Information gains in value when it is applied. That is the reason why training courses should, wherever possible, include a practical side. “Tell, show, do” as a training mantra still makes sense as an effective way to get training participants to use and remember what they experience on the course. The value of disaster recovery education to an organisation can also be increased – not just by applying it on the job, which is of course mandatory, but also using it to drive home a message to two important audiences.
The first audience is internal. Members of the organisation who may not be directly involved in disaster recovery education activity still have a certain perception of such training – if they know that it is going on. The idea is to do some internal publicity about DR training or certification activities. The goal is to convey the fact that the organisation attaches a certain importance to being prepared for DR, and being able to measure and prove that preparedness. Internal PR like this can boost general awareness of what is at stake and why everyone in the organisation should feel a degree of involvement.
The second audience is external, and covers customers and also partners and suppliers. Being able to demonstrate that reputable certification programs are in place and that sufficient time and effort is being invested can go a long way to persuade prospects to become customers. In today’s changing competitive climate, it can also let enterprises hang onto existing customers longer. And when partners and suppliers see the priority that an organisation is putting on disaster recovery education, it also drops a hint that they too should ensure that they will be prepared to handle disasters and continue serving and working with the organisation concerned.