Minneapolis Public Schools

Are you ready to take control of your business finances? Whether you're an entrepreneur or looking to upskill, our Bookkeeping Certificate program will equip you with the knowledge needed to measure and manage your financial health. Don't be clueless when it comes to your money - even if you outsource your bookkeeping, understanding the process is crucial. Join us and learn the ins and outs of cash basis accounting for a thriving business. Bookkeeping Certificate courses must be taken in the following order. (Scroll down for course details): Understanding Debits and Credits General Ledger and Month End Procedures Closing Procedures and Financial Statements Courses are online and asynchronous, meaning students may login to the classroom anytime during the course session, day or night, 24/7. For more information, go to our Online Professional Development Certificates & Courses FAQ Class Details: Understanding Debits & Credits Unit 1: The accounting equation and categories The Accounting Equation The Five Accounting Categories The Chart of Accounts Account Placement Activity ~ Categorizing Accounts Cash Basis Accounting vs. Accrual Basis Accounting Unit 2: Debits and credits T-Accounts Debits and Credits Double Entry Bookkeeping Analyze Financial Activities (Transactions) Unit 3: Assets, liabilities, and owner's equity Recording Transactions for Assets Recording Transactions for Liabilities Recording Transactions for Owner’s Equity Unit 4: Revenue and expenses Recording Transactions for Revenue Recording Transactions for Expenses Activity ~ Recording Transactions General Ledger & Month End Procedures Unit 1: The General Ledger What is the General Ledger Why must the general ledger balance Posting to the general ledger Activity ~ Posting to The General Ledger Unit 2: The unadjusted trial balance What is the unadjusted trial balance Verify debit and credit balances Finding errors Activity ~ Find The Errors Unit 3: Correcting entries and adjusting entries Determine correcting entries Adjusting entries and how to prepare them Posting correcting entries and adjusting entries to the general ledger Activity ~ Preparing Entries and Posting to General Ledger Unit 4: The adjusted trial balance Verify the accuracy of the adjusted trial balance Prepare monthly bank reconciliations Activity ~ Prepare a Bank Reconciliation Closing Procedures & Financial Statements Unit 1: Prepare a worksheet What is a worksheet Columns included in the worksheet Completing each column Unit 2: The income statement Review the worksheet columns for the Income Statement Prepare the income statement Determine a profit or loss Unit 3: The balance sheet Review the worksheet columns for the Balance Sheet Prepare the balance sheet Unit 4: Closing entries and statement of changes in owner's equity Prepare the balance sheet Prepare a statement of changes in owner’s equity Applying year-end steps monthly or quarterly

Successful professionals in the workplace use financial information to aid effective decision making. The Certificate in Accounting and Finance for Non-Financial Managers explains financial concepts and accounting processes utilized in most businesses. It provides practical techniques that increase your effectiveness and career. Get a foundation to understand the seven steps in the accounting cycle, and use financial information in decision making. Analyze resource allocation, evaluate financial performance, and maximize cash flow. Learn how to assess and analyze business reports to make smart decisions about budgeting, setting goals, and assessing performance within your area of influence. Courses: Accounting and Finance for Non-Financial Managers Cash is King Financial Analysis and Planning for Non-Financial Managers Courses are online and asynchronous, meaning students may login to the classroom anytime during the course session, day or night, 24/7. For more information, go to our Online Professional Development Certificates & Courses FAQ Class Details: Accounting & Finance for Non-Financial Managers Unit 1: Introduction to finance The Vocabulary of Finance The Four Basic Elements of Finance The Basic Financial Statements Unit 2: Introduction to accounting Basic Terminology The Purpose of Accounting The Accounting Cycle Preparing Financial Statements Unit 3: Managing liabilities Overview of Liabilities The Liabilities of a Business Short-Term Liabilities Long-Term Liabilities Unit 4: Financial planning Overview of Financial Planning The Importance of Financial Planning The Business Planning Process Cash is King Unit 1: Cash flow strategies Why cash is so important in business What are the cash-critical stages in business What internal sources of cash are possible What potential external sources of cash there are Unit 2: Reporting and evaluating cash flow Review of the Cash Flow Statement Review of Projected Cash Flow Report What the Cash Cycle communicates What improvements can be made to shorten the cash cycle Calculating cash cycle Unit 3: Projecting cash needs How much cash the business needs When cash injections are needed Which cash needs will internal sources be able to cover Which cash needs must be met through external sources Making comparisons with other businesses in the same industry Unit 4: Funding requests What debt sources of cash are possible What are the potential equity sources of cash What requirements different funding sources have Making a pitch to investors Approaching potential lenders for financing Financial Analysis & Planning Unit 1: Financial strategies Your Role in Financial Decision Making Who is responsible for the financial decisions in your company? The Goal of Business Understand the Language of Finance Accounting as a Language Learn the Language Visual Activity – Accounting Process Accounting and Recordkeeping Systems Self Check – Account Categories Read the Story A Word about Financial Concepts Financial Concept: The Accounting Equation Financial Concept: The Matching Principle The Common Financial Statements Income Statement The Balance Sheet Statement of Cash Flows The Purpose of Financial Statements Unit 2: Financial dashboard - introduction to financial gauges Understand Basic Financial Concepts Introduction The Story Statements Tell Financial Concept: The Accounting Equation Financial Concept: The Profit Matching Principle Financial Concept: The Fund Matching Principle Financial Concept: Cash Basis vs. Accrual Basis Financial Concept: Cash vs. Profits Financial Concept: Debt vs. Equity (Optimum Capital Structure) Financial Strategies Financial strategies stem from business goals Take a Look: Example Financial Strategies Financial Gauges Introduction to Financial Gauges Your Financial Gauges Profitability-based gauges Performance-based gauges Reading Your Financial Gauges The Story Financial Gauges Tell Research and Analysis Unit 3: Financial Gauges - Profitability Profitability Gauges Ratio Analysis Financial Gauge: Net Profit Margin (or) The Bottom Line Financial Gauge: Gross Profit Margin Financial Gauge: Operating Margin Using Profitability Ratios The Components of Profitability The Origin of Profits Sales and Expenses Sales Sales Strategies Pricing Strategies Cost of Goods Sold and Cost of Sales Cost of Goods Sold Gross Profit Margin Gross Profit Analysis and Planning Evaluate Profitability of Product or Service Lines Expenses Budget vs. Actual Analysis Cost Management and Efficiency Unit 4: Financial Gauges - Performance Making Money The Goal of Business Value Growth Company Resources Taking Advantage of Assets Tangible vs. Intangible Assets Cash Making the Most of Liabilities and Equity Liabilities Equity Performance Financial Gauges Financial Gauge: Current and Quick Ratio (Liquidity) Financial Gauge: Return on Assets Financial Gauge: Return on Equity Financial Gauge: Debt to Equity Ratio Financial Analysis and Planning Summary Downtown Publishing Financial Performance Analysis Summary

