Take the lead with your company and go after product development education and training. It will help you with core market growth, it will help you create new markets and it will stimulate new design, marketing ideas and innovation. Product development will help you keep from stagnating in the business, and it will help you generate interest in your company.

Why is product development education so important? Face the fact that with the current economy, the marketplace is unpredictable and unforgiving. Industries are competitive, and your executives need to know how to take innovation to a new level. They also need to know how to give you results on your time and monetary investment.

To secure product management training for you or your employees:

1. Narrow down the program institutions of your choice.

2. Follow the admittance process. Some schools of business are very competitive, and their product development training is only provided to a select few.

3. Budget appropriately for your product management training. Factor in time and travel expenses. Also, remember lodging expenses if there is a need.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Go for the best in product development education

For the best in product development education look to the top business schools in the nation. There you can find product management education for executives.

I recommend: For a top notch education, strive to be accepted by the Harvard Business School. They use a mix of lectures, small group discussions, presentations, business simulations, case-studies for established or emerging leaders. Look at Managing Product Design and Development as part of the Executive Education from the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University. The Wisconsin School of Business says that "A good idea isn’t enough." So you can take their New Product Development course to help you take your ideas to the next level.

Look into workshops and seminars for your product development training

If you don't have the time to pursue a degree or certification in product development training, consider taking a seminar or workshop to further your education. They will help spur ideas and thought processes towards making your concepts a success.

I recommend: Contact NP Learning about their workshops on new product development training. Consider onsite training from American Management Association. They also offer seminars in Boston, New York, Orlando, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Washington, DC, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston and LA. Check out the Product Development and Management Education program offered through John Stark Associates. Consider Executive Certificates from the MIT Sloan School of Management.

Continue your educational product development skills

Even if you are a seasoned professional, consider continuing education product development classes , product management seminars or workshops toward your product development training.

I recommend: Think about Continuing Education for Technical Professionals offered by Auxilium, Inc. The Technology Ed Department of Business and Management offers continuing education for scientists and engineers through their New Product Development Certificate Program.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Pair your product development education with PR and marketing training for a successful role out of your new endeavor.