"Helping you gain
.control of your career"

In this issue we look at the pros and cons of copy editing; whether your leadership skills are up to scratch and why you can’t avoid networking if you want to get on in the world.

• Editor's Desk
• Bite 1
• Bite 2
• Bite 3
• Working Web
• Last Word

Have you heard of the 70/20/10 model? No, I hadn’t either until I read an article in e-learning age recently. What it refers to is the importance of informal learning and asserts that: 70% of learning and development takes place from real-life and on-the-job experiences, tasks, and problem solving; 20% of the time development comes from relationships with other people through informal or formal feedback, mentoring, or coaching; while 10% of learning and development comes from formal training or education.

When I consider how I’ve learned to do my job and acquire new skills, I probably agree with this – but it’s important not to neglect the 10%! At Business Training we’re very aware of this so we try to make all our courses as practical as possible (think of the 70%) and provide help and advice where it’s needed from our tutors and student advisors (think of the 20%). This means you get the whole package! I know that many of you have been emailing to check how you can pay your fees and how long you can expect to wait before your course materials arrive. If you want advice on either of these points, why not read Susan Metcalfe’s blog this week as she may just answer your question before you’ve even got round to asking it!

So, what have we got for you in this issue? First we’re going to look at what a career in Copy Editing could mean for you. Next, how good are your leadership skills? This article asks you to answer a series of questions and then using your answers provides you with an interpretation of your scores. And when you’ve read it, if you’re left feeling that you need to improve your skills you’ll find our Employing and Motivating Staff course invaluable.

Finally, we look at the art of networking. Nobody can afford not to these days – and, incidentally, there is now a Business Training group for current students. So you’ve no excuse for not getting out there and making the most of your contacts!