UPDATING YOUR SKILLS

A great part of anyone’s success is knowing how and when to spend time and money.  For the artisan and professional finisher, time IS money.  So -- why take the time out of your schedule to take a class?   Although I spend a great deal of time teaching other professionals, I find that being a student recharges my creative flow.

Here are some key reasons why taking a class at the Chicago Institute of Fine Finishes is worth your precious time and money:

• Ideas, ideas, ideas:  The market changes rapidly and we have to change with it, offering new finishes and products, and responding to demand for our skills.  While the class title may be the same – the finishes change, the color palette expands and the direction taken in the class can be influenced by the inspiration of the attendees. 

• Try before you buy:  One of the best things about our classes at CIFF is that WE ARE INDEPENDENT -- NOT AFFILIATED WITH A SINGLE PRODUCT LINE.  Other schools are sponsored by one product/company and you can ONLY use those products.  In our classes, you can try a wide variety of products in class before you buy them.
  
• Networking:  Each person who attends a class develops a network with other students from around the country.  I frequently hear stories of friendships that go on long after the class ended.  In fact, several artisans who met in one of our classes have formed a very successful business partnership.
  
• Tips and techniques:  Since time IS money for all of us, those time-saving tips and techniques provide added value to your business, helping you work smarter and not harder.  These cost and time saving tips help you rapidly recoup the money spent on taking a class.
  

These are a few of the reasons you want to continue your professional education.  It shouldn’t cost you money – but should save you money in the long run by making your business more marketable and increasing your bottom line.