We are all a "Twitter"....

After much resistance (after all, we really aren't that fascinating) Advance Corporate Training Ltd. is now on Twitter. Register or sign in to Twitter to follow us and you will hear our latest exploits, get great quotes on leadership, communication and training (as well as some darn good jokes) and helpful tips, tricks and traps from our program areas.

And if you are one of our participants, follow us to find out what our trainers REALLY thought about your class when the day is done....

Open your mind to a breeze….

June is Fresh Air Month.

It is time to clean the clutter from your mind and feel the summer breezes start to flow through you. Shake your head and de-clutter your thoughts.
Here are some tips to open your mind:

1. Sweep Away the Negative. Stop criticizing and putting limitations on yourself - you are wonderful just the way you are. Remember that no one is perfect. Move forward by being open to learning and becoming who YOU want to be. Visualize and dwell on the things you want, not the things you don’t want or can’t have.

2. Clean out your Memory Closet. Don’t let your past affect your present or your future. Learn from it and move on. Write down our unpleasant memories and how they make us feel. When your brain sees it in writing, it can deal better with it. Then, let go of it. Our negative past can turn into our positive future.

3. Slow Down and have Fun. We are always faced with challenges - how we deal with them is more important. See them as opportunities to learn and challenge yourself to become a better problem solver. Be more willing to take risks instead of having a pity party.

4. Stop Making Excuses. You can do anything you set your mind to – work on believing this. Only you can change you. Be patient. After all, it took years to develop your bad habits. Do a little everyday, invest in yourself and work on YOU daily. Find positive people who will help you and stay away from the naysayers and dream stealers.

5. Treat Yourself with Dignity. Have gratitude for all the things you already have and the things that you don’t yet have will come. Accept others the way they are, and accept yourself as is too. You are in control of what you put into your mind about yourself - keep it positive!

And most importantly:

6. Learn Something New. When we are stressed by life or threatened by the economy, we often retreat into old patterns of behavior – this is not the time to retreat, it is the time to do something different and the only way to do that is to learn something new. Take a class, read a book, find a mentor – its time for you to change the status quo.

At Advance Corporate Training Ltd., we specialize in helping people change. With public courses you can take by yourself, to workplace programs for your whole team, we have the skills, the staff and the programs to help you learn something now – right now! Call us at 604-521-5473 or email admin@actraining.com.

2009 ACT Aurora Spirit of Learning Award Winner Announced

Advance Corporate Training (ACT) is thrilled to name Cindy Voudrach as the 2009 winner of the ACT Aurora Spirit of Learning Award.

This annual award is given to a graduating student from the Management Studies program at the Inuvik campus of Aurora College. The financial award recognizes perseverance in achieving academic goals and is given to someone with a demonstrated need.

“Cindy is the perfect example of a lifelong learner,” said ACT President Janet Dean. “She personifies all the characteristics, such as hard work, perseverance and determination, for which this award recognizes and will serve as an inspiration for current and future students.”

Cindy left school before graduating, then returned to school through an access program and obtained her college diploma in Office Administration, at which point she entered the Management Studies program. She graduated from the program this year despite facing many challenges.

“We recognize that learning as an adult is tough and it is made even harder by all the other commitments that must be maintained, including work, family and community,” Dean said. “This award honours Cindy and her ability to persevere in the acquisition of new skills, ability and attitudes.”

The award is part of ACT’s commitment to giving back to the Northern Community, which is the location of many of the company’s programs and projects.

Cindy is the fifth winner of the Aurora Spirit of Learning Award since its inception in 2004.

ACT has been providing training, consulting and curriculum-design services to performance-driven business, institutions and organizations since 1990. The company operates out of its head office in New Westminster, BC.

New Professional Development Course for Trainers

Using Interactivity to Engage Learners

This professional development course is designed for experienced trainers wishing to enhance their classroom delivery skills. Participants will discuss and explore learning activities that exercise intellectual skills, critical thinking and analysis techniques as well as being fun and creative. Participants will learn why interactivity and engagement are crucial in today’s adult classroom as well as some practical tips, tools and techniques to take away for their own classes.

Facilitator: ACT Ltd. President and Master Facilitator Janet Dean

Date: Tuesday May 26, 2009
Time: 6-9pm
Location: ACT Ltd. office at 650 Columbia Street, New Westminster BC

Cost: ACT Ltd trainers, contractors and partners may attend at no charge but pre- registration is required as class size is limited. $26.50 (incl GST) all others

Register: 604.521.5473 or events@actraining.com