Don’t you just hate it? You organise training, schedule the room, invite people, they register, it’s sold out, then you maybe pay an external provider, send a follow up email to all participants. You’re feeling comfortable, and then on the day only 50% show up.

Those that don’t show always have good excuses, don’t they? Work, client commitments, boss held me back, kids were sick, I’m sick….always seems logical and reasonable….but it still is frustrating, isn’t it?

According to an Australian Chamber of Commerce report from 2013, 91% of organisations spend between $500-$1000 per employee on training & development. Makes me wonder about the ROI and this appalling tendency for scheduled training to be under-subscribed, or under-attended.

I conducted a quick straw poll of my network to ask why they think people don’t show up. Here’s what they said:

• No time
• No value
• Don’t like the presenter
• Excruciatingly boring and it’s a waste of my time.

It’s clear that much of this comes down to the quality of the person at the front the room! Who is the trainer? Are they doing death by Powerpoint, are they an expert in their field but not an expert trainer or presenter?

I reckon it’s about Passion, Energy & Performance :

How authentically connected are you to you and your content? Do you bring your passion to the space?

How much attention to you pay to connecting to the group? How do you know they are engaged (or not)?

How well does your content connect to their world? Is it relevant and meaningful for the audience?