The days of the knowledge economy are numbered: we now live and work in a global learning economy. With a constantly changing labor market and new competitive pressures people of all ages and career stages are increasingly responsible for their own professional development and success. This challenge represents a tremendous opportunity for individuals and organizations that are prepared to serve the new market for lifelong learning and continuing education.
"Over the past decade we have seen a dramatic shift in both the need and the demand for continuous, effective lifelong learning," says Jeff Cobb, an authority on the market for continuing education and professional development. In LEADING THE LEARNING REVOLUTION: The Expert's Guide to Capitalizing on the Lifelong Education Market (AMACOM, January 2013), Cobb lays out a vision and practical road map for anyone seeking to build a thriving education business in this dynamic new market.
With a focus on business practices rather than policy or curriculum design, the book explains essential principles and approaches as well as practical strategies needed to bring them to life, including:
• The critical role that lifelong learning plays in a flat, global economy
• New business models for the evolving learning landscape, including the P2 Community Model and the Virtual Conference Model
• The "value continuum" concept of providing a range of options, at varying price points and value levels
• Seven rules for creating high-quality experiences and rising far above the "junk" learning that floods the market
• Hands-on tools for managing a "home base" learning site, creating digital video and audio, leveraging webinars, and using learning management systems
• Research and writing techniques that help you create an ongoing body of compelling, original content
• How free content, email, search terms, social media, and effective landing pages can convert prospects into customers
• Why a "beta mentality" works well for educational entrepreneurs, whereas a technology-over-value approach can spell trouble
The web is littered with content from innumerable competitors, but few have the solid foundation required for building a sustainable business. Leading the Learning Revolution helps readers weave together nimble technology, educational best practices, subject matter expertise, and a consistent focus on value to create unique, irreplaceable learning experiences that build strong connections with users—for a lifetime.
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About the Author
Jeff Cobb is the founder of Tagoras, a research and consulting firm focused on continuing education. A frequent speaker and a vocal advocate of lifelong learning, he has nearly two decades of experience in the world of learning technology and innovation. His previous books include 10 Ways to Be a Better Learner and Shift Ed. He lives in Carrboro, North Carolina.