San Diego, Calif. — The University of Ceramic Tile and Stone (UofCTS) announces it has developed a Canadian version of its popular online course, Understanding the Basics of Natural Stone, which has been released and is available through Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Association of Canada (TTMAC) at www.ttmac.com.
The UofCTS was given the assignment to convert the American version of the UofCTS Stone course after the success of TTMAC’s Understanding the Basics of Ceramic Tile online course that was released almost one and a half years ago.
TTMAC’s board of directors are thrilled with the success of the TTMAC Online training programs. They reported that the success of the Ceramic Tile course has proven that providing training courses on the internet is the most cost-effective way to reach their membership and educate the Canadian industry.
Curt Higham, training director at Ames Tile & Stone Ltd., stated that Ames will be sending their employees through the new TTMAC Stone Course as they did with the TTMAC Ceramic Tile Course.
Curt further stated, “In regards to the TTMAC Ceramic Tile Course, Ames Tile & Stone has put all our over 100 employees through the course and any new hires are required to take the course. This refers to all our staff, in all capacities, from the warehouse to accounting, etc. The course has been very beneficial to our staff particularly when they are talking to customers. Employees now have confidence in answering questions, and our customers like to purchase from knowledgeable people. All our employees are classified as salespeople and are signed into the phone system to take overflow phone calls when the sales staff are busy. So with the course under their belts they feel much more confident on the line with our customers. Ames has now become the first choice for our customers to call with any ceramic tile questions that come up, due to our increased knowledge.”
TTMAC collaborated with the UofCTS to convert the original Understanding the Basics of Natural Stone course into a version that would be relevant to the Canadian market. It references the Canadian TTMAC manuals, specifications and industry standards, as well as relevant U.S. industry standards. The primary measuring units are metric, but it also includes U.S. measuring units.
The TTMAC’s Online Understanding the Basics of Natural Stone course offers an up-to-date comprehensive look at the Canadian stone industry. The Natural Stone course includes industry standards and sales techniques and is designed to give salespeople the tools they need in order to increase sales. It gives stone installers and fabricators details about industry standards and information on how to assist clients with selecting natural stone. It also offers design professionals the knowledge of how to select and specify natural stone.
The TTMAC Online Ceramic Tile course and the new TTMAC Online Stone course have just been accredited for Continued Education Credits by three major Canadian architectural and interior design organizations. Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC), Ontario Association of Architects (OAA), and Interior Design Continuing Education Council (IDCEC) have all assigned 7 and 8 continuing education units to each respective course.
The UofCTS firmly believes that knowledge equals sales, and this is one of the main themes put forth in TTMAC’s Online Educational courses. The concept is simple: the more a salesperson, installer or design professional knows about the product, the easier it will be to communicate the features and benefits to the client. The more information a customer has, the more he or she is likely to make an intelligent decision and purchase the products or services from the person providing them with the information and options. Information is the key for avoiding false expectations and potential problems. It is also a major factor in building relationships and keeping satisfied customers.
In the end, a properly trained sales force leads to more sales and more profit for the company. Training gives employees and customers the tools they need to build confidence, credibility and more sales! To see a video preview of “Understanding the Basics of Ceramic Tile” or the new “Understanding the Basics of Natural Stone” online training course, and others, visit the www.UofCTS.org website found on the online training courses page.
Once registered, students have 21 days to complete the course which is accessible online, 24/7. Students can print a diploma and download a student reference guide when they have passed all lesson assessments. Visit the TTMAC website for details on purchasing the course at www.ttmac.com.
For further information about the UofCTS training services please visit www.UofCTS.org or call 619.669.2967.