Your channel partners are an extension of your company. Empowering them with the latest information about your product or service forges that extension—which can ultimately drive sales and create influential brand advocates.
But delivering timely, relevant information to channel partners can be a challenge, especially as companies must rapidly adapt during the COVID-19 pandemic. Microlearning for business is a reliable answer to that challenge.
One key microlearning best practice is delivering those small chunks of information through a robust learning management system (LMS). Keep reading for more insights on empowering your channel partners with microlearning.
1. Ease of access
Channel partners benefit most from microlearning when it's easily accessible. These types of learners could be working on the road, presenting at tradeshows or visiting clients in different offices. They need small, snack-sized info, even when their internet connection is less than reliable.
Ensure your microlearning modules are easily accessible on any device to support learning on demand. An LMS should offer superior app functionality and a responsive mobile UX. For example, channel partners should be able to complete lessons offline, then the learning app should automatically sync progress when internet connection returns.
2. Tactical search results
Since microlearning answers a specific question, ensure channel partners can quickly find those answers. Microlearning for business isn't useful if the answer is buried under several pages of search results.
Equip your channel partners with applicable microlearning content as they're looking for it within the LMS. It all starts with a search process powered by machine learning. Instead of serving generic results, an LMS with machine learning search capabilities connects learners with relevant content based on their roles, past searches and what their peers found useful.
This type of technology empowers your channel partners to quickly grasp knowledge—exactly when they need it.
3. Actionable learning
Microlearning for business should feature tangible, skill-based information, like how to configure a software feature or how to sell a certain product. Short lessons can provide actionable value in a moment of need and link to a larger context for reengagement.
According to LinkedIn's "2019 Workplace Learning Report, 74% of learners want the ability to learn on their own time during work hours. An LMS can align microlearning with tasks by integrating directly with workflows and other software. Absorb Infuse embeds LMS experience elements—such as course catalogues, progress tracking and collaborations tools—directly into other work applications. This delivers actionable learning directly in the platforms where channel partners already spend their time.
4. Self-directed experiences
LinkedIn also found 59% of learners value the ability to set their own pace. This autonomy could be especially valuable for some channel partners who collaborate with multiple brands or companies.
An LMS can build engagement among channel partners by helping learners self-diagnose challenges at their own speed. For example, after providing microlearning content, give your channel partners the opportunity to identify knowledge gaps through self-assessment and quizzes. As soon as channel partners can see areas where they can improve knowledge, the faster they can get up to speed.
Convenient microlearning for channel partners
It can be challenging to build learner engagement among external audiences like channel partners. Be sure to provide a blend of microlearning tactics and intuitive LMS features. It should be easy and convenient for channel partners to identify their own challenges and find answers in the flow of work.
Sign up for a live demo to see how Absorb LMS delivers microlearning to empower your channel partners and other external learners.
