Comments on: Industry Certifications Are Complete BS http://www.erinblaskie.com/industry-certifications-are-complete-bs/ Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:10:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 By: Yelena http://www.erinblaskie.com/industry-certifications-are-complete-bs/comment-page-1/#comment-594 Yelena Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:05:13 +0000 http://www.erinblaskie.com/?p=1272#comment-594 I think there are two types of certification programs out there (at least for VAs). One type places emphasis on training and learning new skills (and the "certified" part is just a little self-esteem booster and a way to charge a bit more for the training program). <br>Then there is a very different type of certification that requires "proof" of being in business (aka website) and not much else and doesn't offer anything in return for VA's money other than a tweet or two (with a link to certification program's site and not to VA's website). I think there are two types of certification programs out there (at least for VAs). One type places emphasis on training and learning new skills (and the “certified” part is just a little self-esteem booster and a way to charge a bit more for the training program).
Then there is a very different type of certification that requires “proof” of being in business (aka website) and not much else and doesn't offer anything in return for VA's money other than a tweet or two (with a link to certification program's site and not to VA's website).

]]> By: reneemoore http://www.erinblaskie.com/industry-certifications-are-complete-bs/comment-page-1/#comment-592 reneemoore Mon, 14 Dec 2009 23:18:52 +0000 http://www.erinblaskie.com/?p=1272#comment-592 Erin, I agree with you. I just received an invitation to one from a well known guru in the industry. I was pretty shocked because I felt that it was a gimmick to make money. everything the person was offering in the course was something that was taught in one of their e-courses for 6X as much. And as you mentioned all of that can be found online for free. Erin, I agree with you. I just received an invitation to one from a well known guru in the industry. I was pretty shocked because I felt that it was a gimmick to make money. everything the person was offering in the course was something that was taught in one of their e-courses for 6X as much. And as you mentioned all of that can be found online for free.

]]> By: RobStewart http://www.erinblaskie.com/industry-certifications-are-complete-bs/comment-page-1/#comment-590 RobStewart Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:37:28 +0000 http://www.erinblaskie.com/?p=1272#comment-590 Here is my problem with certifications. I work in the I.T. field, and there are some certifications that are valid and do prove that you are knowledgeable in your field. My problem lies with the fact some employers see these certifications as the be all and end all of knowledge. Oh, you don't have xyz certification? Oh you must not be qualified. Even though you might have been doing the exact same job with a reputable employer for many years.<br><br>I think one thing that is not brought up a lot is that Certifications more or less make you the exact same as everyone else out there. There is no certification for soft skills and personal traits that put certain people ahead of the pack. Things like creativity, leadership, people skills, enthusiasm, drive, things that really put an amazing employee ahead of an average employee are overlooked, because some people can't get over a simple piece of paper they haven't gotten for whatever reason.<br><br>It is something that I really hope changes sometime in the future, there are needs for certifications in many fields, but not every field. <br><br>But, that is just my opinion. Here is my problem with certifications. I work in the I.T. field, and there are some certifications that are valid and do prove that you are knowledgeable in your field. My problem lies with the fact some employers see these certifications as the be all and end all of knowledge. Oh, you don't have xyz certification? Oh you must not be qualified. Even though you might have been doing the exact same job with a reputable employer for many years.

I think one thing that is not brought up a lot is that Certifications more or less make you the exact same as everyone else out there. There is no certification for soft skills and personal traits that put certain people ahead of the pack. Things like creativity, leadership, people skills, enthusiasm, drive, things that really put an amazing employee ahead of an average employee are overlooked, because some people can't get over a simple piece of paper they haven't gotten for whatever reason.

It is something that I really hope changes sometime in the future, there are needs for certifications in many fields, but not every field.

But, that is just my opinion.

]]> By: Carlana Charles http://www.erinblaskie.com/industry-certifications-are-complete-bs/comment-page-1/#comment-589 Carlana Charles Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:54:23 +0000 http://www.erinblaskie.com/?p=1272#comment-589 I agree with you 100%. I'm not parting with thousands of dollars to get certified. Period. Most of these training are exorbitantly priced and definitely not the way to go. And like you said, solid training is the best option. I really don't like how these big-wig internet marketers are pricing these things and even worse, how so many people are just jumping on the bandwagon and parting with their dollars. I know of a fellow VA who just signed up to for a big name marketer's upcoming training in social media. She's prepared to shell out close to 3K for things she already knows because she's of the opinion that being 'certified' by this individual will lead to an increase in her clientele. The sad thing is, a lot of what they have packaged and are selling can be purchased at fraction of the cost elsewhere and can actually be found free online! Tsk tsk. I agree with you 100%. I'm not parting with thousands of dollars to get certified. Period. Most of these training are exorbitantly priced and definitely not the way to go. And like you said, solid training is the best option. I really don't like how these big-wig internet marketers are pricing these things and even worse, how so many people are just jumping on the bandwagon and parting with their dollars. I know of a fellow VA who just signed up to for a big name marketer's upcoming training in social media. She's prepared to shell out close to 3K for things she already knows because she's of the opinion that being 'certified' by this individual will lead to an increase in her clientele. The sad thing is, a lot of what they have packaged and are selling can be purchased at fraction of the cost elsewhere and can actually be found free online! Tsk tsk.