Begin by understanding the format, construction, and successful techniques of writing good business reports and proposals. Improve your skills with editing and proofreading. Discover what good journalists know and learn how to write a news story, press release, or other publicity notice that stands out in the workplace. Enhance your career by mastering critical communication skills that will help you move forward and stand out in your organization. Courses (click link for details): Business Writing Effective Copywriting Writing News and Press Releases Courses are online and asynchronous, meaning students may login to the classroom anytime during the course session, day or night, 24/7. For more information, go to our Online Professional Development Certificates & Courses FAQ Class details: Business Writing Unit 1: Writing as a process Audience, Purpose, and Medium Outlining for Successful Writing Organization Models (Choosing a Model that Works) Principles of Business Communication Unit 2: Written communication in the workplace Writing Reports (formal and informal) Drafting and Revision Writing the First Draft Constructing Openings and Closings that Work Unit 3: Writing a proposal Writing for Your Readers Writing Effective Content Safeguarding Users Ethical Considerations Unit 4: Collaborative writing and research Research and Team Writing Collaborating Across Departments Working Through Conflict Effective Copywriting Unit 1: Copywriting essentials How to tell the difference between bad copy and good copy The art of the perfect sentence Developing your message Crafting your document roadmap Adapting your style to the audience and message Unit 2: Getting to the point Clarity and brevity: Less is more Active vs. Passive Voice Cutting the clutter Using concrete examples and avoiding unwarranted superlatives Unit 3: Self Editing Leaving yourself time for revisions Avoiding common grammar mistakes and punctuation pitfalls Subject, verb and object agreement Fact checking The benefits of having an in-house style guide Unit 4: Creating attention-grabbing press releases Writing benefit-driven copy Setting the right tone Language to use and language to avoid Writing a great headline Writing News and Press Releases Unit 1: The skills good journalists have What journalists know how to do How to think like your audience Kinds of publicity notices Keys to successful publicity notices Unit 2: Writing a good news story The inverted pyramid The 5 Ws and H How not to bury the lead Writing a good headline for your story Unit 3: Creating the successful press release The press release format Quotes, how many to use, who to quote and how How and where to highlight your organization and contact Avoiding the direct sales pitch Unit 4: Distributing your press release Targeting media, journalists and audiences Email press releases Print press releases Getting attention

In today's business world, customer service plays a crucial role in every organization's success. As technology advances, the need for human interaction with customers becomes even more critical. Whether it's retaining customers, serving your audience, or converting potential inquiries into sales, good customer service is now essential. Improve your customer service skills to advance your career, enhance productivity, and contribute to your organization's success. Discover exceptional techniques for customer service that are not found anywhere else. Courses (click link for course details): Keys to Customer Service Extraordinary Customer Service Courses are online and asynchronous, meaning students may login to the classroom anytime during the course session, day or night, 24/7. For more information, go to our Online Professional Development Certificates & Courses FAQ Class details Keys to Customer Service Unit 1: Understand Service Matters Longevity and Loyalty Cost of a Lost Customer Engage Your Customer Unit 2: Listen to Your Customer Active Listening Avoid Improper Listening The Power of Feedback Unit 3: Web Sites and Electronic Communication Web-Based Customer Service Disadvantages of Web-Based Customer Service Evaluate Your Web-Based Customer Service Unit 4: Customer Turnoffs Exceed customer expectations Recognize and categorize customer turnoffs Deal with customer expectations and turnoffs Extraordinary Customer Service Unit 1: Understanding your customer Why customer service is important Knowing your customer Customers are constantly evaluating you Basic customer service skills you may not have thought of Unit 2: Setting customer expectations Analyzing customer contacts Developing internal customer targets How to easily exceed your customers' expectations Unit 3: Developing effective processes What is working for your customers Re-engineering your process Ways to give the best information Handling complaints Unit 4: Making customer service extraordinary Tweaking the customer's experience Telling the world how great you are Having fun

Especially geared for future leaders in the Gen Y generation (born 1980-1999), the certificate provides how-to practical information on advancing your leadership potential and making a difference in both the workplace and in society. Find out what it takes to become an effective leader. Discover your style of leadership. Discuss task completion, building relationships with your subordinates, becoming socially perceptive to changes in the workplace, utilizing your emotions in a positive and effective manner, and addressing challenging goals. Then learn the unspoken secrets that leaders know and the strategies they employ/exhibit in for influencing others. Leadership skills are acquired and learned. You can become a leader if you know the do’s and don’ts; what to say, what not to say; what to do, what not to do. At the end of completing the three course certificate, come away with a new understanding, new toolbox of leadership skills, and the information to move your leadership development into high gear. Courses (click links for course details): Leadership Principles Developing Your Leadership Skills Developing Your Professional Career Courses are online and asynchronous, meaning students may login to the classroom anytime during the course session, day or night, 24/7. For more information, go to our Online Professional Development Certificates & Courses FAQ Class details: Leadership Principles Unit 1: What leaders do and believe What leaders do, and don’t do What Leaders Believe Attributes of leaders: what characteristics leaders have that others don’t What leadership experts say about leadership Unit 2: Recognizing your leadership style Leadership Traits The Philosophy of Leadership Leadership Models Leadership is made, not born Unit 3: The vision thing Leadership vision in the 21st Century Deciding where you want to go Creating your vision Making others believe in your vision Unit 4: The power of empowerment What empowerment is, and is not Why Gen Y and Z demand empowerment The risks and rewards of empowerment Ways to empower others Developing Your Leadership Skills Unit 1: Making leadership happen What leaders do, and don’t do What Leaders Believe Attributes of leaders: what characteristics leaders have that others don’t Making it happen: becoming a leader Leadership procedures and processes, how leaders work Unit 2: Attending meetings: Where the action is How to attend a meeting when you are not the leader The dynamics of meetings Recognizing the players in a meeting How to study. The unspoken cues of body language, silence, objections Studying/Reading the leader in a meeting Unit 3: The secrets of leading successful meetings Creating your meeting agenda and objective The 5 Secrets of leading an outcome oriented meeting Getting something passed Understanding meeting procedures: Bob’s Process Model Unit 4: Change: How to influence others Creating the argument Delivering the case Gaining support, before, during, and after meetings Taking leadership Developing Your Professional Career Unit 1: Mapping your career for success Defining where you want to be in your career in 5, 10, 15 years Setting and monitoring your career goals Establishing a mentor partnership as a start in your professional career Unit 2: Developing your professional career through non-verbal communication The difference between verbal and non-verbal communication Conveying the right message with your body language Writing what you think Haptics – Using touch to convey non-verbal communication How to understand others non-verbal communication Unit 3: Image is everything You are your brand What you wear can determine where you go How to determine if your image is headed in the right direction How your communication and your image should agree with each other Unit 4: Using social media to help developing your professional career The purpose of Social Media How to use Social Media to create a professional online presence How to avoid negative images trap that many people fall victim to on Social Media

