lynda.Com – Learn Software Skills and More From This Successful Woman Entrepreneur

by Terry L. Brock

Have you ever needed to learn how to sse PhotoShop real fast for that new project or potential job? Do you need to know some inside tips on using Flash, InDesign, Excel or other software package? How about that job interview coming up where you need to know some specific skills fast--- could you use some expert assistance at a really good price? In the past you had to take classes, buy lots of books and wait. Now, you can do it anytime through a Net-based training system called lynda.com

Founded by Lynda Weinman, lynda.com (small “ell”) is a site dedicated to education and training on over 250 software packages. You can go to the site and learn about specific skills that will help you when you need that help.

Such a service is possible because of the Internet and it says a lot about Lynda Weinman who founded the site. Her goal is to deliver concise software education and training when needed to people around the world as they need to know the information.

What You Can Learn At lynda.Com

Creative software has been a specialization for the company but they feature a variety of productivity software. Many people use the service to gain the necessary knowledge just in time for a project or a specific client requirement. Others have used the website before a job interview to gain a strong working knowledge of a software package needed for a new position. It’s like having a university of skilled instructors on a variety of topics available on demand.

The cost for the service is $25.00 per month. You can use the service as long as your subscription is active. You can cancel it at any time. They company also offers a yearly subscription for $250.

Lyndan Weinman sees the service as a resource for life-long learners. Since software is changing rapidly, you can use this resource to be updated on new techniques and features that are relevant to you and your needs.

The company is aggressive in knowledge acquisition. They work with instructors who have both technical expertise and the ability to communicate in a fun, easily-understand manner. Currently they are producing about 10 courses per month on a variety of topics.

In addition to the online learning available, lynda.com offers books, CDs and a Podcast. The Podcast is available on iTunes (www.iTunes.com) where you can sample several recent videos that have been assembled on a variety of topics.

A Successful Woman Entrepreneur

When asked about what she has done to be a successful woman entrepreneur, Lynda says it does take a lot of hard work. You have to put in a lot of nights, weekends and hard work to make your dream a reality.

You have to build new skills, have a plan and pursue that. A lot of people want what success brings but they don’t understand you have to have focus and a sense of purpose, she says.

She is often described by her friends as the hardest working person they ever met. It requires hard work to succeed in any business and Lynda Weinman demonstrates this. There is no “secret” to doing it easily.

I find this refreshing in an age when too many “gurus” talk about their success on the Internet and don’t talk about the hard work and skill-building that is essential. A lot of marketing hype on the Internet today alleges to have a “secret” that allows one to get ahead with no work. It has been my experience that everyone who succeeds in business has to make a plan, have a passion and pursue that passion with lots of hard work and determination.

Lynda Weinman has given all of us a model to follow for success in business. She is an example of how to do it right. She saw a need (people wanted to know how to perform certain tasks on their computers), she saw what was available (tools like the Internet and Camtasia from TechSmith for recording videos of what can be done) and she created a business plan. Next, she implemented it tenaciously. Her success is not due to luck or magic but doing the right things in the right way for many people.

To listen to an audio interview I had with Lynda Weinman over Skype (listen for the clarity in the sound) you can go to: http://snipurl.com/lyndadotcom or for the full address go to: www.terrybrock.com/articles/LyndaWeinman-MyLynda.htm .

Terry Brock is a marketing coach and regular columnist for Biz Journals and other publications who helps businesses market more effectively leveraging technology. He shows busy professionals how to squeeze more out of their busy days using the right rules and tools. He can be reached at 407-363-0505, by e-mail at terry@terrybrock.com or through his website at www.terrybrock.com.

Copyright © 2007, Terry Brock, All Rights Reserved Internationally. No portion may be reprinted or used in any way without prior written permission.