.A few days ago, the National Systems Contracting Association, better known in these parts as the NSCA, kicked off a new educational program that has potential benefit for the contracting industry. It’s also so simple in concept and execution that, in retrospect, it begs the question “how did we all miss that one?”

The Learning Network is a series of scheduled one-hour teleconference sessions covering important business topics as they relate to systems contractors. Conducted by industry leaders and moderated by NSCA Executive Director Chuck Wilson, the sessions are accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation that participants can monitor on their computers, followed by audience Q & A.

Both association members and non-members can participate, and need only to contact Katie Chism (kchism@nsca.org) at NSCA, who provides a confirmation number to be presented when calling in to the session, as well as the PowerPoint presentation (via e-mail). Cost is just $49 for members, $99 for non-members.

I was invited to monitor the first session, “Back To Business,” led by Chad
Gillenwater, CEO of SPL Integrated Systems. More than 20 participants listened in as Chad dispensed a wealth of practical, specific advise for improving profitability during these tenuous economic times. Here are some observations.

The topic was quite timely given current events, and it struck me early on in the session that the Learning Network really lends itself to opportune discussion and useful information in light of what's happening in our world at a given point. I believe this is one of its true strengths.

Now is the time to be discussing the issues Chad covered - not three to five months from now, and after trying to arrange for everyone to be physically in the same place at the same time. Inevitably, this results in a loss of immediacy and therefore, lessens the value of the information. Certainly every topic covered by the Learning Network can’t (and shouldn't) be as time sensitive, but it is an added benefit when applicable.

Chad was well prepared, organized and possesses excellent verbal communication skills. It’s obvious that he knows his stuff, and he presented it clearly. The Q & A session bore this out, where several participants followed up on points he had made, and also introduced some of their own.

Especially with its low cost, small time investment and the convenience of participating without having to leave your office, this program is a real value. I will say, however, that my rather isolated office environment isn't subject to interruptions except the occasional "line two" ringing. Others, particularly busy contractors, might not find the setup quite as optimum.

Perhaps the NSCA will consider a flexible schedule so that at least some of the sessions can be held “early evening after business hours,” but then again, an optimum time in the East and Midwest isn’t quite so optimum in the Mountain and West time zones. There is no magic answer to this question, but it’s worth consideration.

Another thought/option is to record sessions and offer them, with the PowerPoint presentation, on CD-ROM for those who can’t fit a session into their schedule.

Back to my opening statement about the “obvious”… We work in the systems industry, do we not? Many of you reading this probably specify and install teleconference systems, or at the very least, we’re all well aware of them. But congrats to the NSCA for taking advantage of this medium for a “mass” educational program.

“Forest for the trees” some would say, but I believe some of the “trees” are becoming more apparent as we’ve been forced to reflect on “business as usual” in light of 9/11. Sometimes it’s not practical to jump on a plane and spend two or three days at a resort, to attend a seminar or to attend every trade show, for that matter, in pursuit of knowledge.

Yet I suspect there might be some who snicker about the relatively “low-tech” format of the Learning Network. Indeed, might not web casting be a more effective format for a program like this? In theory, most certainly. But for the here and now...

Web casting is great when it works, “when” being the operative word. The technology itself is unstable, bandwidth is an issue, and do most folks yet have computers that can accommodate reliable, seamless web casting capability? And/or are they willing to acquire this, and learn how to use it, at least at this specific point in time?

The beauty of the Learning Network teleconference format was that I used proven technology with absolutely no hassle; it worked perfectly and I wasn't distracted with connection problems or any other technical concerns. I could focus on what was being said, think, take notes, follow the PowerPoint, etc. Anything that detracts from this, rather than enhances it, would be detrimental to the educational process.

On the technical side, the audio quality throughout the session was superb, the PowerPoint presentation worked smoothly and the Q & A process seemed very straightforward and easy to use. When it’s time for questions, participants are instructed to punch a number on their phone keypad, putting them in “line” to make a query.

To me, the primary mission of a trade association is serving its membership and industry as fully as possible, particularly in terms of enhancing educational opportunity and information sharing. The Learning Network marks yet another innovative way the NSCA continues the steady fulfillment of this mission.

Education is about communication, about imparting information for the understanding and benefit of others. We have a wealth of mediums at our disposal to foster the process, and congratulations to NSCA and its Learning Network for taking full advantage.

(Editor’s Note: The next Learning Network session will be held Thursday, December 13 beginning at 10 a.m. Central time. John Stiernberg will be presenting "Contractor Perspectives on Manufacturer-Contractor Business Program Issues.” For more info, click here.)