Discover advanced and new best practices in Integrated Marketing, the growing field that integrates traditional print marketing with digital marketing for even greater marketing success. Young generations are embracing print as well as online media, creating this exciting new area of marketing. Find out the keys to success in the almost forgotten but still remarkably effective area of print, including catalogs, direct mail letters and post cards. Gain advanced marketing concepts and principles such as R, F, & M analysis; AIDA, and the 3-30-3 principle, that lead directly to practical marketing success. Acquire the understanding of how digital marketing and print complement and enhance each other, and how to integrate both kinds of marketing for even greater overall effectiveness. Courses: Advanced Marketing Concepts Writing Marketing Copy Integrated Marketing Best Practices Courses are online and asynchronous, meaning students may login to the classroom anytime during the course session, day or night, 24/7. For more information, go to our Online Professional Development Certificates & Courses FAQ Class details: Advanced Marketing Concepts Unit 1: Analyzing Customer Purchasing and Demographics R,F & M Analysis Calculating Customer Lifetime Value Key Demographics to collect, and why The 80/20, AIDA, and 3-30-3 Principles Unit 2: Pricing to Improve Profit Margins Market pricing, price points and listing prices Clustered versus diversified pricing Price increase, and decrease, impact on sales Raising prices: guidelines for when, and how Unit 3: Your Seven Primary Market Segments Boston Consulting Group’s Stars & Dogs Repeat customers versus new customers Determining your seven primary market segments Strategic marketing by market segment Unit 4: The Top 10 Advanced Marketing Concepts The 5 marketing experts you need to know, and why Researching marketing best practice The best marketing books The top ten advanced marketing concepts you must know Writing Marketing Copy Unit 1: Power Up Your Copy The two biggest motivators for your customers Appealing to the emotions Secrets of the masters in writing marketing copy Words, like “meaningful” and “interesting,” to avoid Unit 2: Writing Results-First Copy How-to tips on copy writing. Don’t bury the lead How to effectively use verbs The importance of using second person language Unit 3: Editing Your Copy Step by step editing process for marketing copy Sentence construction and pitfalls Copy length for various mediums Differences for email, website, print and other media Unit 4: Enhancing Copy with Testimonials & Images How to get testimonials The 3 things to look for in a testimonial How to edit a testimonial Complementing copy with images Integrated Marketing Best Practices Unit 1: Moving Inquiries to Customers The purpose and uniqueness of Integrated Marketing. Some 25 marketing options. Choosing the best for you. An Integrated Marketing Model All paths (almost) lead to your website Unit 2: Developing Inquiry Campaigns Choosing your methods Generating inquiries Following up with inquiries Hidden Engagement with ‘Contact Us’ Unit 3: Your Best 5 Digital Marketing Methods The hot 5, and why they work Picking your best 5 digital marketing methods Trending Up Why multiple channels can reach different audiences Unit 4: Integrating Digital with Print Following digital with print Using print to engage your website What goes in print; what goes online The 3 most effective engagement techniques

Non-profits today need to be run like a business in many respects. You have competition, a need to generate income and a surplus, and staff need to be even more productive. Get the best training on revenue generation for nonprofits, and program evaluation for nonprofits, with our Certificate in Nonprofit Administration. Come away with the latest best information from instructors who train people in nonprofits. Courses: Revenue Generation for Nonprofits Program Evaluation for Nonprofits Courses are online and asynchronous, meaning students may login to the classroom anytime during the course session, day or night, 24/7. For more information, go to our Online Professional Development Certificates & Courses FAQ Class details: Revenue Generation for Nonprofits Unit 1: Introduction to Revenue Generation Setting and using revenue generation benchmarks Determining annual objectives How to best use this course information Unit 2: Understanding Your Audience The benefits of knowing your audience better What to ask your audience How to get the best information Collecting and using the best data Where to find the new ideas Unit 3: Developing Programs and Services The right questions for the best success Natural life cycles of programs and services Determining which ones to continue Creating successful new programs and services Unit 4: Analyzing Programs and Services Analyzing the past performance Determining future productivity Analysis tools Simple analysis technique Unit 5: Setting the Right Price How price affects attendance Price breaks that determine the price to set Setting the best price Pricing strategies Unit 6: Marketing Effectively Building your identify Developing market segments Determining who to market to Unit 7: Developing Promotions Making promotions that work Creating the best layouts Making promotions that sell Unit 8: Distributing Promotions Print, social media, and eMarketing techniques Knowing what promotions work The most effective promotion methods Program Evaluation for Nonprofits Unit 1: Introduction to Nonprofit Evaluation & the Logic Model What evaluation is and is not Why evaluation is important to nonprofit organizations and why your funders are asking you for it Planning for evaluation begins when you apply for the grant Types of evaluation, and the approaches best suited to nonprofit programs Planning tools for evaluation – introduction to the logic model Crafting accurate, concise outcome statements Unit 2: Creating an Evaluation Plan What an evaluation plan is and why you need one Using outcomes from our logic model to create your evaluation plan Setting priorities for your evaluation (navigating barriers based on budget, funder requirements, staff time and staff capacity) Creating indicators for your outcomes Defining benchmarks and targets where appropriate Unit 3: Collecting the Data Taking stock of the data you already use Making data collection systematic Choosing and/or creating data collection tools – output information, surveys, interviews, focus groups Unit 4: Analysis, Reporting and Use – Putting it All Together Appropriate analysis of the common data collection tools covered in Unit 3 Common analysis mistakes and how to avoid them Reporting to various stakeholders (funders, donors, Board of Directors and the community) Using data for program improvement

In today’s business environment, there is a need for good project management. Project management provides visibility of project health to the business and the customer. Through continuous monitoring, early detection of variations to plan, schedule, and budget can be communicated to stakeholders for quick resolution, including project cancelation. Project management is one of the fastest paths to promotion by increasing your network through greater exposure. First, gain the skills, tools and templates to confidently develop and maintain a project. An overview of salaries, certification costs, education and experience requirements are provided. Then acquire a well-rounded knowledge of the five Project Management Processes relating to the Project Management Body of Knowledge Guide. This basic information will assist you in learning the beginnings of Project Management, whether you are interested in project management, in a project management field, or in any line of work. Finally, learn the ten Project management Knowledge Areas and their support role and relationships to the five Project Management Processes. Classes must be taken in the following order: Introduction to Project Management Project Management Processes Project Management Knowledge Areas Courses are online and asynchronous, meaning students may login to the classroom anytime during the course session, day or night, 24/7. For more information, go to our Online Professional Development Certificates & Courses FAQ Class Details: Introduction to Project Management Unit 1: Project management overview Project Manager’s Responsibilities & Commitment Certification Requirements & Costs Compensation Project Framework Preview Unit 2: Tools & templates Project Process Checklist Project Charter Template Project Plan Template Communications Templates Unit 3: Creating a project Creating a project plan and schedule in MS Project Creating charter and team/stakeholder matrices Creating Change Log Creating a Risk Plan Unit 4: Managing the project - prepare a project status deck Creating status deck (format, content, operating rhythm, etc.) Collecting Detail Status Presenting Summary Status Simulating project close-out & celebrate Project Management Processes Unit 1: Project management process welcome & initiating process group What is Project Management What is a Process Initiating Process Group Unit 2: Planning process group Developing the Project Management Plan Planning strategy Planning for desired project objectives Unit 3: Executing process group and monitoring & controlling process group What differs between Executing and Monitoring & Controlling process groups Analysis and risks When to make changes and how Unit 4: Closing process group & farewell How to be aware of what should be thought of when closing a project Review of lessons learned and why it is important Review acknowledgement of all five process groups Project Management Knowledge Areas Unit 1: Project integration & scope management Integration Management Direct & Manage Project Work Perform Integrated Change Control Scope Management Control Scope Unit 2: Project time & cost management Time Management Sequence Activities Control Schedule Cost Management Plan Cost Management Unit 3: Project quality, human resources & communications management Quality Management Human Resources Management Communications Management Unit 4: Project risk, procurement & stakeholder management Risk Management Plan Risk Responses Procurement Management Stakeholder Management

