion here at Blackbaud.  Give me a month or two, but let me know how I’m doing.


With that said, I have a suggestion for those of you who are still looking for a 2014 resolution – take some training… any training!  You could focus on your personal health and wellness – go simple or go hard: count your steps or train for your first iron-man.  Another option, train your mind.  Become more proficient in something: Excel, The Raiser’s Edge, etc.  Sure, you can have fun with the games of Lumosity, but I say train your brain on something that will pay big dividends in your daily work.


I’ll even make this easy for you – take a free Blackbaud training class*.  Get a coupon code.  If you are reading this blog, chances are you use one of our Blackbaud applications.  This code will work with all our Virtual Instructor led classes – up to 4 hours.   Yes, you have to give us your name, org and email, but as a Blackbaud client, we probably already have that information.


Those of you who have a Learn subscription, my challenge is to take at least one class each month this year on something that is new or different.  Better yet, invest a few hard earned dollars to become certified – validate the knowledge that you already have between your ears and standout among your peer group.


*You must register before February 28, 2014. The class date can be after February 28, 2014.