Whether you're in implementation or just bringing new admins on board, here a few tips to help these folks become confident contributors to your calendar in no time!
1. Introduce Localist in Digestible Pieces
A new platform can already be overwhelming, so don’t let your training be overwhelming! We recommend not trying to proactively breakdown all features & functionality. Instead, start with the basics and wait for questions to be naturally raised. You can start by sharing a Localist-specific FAQ with your team to introduce your new calendar. The Onboarding FAQ answers some commonly asked questions for teams who are just getting started with Localist.
2. Keep it Relevant
To start, cover the primary areas of the platform your admins will immediately encounter. We suggest the following order:
- Outlining access controls:
- What being an Event Manager, Editor, or Author entails.
- Who designates additional Event Managers, Editors, or Authors permissions
- And if applicable, outlining that some admins may have stricter access that only allows them to apply/access events with specific Filters or Groups assigned.
- Adding events:
- Use the admin form, walking through each field one at a time.
- Specifically, call out what fields are admin-only and that Event Editors and Authors cannot alter the form or add new Filters or Groups. Event Managers will have no restrictions.
- If there are admins who are adding events for specific Channels, they'll need to know what Classifications must be selected as well.
- Approving events:
- Once they are comfortable with the form, you can introduce the Pending Queue.
- There's really only 3 options here: 1) Review/Approve, 2) Edit/Approve, 3) Reject (with or without a note from the admin).
- It'll also be especially important here to note again that some admins may have more restricted permissions, so one admin's queue may include 10 events, while another admin's may reflect 1 event.
3. Explaining Your "Why"
Training shouldn't just cover Localist functionality, but why you've chosen Localist. It's natural with any new software that there's going to be some growing pains, so it’s important for admins to understand what goals you’ve set and how Localist will help you achieve them.
4. Customize Examples and Training Materials
Whether you use written documentation, videos, or anything in between, we highly recommend using visual content. We suggest using tight screenshots so that your content is as evergreen as possible. If zoomed out screenshots are used, future changes to the platform will date your content and possibly introduce confusion. While you can also use the Knowledge Base as inspiration for supplemental materials, it’s recommended that you take the extra step to provide training materials that directly reference your platform. This is because the KB uses our default functionality and language, which may not align with your platform if it’s been customized.
5. Provide Trainees With "Homework"
With any new platform, there is a lot to review, so make sure your admins get a head start by requiring the following:
- Send admins instructions on how to create an account so they can follow along during training sessions.
- Have admins review the Localist Glossary so they can become familiar with Localist terminology.
- Get ahead of admin questions by sharing our 3-part Common Questions series (1, 2, 3, & 4) for them to reference during or after training.
6. Keep an Open Line of Communication
Finally, always keep an open and direct line of communication. Whether it be for functionality help or sharing ideas, it’s important that your admins know how to contact your team so that they can easily seek help or guidance.