Improve your workplace communication skills and increase your chances of career success with a comprehensive and intensive training program. Gain valuable skills and techniques that you can start implementing on Monday morning. Learn a workable conflict management model, successful conflict management strategies, and how to improve your negotiation skills for a win-win outcome. Discover more about yourself and others using personality profiles for better work performance. Learn from our popular instructors and take away practical how-to skills that really work. Courses: Conflict Management Management in the 21st Century Using Personality Profiles for Better Work Performance Courses are online and asynchronous, meaning students may login to the classroom anytime during the course session, day or night, 24/7. For more information, go to our Online Professional Development Certificates & Courses FAQ Class details: Conflict Management Unit 1: Understanding Conflict Definition of conflict. The up side of conflict. Describe performance expectations related to conflict. Unit 2: Understanding the Conflict Management Model Using the model Dialog for a conflict conversation When to take action and address a conflict situation Unit 3: Conflict Management Case Studies Review of real world cases Analyze and evaluate the cases Unit 4: Strategies for success Creating a standard of performance Creating your own dialog Applying the model Management in the 21st Century Unit 1: Principles of collaboration in management Defining principles of collaboration Emotions, self-mastery and collaboration Redirecting teams and group collaboration Conflict management and facilitation Unit 2: Relationship building Building relationships fundamentals Renegotiating failed relationships Managing collaborative potentials Unit 3: Strategies to tap into group collaborative potential Harnessing collaborative energy Responsible communication Managing collaboration for performance Unit 4: Your action plan for collaborative management Setting your management goals Identify and utilize collaborative resources Creating a collaborative management action plan Using Personality Profiles for Better Work Performance Unit 1: Understanding the DiSC Profile Getting to know the four styles of the DiSC profile Dominance Influence Steadiness Compliance Unit 2: Communicating effectively with each style Understanding preferences for communicating The most effective and influential communicators Knowing how to reach and be understood by others Insights into barriers that each style has, Clarifying detractors and enhancements for each style Unit 3: Increasing your Success Part 1 In depth analysis of the D and I behavioral styles from the DiSC profile Creating action plans for D and I styles Unit 4: Increasing your Success Part 2 Analyzing the other two behavioral styles from the DiSC profile: S and C Developing action plans for S and C styles

Come get a fundamental yet advanced introduction to eMarketing, including improving email promotions, analyzing your web site traffic, doing search engine optimization, and how to successfully employ online advertising. Relevant for any type of organization, including businesses, companies, non-profits, and government agencies. No eMarketing experience or expertise is necessary. If you are already at an advanced level, your instructors are experts and can provide the latest most advanced information and answer your toughest questions. Courses (click on links for course details): Improving Email Promotions Boosting Your Website Traffic Online Advertising Courses are online and asynchronous, meaning students may login to the classroom anytime during the course session, day or night, 24/7. For more information, go to our Online Professional Development Certificates & Courses FAQ Class Details: Improving Email Promotions Unit 1: Why email marketing Targeting promotions in the Internet Age Return on Investment (ROI) for email promotions The importance of permission marketing, relevant content, and opt-out options Integrating email promotion with other kinds of marketing Unit 2: How email works How commercial email vendors function Analyzing Open, click through and conversion rates Cleaning and updating email lists How HTML and text emails differ Unit 3: Writing email copy Writing a good subject line Writing email body copy Writing response and action copy Design and formatting email promotions Unit 4: Testing and tracking emails Frequency and best times to email How to test different emails Following up on inquiries Creating a one year email marketing plan Boosting Your Website Traffic Unit 1: Why web site analysis works Why web site managers analyze their visitor traffic Creating goals and objectives for your web site Understanding the web site visitor experience How data analysis can improve web site outcomes Unit 2: How Google Analytics functions Setting up Google Analytics accounts Analyzing traffic sources and visitor traffic Redesigning pages to improve retention Testing web site versions with Google Optimizer Unit 3: Search Engine Optimization Understanding how page ranking and positions are determined Redesigning the title bar, alt tags, heading area, and links your URL Keyword density and rewriting web page copy Strategies to improve your page rank Unit 4: Moving to Web 2.0 Generation Y and the Web 2.0 Attitude Developing user-created content Creating interactive web sites The future of web sites Online Advertising Unit 1: The evolution of online advertising From mass marketing to targeted marketing The role of search in online advertising Return on investment for online advertising Competing effectively with online advertising Unit 2: Creating Google AdWord Campaigns Determining keywords Selecting your AdWord territory Understanding pricing strategies Creating an AdWord budget and evaluation Unit 3: Improving Online Advertising Results How SEO and online advertising complement each other Testing keywords and related keywords Using Traffic Estimator to improve keyword selection Successful strategies in using online advertising Unit 4: Facebook Ads Understanding Facebook uses and users Using demographics to target Facebook Ads Setting up Facebook Ads Trends and future of online advertising