]]> By: Erin Blaskie http://www.erinblaskie.com/industry-certifications-are-complete-bs/comment-page-1/#comment-588 Erin Blaskie Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:32:45 +0000 http://www.erinblaskie.com/?p=1272#comment-588 Excellent comment Mary. I agree with everything you've said here.<br><br>The best thing for people to look at is continuous training with organizations who are there for their participants / members and who are keeping up-to-date (and keeping you up-to-date) without charging you a small fortune every time something changes.<br><br>In the meantime, consumers need to be more aware that some institutions merely exist to turn a profit. They just put a sleek look to the face of it and claim to be the expert... Sigh. Excellent comment Mary. I agree with everything you've said here.

The best thing for people to look at is continuous training with organizations who are there for their participants / members and who are keeping up-to-date (and keeping you up-to-date) without charging you a small fortune every time something changes.

In the meantime, consumers need to be more aware that some institutions merely exist to turn a profit. They just put a sleek look to the face of it and claim to be the expert… Sigh.

]]> By: Erin Blaskie http://www.erinblaskie.com/industry-certifications-are-complete-bs/comment-page-1/#comment-587 Erin Blaskie Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:31:05 +0000 http://www.erinblaskie.com/?p=1272#comment-587 I think also Trina that doing a Google search is much more targeted. Sure, you won't have it all in one place (which is why some people need a really good training program) but dropping thousands is just not realistic for all people. I think also Trina that doing a Google search is much more targeted. Sure, you won't have it all in one place (which is why some people need a really good training program) but dropping thousands is just not realistic for all people.

]]> By: Erin Blaskie http://www.erinblaskie.com/industry-certifications-are-complete-bs/comment-page-1/#comment-586 Erin Blaskie Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:30:21 +0000 http://www.erinblaskie.com/?p=1272#comment-586 Thanks :) Thanks :)

]]> By: Erin Blaskie http://www.erinblaskie.com/industry-certifications-are-complete-bs/comment-page-1/#comment-585 Erin Blaskie Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:30:09 +0000 http://www.erinblaskie.com/?p=1272#comment-585 Hi Carlana!<br><br>Thanks for the comment!<br><br>While I see the value in needing something to boost your confidence, I think the $2-4K it costs to get certified by these "institutions" and "organizations" is over-priced... They are in business too and looking to make individuals feel like being certified is a golden ticket or is required to do a job. It's just not true.<br><br>Solid training is where it's at for both the time/money investment in my opinion.<br><br>Erin Hi Carlana!

Thanks for the comment!

While I see the value in needing something to boost your confidence, I think the $2-4K it costs to get certified by these “institutions” and “organizations” is over-priced… They are in business too and looking to make individuals feel like being certified is a golden ticket or is required to do a job. It's just not true.

Solid training is where it's at for both the time/money investment in my opinion.

Erin

]]> By: Erin Blaskie http://www.erinblaskie.com/industry-certifications-are-complete-bs/comment-page-1/#comment-584 Erin Blaskie Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:06:38 +0000 http://www.erinblaskie.com/?p=1272#comment-584 Hi Scott,<br><br>I think that's the hardest part for sure -- seeing the smart marketers take advantage of those who don't know any better.<br><br>There is a huge difference between certification by Joe down the street and by an accredited body and I think people who don't realize that are dropping a lot of money on a useless piece of paper.<br><br>This is why blogging is so powerful. Helps to shed light on situations like this.<br><br>E. Hi Scott,

I think that's the hardest part for sure — seeing the smart marketers take advantage of those who don't know any better.

There is a huge difference between certification by Joe down the street and by an accredited body and I think people who don't realize that are dropping a lot of money on a useless piece of paper.

This is why blogging is so powerful. Helps to shed light on situations like this.

E.

]]> By: maryhavlicek http://www.erinblaskie.com/industry-certifications-are-complete-bs/comment-page-1/#comment-583 maryhavlicek Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:00:54 +0000 http://www.erinblaskie.com/?p=1272#comment-583 Erin, I think you are spot-on with this post. Certification is just business for its creators. When looking at these programs, you need to ask: What true credentials do they have? Why should their certification mean something to anyone outside of your industry, even within it? They run the same program time after time, but are they updating it with new information each time? And even after the program ends, considering that new information will come out and evolve, will they keep those that have already completed their programs updated and current? Is there further certification, or renewals? Or is it just a one-time thing? After all, especially with social media, things change practically daily - are they keeping up or, as you said, continuing to spit out outdated BS?<br><br>If improvement is needed, training is the way to go. Even coaching or mentoring can help. I can't tell you how much I've learned just by reading blogs and doing some research... all for free. Talk to others and don't be afraid to ask questions. I have never had anyone ask me if I'm a certified VA. Most don't even know such a thing exists, so if they saw the badge on my site, it wouldn't mean much to them. Educating yourself, keeping up with the ever-constant evolution of information and talking to others will keep you in the loop, and probably ahead of the certification game. Erin, I think you are spot-on with this post. Certification is just business for its creators. When looking at these programs, you need to ask: What true credentials do they have? Why should their certification mean something to anyone outside of your industry, even within it? They run the same program time after time, but are they updating it with new information each time? And even after the program ends, considering that new information will come out and evolve, will they keep those that have already completed their programs updated and current? Is there further certification, or renewals? Or is it just a one-time thing? After all, especially with social media, things change practically daily – are they keeping up or, as you said, continuing to spit out outdated BS?

If improvement is needed, training is the way to go. Even coaching or mentoring can help. I can't tell you how much I've learned just by reading blogs and doing some research… all for free. Talk to others and don't be afraid to ask questions. I have never had anyone ask me if I'm a certified VA. Most don't even know such a thing exists, so if they saw the badge on my site, it wouldn't mean much to them. Educating yourself, keeping up with the ever-constant evolution of information and talking to others will keep you in the loop, and probably ahead of the certification game.

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