We now have a few members in this group who are freelancers/contract workers. How did you find work and what did you put together for a resume?

For the last several months, I have been developing some content for our group. Things such as generic presentations that can be customized, training process templates and checklists, and overall "how to" with things like the ADDIE process and training analyses. My question is whether there is an appetite for stuff like that in the group? I would make it available for download, and then you could use it as you see fit.

Maybe I’m shooting in the dark here, but I’d love your insight. If you’re looking to procure services from an external provider, what makes it easy for you to buy? Here is my context: I’m building a training and coaching firm that helps companies scale, emotional intelligence in their workforce. So we are talking about developing different soft skills, which when embodied, change behaviors and produce the right business outcomes. I can give more detail, but wanted to know your experience and insight best of my initial question. I’m getting some good initial signals from prospects, but I want to go in with something that stands out. Thanks for any at all detail, and experiences, you can share.

I recently read an article that showed that learning can be hampered by the use of AI videos in training materials. Here are some findings from the research: 1. The use of high-quality AI produced nearly identical results when compared to human voiceover. However, learners showed significantly worse results and engagement when low-quality (robotic, choppy, flat, etc) AI voiceovers were used. 2. Full screen AI avatars were viewed as distracting, however, picture-in-picture AI avatars actually enhanced training. The reasoning was that full screen avatars made subtle differences such as eye movement, lip syncing, and breathing patterns more obvious and therefore, more distracting. 3. To the surprise of no one, they found that AI performed worse with topics associated with soft skills such as communication, leadership, and emotional intelligence, etc... They recommend human voiceovers for these types of topics due to the emotional nuances tied to them. What are your thoughts on that? Do you use AI voiceovers/avatars in your training material?

I've reached out to my local ATD chapter and I'm wondering if anyone in this group is a member. If so, do you find the group beneficial?