75% of the world’s major conflicts have a cultural dimension and the culture sector now accounts for 6.1% of the global economy. The United Nations reports that creative and cultural industries (CCI) generate annual revenues of US$ 2,250 billion and nearly 30 million jobs worldwide, employing more people aged 15 to 29 than any other sector. To improve diversity, achieve equity, and foster inclusion one must be intentional, consistent, and courageous. LERN’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the Workplace Certificate focuses on improving cultural competence and encourages continuous learning. Students will gain a better understanding of DEI. Courses: What is DEI? Inclusive Communication DEI and Organizational Success Courses are online and asynchronous, meaning students may login to the classroom anytime during the course session, day or night, 24/7. For more information, go to our Online Professional Development Certificates & Courses FAQ Class Details: What is DEI? Unit 1: Diversity Define diversity Understanding the different ways diversity may present in the workplace How diversity benefits your work team Overcoming challengers related to diversity Unit 2: Equity Define equity - The "E" in DEI Differentiate between equity and equality How to make an impact as an individual contributor Effective ways to promote workplace equity Unit 3: Inclusion Define Inclusion Promoting a sense of belonging in the office measuring the inclusivity of your workplace Diversity wins: How inclusion matters Unit 4: Justice Define Justice Why justice is difficult to achieve What is allyship and how you can get involved "Isms" in society: racism, classism, sexism Inclusive Communication Unit 1: Cultural Differences in Communication Overview of global communication statistics Understanding the beauty in language Examples of cultural differences in communication How to manage cultural differences in the workplace Unit 2: Conversation About Race in the Workplace Why we shouldn't avoid race-related conversations What is color-blind ideology and how it harms DEI How to start conversations about race Resources to increase racial literacy Unit 3: Having Uncomfortable Conversations Creating a foundational relationship that supports difficult conversations What to do if conversations become uncomfortable Intentional harm verses unintentional harm How to prevent a communication crisis Unit 4: Communication that Supports Social Identities What is social identity? Using cultural communication to build positive professional relationships Cultural differences in Body Language Nonverbal Communication DEI and Organizational Success Unit 1: Unconscious Bias and Cultural Competence Performing an honest self-reflection Intentionally counteracting stereotypes Dismissing the idea that normativity is set by the majority Cultural competence as continuous learning Unit 2: The Multi-Generational Workforce Overview of the 7 living generations Understanding the benefits of a multi-generational team Identifying and utilizing the strengths of your team members What Gen Z and Millennials expect in workplace Unit 3: DEI Best Practices Top 10 challenges with DEI Top 10 DEI best practices Determining if your organization should have a DEI Officer What's next for DEI? Unit 4: Supervising in a Diverse Workplace Developing emotional intelligence Ensuring and supporting accessibility for all employees How to tackle microaggressions effectively and efficiently Being an inclusive leader

Transform your new or small business into a success while minimizing your risks. Begin by exploring the latest methods for planning your business and generating ideas. Use a checklist to help you set up your business. Then, learn to create a business plan by assessing feasibility and preparing management and financial plans. Follow a step-by-step approach to attract and retain customers, with a focus on customer-driven marketing decisions and brand building. Identify the abilities that successful entrepreneurs possess and how to acquire them, set goals to establish your business, develop an outline for your plan, and learn techniques for managing and marketing your new business. Courses: Entrepreneur Boot Camp The Business Plan Entrepreneurial Marketing Courses are online and asynchronous, meaning students may login to the classroom anytime during the course session, day or night, 24/7. For more information, go to our Online Professional Development Certificates & Courses FAQ Class details: Entrepreneur Boot Camp Unit 1: What is an Entrepreneur? Checklist For Going Into Business Are You A Potential Entrepreneur? Success, Self-Esteem and Goals Brainstorming Business Ideas Unit 2: As You Start Your Business Selecting A Legal Structure Licensing And Registrations Planning Your Business Unit 3: Using Technology The Essential Eleven Computer Skills Marketing Strategies Internet Opportunities Unit 4: Managing Your Business Financial Statements Record Keeping And Taxes Grants And Government Programs The Business Plan Unit 1: Getting Started—Refine your concept and begin your plan Prepare your concept statement—What, Who, Why, When, and How. Identify product/service features and benefits. Identify limitation, liabilities, and regulations. Write your Business Description and evaluate it against a Business Description checklist. Unit 2: Prepare the Marketing Plan Conduct an industry and competitive analysis. Perform a market analysis and identify target markets and a market penetration strategy. Identify your pricing strategy. Write your Marketing Plan and evaluate it against a Marketing Plan checklist. Unit 3: Prepare the Management and Financial Plans Identify key people and positions, duties and responsibilities. Determine funding needs and sources. Create sales and expense estimates. Write your Management and Financial Plans and evaluate them against checklists. Unit 4: Complete the Business Plan and Assess Business Feasibility Polish the plan and add final elements—Cover Page, Executive Summary, Table of Contents. Evaluate business plan against checklist and identify items in need of additional work. Assess business against feasibility checklist. Identify next steps. Entrepreneurial Marketing Unit 1: The Customer as the Driver Marketing Decisions Framework Positioning Your Product or Service Marketing Strategies and Goals Unit 2: Communicating Value to Customers Key Selling Messages Creating Emotional Connections Personal Selling Networking: Your 30-Second Introduction Unit 3: Creating a Strong Brand Managing the Marketing Mix Marketing on a Shoestring Budget Your Marketing Calendar Implementing Your Plan Unit 4: Building Customer Relationships Tools to Meet Your Strategic Goals Online Opportunities and Social Media Checklist Generating Buzz: Word-of-Mouth Marketing Measuring Effectiveness

You as a manager are on the front lines of human resources (HR) for your organization. Upskill your knowledge about HR. Conquer one of the essential competencies for a successful manager, moving up, and contributing to the productivity of your organization. Crush it with your people. Whether you work with a small organization or a large one with HR specialists, you play a critical role in creating a positive HR environment. Know what every manager needs to know about HR. Courses in this certificate must be taken in the following order: Your Roll in HR HR Aspects of Good Leadership Optimizing Performance and Employee Success Courses are online and asynchronous, meaning students may login to the classroom anytime during the course session, day or night, 24/7. For more information, go to our Online Professional Development Certificates & Courses FAQ Class details: Your Roll in HR Unit 1: The Role of Human Resources Concise breakdown on what HR is Overview of what HR professionals do Your role in HR as a manager Moving forward with confidence in your people management responsibilities Unit 2: Strategic HR: Human Capital and your Mission What HR outcomes you should target as a manager Developing your people goals Gaining access to cutting edge research Tapping evidence-based recommendations Boosting your human resources leadership with non-HR managerial skills. Unit 3: Onboarding The critical first few days and weeks The Onboarding process and tips Fostering peer relationships and support Establishing expectations The Onboarding outcomes and results Unit 4: Talent development and Organizational Goals Upskilling your employees Training for success Coaching for high performance Your role in employee retention Aligning your HR role with employees for organizational success HR Aspects of Good Leadership Unit 1: The Doctrine of Employment-At-Will The difference between federal & state employment-at-will laws. How at-will employment works in conjunction with the employee hiring, firing, disciplinary action & suspension process. Understanding employment-at-will violations (covenant of public policy, covenant of implied contracts, and covenant of good-faith and fair dealing). EEOC regulations that offer protection for employees in the workplace. Leadership actions that can work for, or against, company leaders if an employee files a claim/lawsuit. Unit 2: Effectively Dealing with Disruptors & Difficult Employees How to stop bad employee behavior before it gets out of hand. How to use company policies & work rules to set employee boundaries. How to effectively deal with workplace gossip, blame, narcissistic behavior, and passive-aggressive workers. Easy to learn skills, techniques & guidelines for successfully managing and addressing the most difficult employee personalities. Unit 3: Preventing Employee Threats & Threatening Behavior What constitutes threatening behavior in the workplace (implicit & explicit words/actions, open racial/religious prejudice, bullying, etc.). How to detect and address threatening behavior (against management or between co-workers). When to get HR and/or law enforcement involved. Properly documenting threatening incidents. Unit 4: Avoiding Complaints of Harassment, Retaliation & Unfair Treatment Do’s & Don’ts for effectively handling employee complaints & dealing with HR investigations. Liability issues for harassment & hostile work environment by supervisors/managers. Inappropriate work relationships that can create personal & legal issues for company leaders. Interpersonal skills that promote good leadership in today’s hectic legal-prone work environment. Optimizing Performance and Employee Success Unit 1: Define and Communicate Job Expectations Identify, create, and communicate job expectations. Collaborate with employees on job expectations. Connect employee behaviors to job performance. Describe performance expectations. Unit 2: Employee Engagement and Performance Management Apply tools and techniques for employee buy-in and commitment. Define intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Lead employees to take ownership of their own performance. Gain employee ownership and commitment. Unit 3: Documentation and the Performance Review Process Develop coaching skills. Practice giving performance feedback. Describe job performance using behavioral terms. Identify key aspect to include in the performance review. Unit 4: Create a High-Performance Team Culture Identify the vision for your team culture. Evaluate the behaviors that undermine your team culture. Evaluate the behaviors that support your team culture. Create a sustainable team culture for the future.

Move your career up with the 21st Century leadership skills of Strategic Planning. Every organization needs to position itself differently for success in this century. And only leaders can both create a successful strategic plan and oversee its implementation. Create a new leadership skill that will last a lifetime, and outlast industry and career changes. Come away with both the conceptual tools and a new leadership approach to move from dreams to reality for your organization, and your career. This class can be taken on its own or as part of the Strategic Planning Certificate. Courses are online and asynchronous, meaning students may login to the classroom anytime during the course session, day or night, 24/7. For more information, go to our Online Professional Development Certificates & Courses FAQ Class Details: Unit 1: Think differently What Strategic Planning Is, and Isn’t Strategic Planning is What Leaders Do How to think strategically - - it’s different Why strategic plans fail Unit 2: The 6 Components of Strategic Planning Building the approach Constructing objectives Forming strategies Assigning tactics Unit 3: Needs assessment, Market research, Environmental scanning Finding trends and industry directions Scanning the environment An 8 Stage Model for Needs Assessment and Marketing Research Scoping out your competition for strategic planning Unit 4: Your Vision as a Leader Matching the market with your vision Never have one idea (and why) When hunches work, when they don’t Where do you want to go

Discover the keys to communicating with and managing remote workers, one of the fastest growing sectors of the workforce. Some 80% of employers are keeping some or many of their employees working from home part of the week. People working from home are 25% more productive than those who work in an office. Working from home is here to stay. Tap into the experience of a CEO who has been managing remote workers for 22 years. He has pioneered the fundamental processes and procedures you won’t get anywhere else. And consulted with organizations around North America on managing remote workers. Courses: Communicating with Virtual Teams Managing Remote Workers Courses are online and asynchronous, meaning students may login to the classroom anytime during the course session, day or night, 24/7. For more information, go to our Online Professional Development Certificates & Courses FAQ Class details: Communicating with Virtual Teams Unit 1: Understanding the Remote Workplace The economics of the new Knowledge Society Organizational benefits from remote workers Employee benefits of working from home How remote work improves productivity Unit 2: Advanced Tips on Working from Home The essentials of successful Remote Work Remote Workflow and Work Day Peak work time and the new work rules Coping with guilt and work stress The 5 bad habits newbie remote workers acquire Unit 3: Issues in Working from Home Transitioning office-centered workers Establishing social contact and meetings Late night emails and establishing boundaries Miscommunication online and the solutions Work Solutions for Personal time and needs Making weekends personally rewarding and organizationally productive Unit 4: Communicating with Remote Workers Virtual office communication software Synchronous tools and tips Asynchronous tools and tips The need and role of the new ‘water cooler’ Managing Remote Workers Unit 1: Moving work from Activity to Outcomes Rewriting job descriptions Designing the virtual work week Assigning work Gaining Buy-In Unit 2: Supervising Remote Workers Documenting work Transparency and reporting Addressing underperforming workers Personal time vs. work time Unit 3: Running Effective Virtual Meetings A written agenda is critical Socializing in the virtual meeting Running discussions online How to include and involve everyone Unit 4: Working with Your Superiors Documenting the impact of remote work Making the case for a virtual corporate culture Techniques to convince The future of remote work and virtual offices

Enhance your management skills through this program for supervisors, managers, and emerging leaders. Nothing creates success like a solid foundation. Discover the keys for effectively managing your employees. Find out how to create clear expectations, engage and motivate employees, and increase your effectiveness. Then you will explore the principles of collaborative management and gain insight on how to expand your collaborative skills for success of your team or organization. Finally, get the keys to manage different generations in your workplace. Discover what motivates each generation at work, what incentives they respond to, and what messages they value. Courses: Management Boot Camp Collaborative Management Managing Generations in the Workplace Courses are online and asynchronous, meaning students may login to the classroom anytime during the course session, day or night, 24/7. For more information, go to our Online Professional Development Certificates & Courses FAQ Class details: Management Boot Camp Unit 1: Fundamentals of Management How to determine, set, and communicate job expectations Linking employee behaviors to performance Describing performance expectations Increasing employee commitment and pride and evaluate performance Unit 2: Employee Engagement Motivating and engaging employees to get the job done Tools and techniques to increase employee buy-in and commitment How to communicate with employees and get them involved and engaged in their own performance evaluations Unit 3: Increasing your Success Part 1 Enhancing your ability to manage effectively In-depth analysis of the behaviors of your style Unit 4: Increasing your Success Part 2 Behaviors that inhibit your ability to manage effectively Advanced analysis of the behaviors of your management style Collaborative Management Unit 1: Principles of collaboration in management Defining principles of collaboration Emotions, self-mastery and collaboration Redirecting teams and group collaboration Conflict management and facilitation Unit 2: Relationship building Building relationships fundamentals Renegotiating failed relationships Managing collaborative potentials Unit 3: Strategies to tap into group collaborative potential Harnessing collaborative energy Responsible communication Managing collaboration for performance Unit 4: Your action plan for collaborative management Setting your management goals Identify and utilize collaborative resources Creating a collaborative management action plan Managing Generations in the Workplace Unit 1: What makes these generations different The transition from the Industrial Age to the Internet Age How society shapes us Who are the Boomers? Who are Xers? Who is Gen Y? Unit 2: Evolving standards of hard work and success Knowledge work and the value of time Time as key to profitability The focus on outcomes The problem with meetings A new type of leadership Unit 3: What motivates generations at work Monetary and non-monetary rewards Key role of the “boss” A balanced life Lateral career moves Second careers Supporting social causes Retirement reservations Unit 4: Work styles and technology Customizing work styles and processes Peak work time and place A new role for technology and work Working collaboratively Modern recruitment

Video marketing is the latest hot new marketing trend. Shoppers who viewed product videos were 144% more likely to add the product to their cart. Video with good SEO has a 53% higher chance of showing up on page one of Google searches. When done correctly, video can tell a story, and stories connect people. Video also leads to an emotion ‘trigger’ that plain text cannot do. Courses: Video Marketing YouTube for Business Courses are online and asynchronous, meaning students may login to the classroom anytime during the course session, day or night, 24/7. For more information, go to our Online Professional Development Certificates & Courses FAQ Class details: Video Marketing Unit 1: Video Marketing Essentials & Techie Tools Camera equipment Lighting & Sound YouTube 101 Unit 2: Crafting Compelling Content Scripts What type of video to shoot & when Keywords are key Unit 3: Hooks, Headlines & Traffic Building Secrets 5 Hot Hooks Create Attention-Grabbing Headlines Video Search Engine Optimization Unit 4: The Details That Deliver Video idea Hot Zones Promotional videos that pop Sales Video Script YouTube for Business Unit 1: Designing Marketing Goals for YouTube that Maximize the Platform Learn what types of video work best on YouTube Adapt your marketing plan to include video and goals for the YouTube platform Discuss YouTube case studies from your industry and evaluate what’s working and what’s not Create a content plan for videos that will work for your business or organization and won’t get you banned from YouTube Understand how to use YouTube search features and other elements from a consumer perspective Unit 2: Building and Optimizing Your YouTube Channel Learn the various elements of a YouTube Channel and how each feature works Create your own YouTube Channel and optimize each feature Discuss channel design and settings that fit with your video marketing goals Discover how to embed YouTube videos on your website that maximize views Unit 3: Driving Traffic: Maximizing the Social Network of YouTube Learn about the power of YouTube as a social network Discover why it is important to have subscribers and how to communicate with them internally within YouTube Understand the analytics of YouTube: Views, Ratings, Comments, Favorites Learning to Read YouTube Insight & Analyzing the Data Unit 4: Creating and Distributing Video on YouTube Learn how to upload video, the types of cameras, formats, and video resolution that work best on YouTube, and tools that streamline the process Understand the essential element in a video on YouTube such as graphics, title, tags, description, etc. and how to optimize them for search Discover how to get your videos to appear in related searches and other secrets of the YouTube Algorithm Explore the extra features in YouTube such as editing, private sharing, captions, annotating, audio swap, etc.

Businesses are turning to podcasting to grow their brand and connect with customers. People with a niche hobby are turning podcasts into a business. Podcasting is experiencing a rebirth as mobile devices are everywhere. The intimate nature of the audio medium allows potential clients to get to know who you are and determine if you are the kind of company with which they want to do business. Learn how to take your business or hobby and turn it into a podcast. This step-by-step class will take you from start to finish and cover the required elements needed to get your show online. Come to class with your idea and end with your show online for all to hear. Courses are online and asynchronous, meaning students may login to the classroom anytime during the course session, day or night, 24/7. For more information, go to our Online Professional Development Certificates & Courses FAQ Class details: Unit 1: Starting a Podcast for Businesses or Pleasure What is a podcast and how it works Finding your target audience and goals What type of podcast will work for your clients: interview style, panel discussions, host lectures How long your show should be and what should you call it What realistic expectations and options are for the total number of shows you will produce Including Audio and Video options of your shows Unit 2: Setting-up your Show Best equipment for you (microphones, computers, headphones, mixing boards) - budget options as well as full professional set up Finding audio files to make the “bumpers” for your show Options for editing files on a mac or PC Where to host your show files and setting up a website Submitting to iTunes, Stitcher and other podcast directories Unit 3: Recording Your Podcast How to set up a studio in your home What is a good on-the-go podcast set up? Talking to others outside of your business Tips on recording your podcast for good audio quality Setting up simple camera and lights if you are incorporating video Unit 4: Marketing and Promoting Your Podcast Getting the word out about your show Making money with subscriptions Building a community around your podcast Reaching current AND new clients How to use your podcast to grow your leadership position in your industry Being an effective marketer without being an obnoxious sales person

Six Sigma professionals are in strong demand by organizations around the world. On the front-lines of Six Sigma efforts are Green Belts. LERN’s Green Belt training teaches participants problem-solving skills, using the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control) model. After completing this challenging course, Six Sigma Green Belts serve their organizations as a trained specialist able to work on Six Sigma projects that benefit the organization. Although not required, participants are strongly encouraged to have a project during the course. The instructors and mentors work closely with the class to not only teach the material, but to guide candidates as they work projects. This Certificate must be taken in the following order: Introduction Intermediate Advanced Courses are online and asynchronous, meaning students may login to the classroom anytime during the course session, day or night, 24/7. For more information, go to our Online Professional Development Certificates & Courses FAQ Introduction Unit 1 Six Sigma Goals Value of Six Sigma Origins of Six Sigma Organizational Drivers Goals and Projects Lean Principles Lean Concepts and Tools Non-Value-Added Activities Theory of Constraints Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) DFSS Road Maps Unit 2 FMEA Define - Teams & Customers Process Management for Projects Process Elements Owners and Stakeholders Identify Customers Collect Customer Data Analyze Customer Data Translate Customer Requirements Team Dynamics and Performance Team Stages and Dynamics Six Sigma and Other Team Roles Team Tools Communications Unit 3 Define - Projects, Tools & Results Project Management Basics Project Charter Project Scope Project Metrics Project Planning Tools Project Documentation Project Risk Analysis Project Closure Management and Planning Tools Business Results for Projects Process Performance Unit 4 Descriptive Statistics Intermediate Unit 1 Measure - Data & Process Analysis Process Analysis and Documentation Process Modeling Process Inputs and Outputs Collecting and Summarizing Data Data Types Data Collection Methods Data Accuracy and Integrity Graphical Methods Unit 2 Measure - Probability Probability and Statistics Valid Statistical Conclusions Central Limit Theorem Basic Probability Concepts Unit 3 Probability Distributions Binomial Distribution Poisson Distribution Normal Distribution Chi-square Distribution Student’s t Distribution Unit 4 Measure - Capability & Measurement Measurement System Analysis Process Capability and Performance Process Capability Studies Process Performance vs. Spec Process Capability Indices Short-term vs. Long-term Capability Process Capability for Attributes Advanced Unit 1 Analyze Exploratory Data Analysis Correlation and Regression Hypothesis Testing Basic Concepts Point & Interval Estimation Unit 2 Major Tests Paired-comparison Tests Single-Factor ANOVA Chi-square Unit 3 Improvement Techniques Design of Experiments (DOE) Introduction Terminology Design Types Implement and Validate Solutions Response Surfaces EVOP DOE Improvement Analysis Unit 4 Control Concepts Statistical Process Control (SPC) Objectives and Benefits Rational Subgrouping Application of Control Charts Variable Charts Attribute Charts Analysis of Control Charts Control Plans

Get in on this exciting and growing way to communicate, market and serve your customers and clients. For businesses, nonprofits, government, and other organizations. From Facebook to Twitter, blogging, YouTube, LinkedIn, and more, discover the new principles of communication that apply across all networks and how these specific social networks work and the possible uses for your organization. Learn how social networks are used to develop a two-way communication and marketing strategy for your organization. Then find out what you can be doing, what you should be doing, and take back a plan to integrate social networks into your communication and marketing. Whether you are new to social networks or already involved, you will come away with both an understanding of social networks and practical, how-to techniques to integrate social networks into your organization or business. Your instructors are outstanding practitioners who also speak, write, and train others on social networks. Courses (must be taken in order): Introduction to Social Media Marketing Using Social Media Integrating Social Media in Your Organization Courses are online and asynchronous, meaning students may login to the classroom anytime during the course session, day or night, 24/7. For more information, go to our Online Professional Development Certificates & Courses FAQ Class details: Introduction to Social Media Unit 1: Why Social Media Matters What is social media? Social media terminology Recent trends of digital platforms and digital users 21st century marketing Unit 2: The R&D of Social Media Developing an Umbrella Strategy Overview of the top social media platforms Researching market and industry trends Finding your market segment(s) Unit 3: Preventing a Social Media Catastrophe The dangers of social media Entering virtual reality Engaging with unruly visitors Business profiles verses personal profiles Unit 4: Getting Started Creating your profile Who, and who not, to follow on social media Determining the right engagement frequency Developing social media success metrics Marketing Using Social Media Unit 1: Which Platform Is Right For You Identify which social media platforms work best for your business Overview of Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Nextdoor What content works best on each platform How platforms complement each other How social media directs customers to your website Unit 2: Creating Your Social Media Presence Identify a personality to represent your company Creating your brand Authenticity behind the scenes Collaboration over competition Unit 3: Connecting With Your Customers Human first approach How posts and stories create connections Creating a space for your people and connections The trouble with engagement Unit 4: Targeting Advertising Social media advertisements Increase direct traffic to your website Email list Affiliate links Integrating Social Media in Your Organization Unit 1: Running a Community and Creating Your Own Social Network Using Ning Online Communities and Creating Your Own Social Network with Ning Top 5 Considerations When Starting a Social Network What Goes into Build a Great Social Network What is an online community manager What is Ning and How to Use the Platform Examples of Companies Using Ning Unit 2: What Tools to Use for Your Organization What tools and platforms will help get content on the web Readings on top new tools to consider How to select which tool to use How video fits into online marketing Organizing and collaborating with Google products How to take advantage of mobile and local in applications and search Unit 3: Integrating Social Platforms into Your Web Site Discovering how web design has changed and what is needed for true integration Understanding elements on websites that increase interaction, engagement, search engines findability Learn best practices for website usability and landing page design Discuss how your sites compare and generate next steps that will improve your business Unit 4: Developing a Manageable Work Flow: Time, Resources, Policies, and Trends Developing a Manageable Work Flow Time and Resources: How do you know where to spend your time? Target Social Media Influencers to Boost Traffic and Sales Is Your Company Ready for Social Media or Are They Holding You Back? Trends - What's Next or Are We Still Working on Last Year's Trends? Social Media Policies and Planning For A Crisis

Strategic planning is an activity that all leaders do, and only leaders do. It is an essential skill to acquire for emerging and developing leaders. As some 70% of strategic plans fail or are not implemented fully, unearth the secrets and tactics for the successful strategic planning. Solidify your skill set and conquer this challenging and exciting area of leadership. Courses in this certificate are: Introduction Strategic Planning Communicating Your Vision Implementing Your Strategic Plan Courses are online and asynchronous, meaning students may login to the classroom anytime during the course session, day or night, 24/7. For more information, go to our Online Professional Development Certificates & Courses FAQ Class Details: Introduction Strategic Planning Unit 1: Think differently What Strategic Planning Is, and Isn’t Strategic Planning is What Leaders Do How to think strategically - - it’s different Why strategic plans fail Unit 2: The 6 Components of Strategic Planning Building the approach Constructing objectives Forming strategies Assigning tactics Unit 3: Needs assessment, Market research, Environmental scanning Finding trends and industry directions Scanning the environment An 8 Stage Model for Needs Assessment and Marketing Research Scoping out your competition for strategic planning Unit 4: Your Vision as a Leader Matching the market with your vision Never have one idea (and why) When hunches work, when they don’t Where do you want to go Communicating Your Vision Unit 1: Communicating Effectively The communication process. Overcoming barriers to effective communication. Delivering positive messages. Delivering negative messages. Unit 2: Public Speaking and Presentations Practical PowerPoint tips. Structuring an effective presentation. Avoiding death by PowerPoint. Putting it all together: persuading your audience. Unit 3: Using Storytelling to Communicate More Dynamically The elements of story. How to incorporate storytelling techniques in any context. Using narrative to craft persuasive messages. Avoid passive voice and other language pitfalls. Unit 4: Beyond Mission and Vision: The Strategic Narrative What is a strategic narrative? Developing your narrative collaboratively. Communicating your strategic narrative. How a strategic narrative engages everyone. Implementing Your Strategic Plan Unit 1: Implementing Your Plan (Collaboratively) From plan to action. Collaborative decision making. Deadlines and deliverables. Empowering your staff with real ownership. Unit 2: Monitoring Progress Reporting back (tracking progress). How to use email (and when not to). Group communications tools. Effective meetings. Unit 3: Managing Change When things go wrong. How to respond (adjusting the plan). Getting back on track. Setting the tone. Unit 4: Building a High-Performance Team Principles of personal productivity. From individual to group: maximizing staff productivity. Gaining institutional support. We’re all in this together.

Your employees are your most valuable resources. Ensuring the efficiency of your team is the key to your success and is your most important responsibility. Get practical, easy to understand, and insightful methods for new and even experienced supervisors and managers. Learn about effective delegation, performance management, and writing performance reviews. Discuss the specifics of the supervisor's role and responsibilities, and strategies for improving your overall effectiveness as a leader. Take home practical information along with tips and techniques that can be applied at your job immediately. Courses are online and asynchronous, meaning students may login to the classroom anytime during the course session, day or night, 24/7. For more information, go to our Online Professional Development Certificates & Courses FAQ

Learn how to track every financial transaction of your business with The Basics of Bookkeeping course. Discover how to create a chart of accounts that suits your business needs and how to record all the money you spend and earn. Understand bookkeeping terminology, including debits and credits, and know where to label accounts. Even if you outsource your bookkeeping, gain a basic understanding of your finances. This course provides practical knowledge on keeping track of the numbers and their meaning. Courses are online and asynchronous, meaning students may login to the classroom anytime during the course session, day or night, 24/7. For more information, go to our Online Professional Development Certificates & Courses FAQ Class details: Unit 1: The Accounting Equation and Chart of Accounts The accounting equation The chart of accounts for a business Temporary accounts (Revenue and Expenses) Where the accounts fall under the accounting equation Unit 2: Journals and the General Ledger Special Journals General Journal The General Ledger Accounts Unit 3: Recording Transactions The Rules Debits and Credits T-Accounts Using journals to record transactions Unit 4: Month End Closing Adjusting Entries Posting to the General Ledger End of month account balances