Parable Offers National Online Training Courses
Online Training to Help Parable Stores Create a Consistent Shopping Experience
San Luis Obispo, CA — Parable has rolled out an online instruction program for its franchise and member stores nationwide. The online training program, powered by CertiLearn, will complement Parable’s existing MemberNet and will provide vital information to retailers on customer service, new programs, company initiatives and other information pertinent to the operation of Parable stores.
Similar to a university system, the online courses are segmented into four levels of learning to help educate employees, frontline staff, managers and owners. There is also an additional branded level for franchisees. "Having access to convenient web-based training is one of the top priorities of our Parable stores," said Steve Potratz, Parable’s Founder and CEO. "Consistent training is another step in developing a quality, consistent shopping experience for all Parable store customers."
Instruction via the web will improve the frequency of training for Parable stores. For example, bookstore staff will have the convenience of completing their online training on a computer at the store during their workday. However, if they’d prefer, staff can log on from home and take the course off-site. Students also take an online test reviewing all course material. The testing allows store owners and managers to better evaluate and measure the knowledge of their employees. This will also enable retailers to identify areas that need improvement for each employee.
Parable training will remain fresh and relevant as new information is presented monthly. Current online classes include courses like "Delivering the Parable Brand Promise" and "Bible Reference Product Knowledge" a course training store staff to help customers build a Bible reference library. Courses will be built in-house by Parable staff along with additional courses provided by vendors. Representatives from Zondervan, Bob Siemon, Navpress, Crossway, Cook, Thomas Nelson, Tyndale, EMI, Multnomah, Group, DaySpring, QuickVerse, Baker and Biblesoft have attended an instructor training session and are have completed or are currently developing classes. Also, Parable has partnered with CBA and has updated some of CBAs training videos to make them easily available online.
The Parable online training site is password protected so access is limited to those retailers who have registered. Cost for the program is less than $5 per month per employee and includes unlimited course availability of custom designed courses. Additional fee-based courses on general business and computer topics are also available at a very low cost to the student user.
Kay Cementina, Vice President of Retail and Franchise Development who oversees Parable’s online training program says "We are excited about introducing Parable stores to the many benefits of learning online at their own pace and according to their own schedule." Cementina says Parable will continue to review what courses retailers need and what topics are most important and relevant for the future.
Founded in 1999, CertiLearn provides e-learning services to over 100 organizations. The company helps clients deliver proprietary knowledge, employee instruction and product training via the web. Headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, some of CertiLearn’s clients include Ben & Jerry's, International Franchise Association, and the American Federation of Teachers.
The Parable family of companies includes: The Parable Group, providing catalogs and comprehensive marketing services to independent, locally-branded Parable members nationwide; Parable Franchise, offering a nationally-branded turnkey business plan for opening and operating new and existing Christian retail stores; and Parable Interactive, serving as a ministry partner hosting hundreds of web sites. Parable, America's Leading Christian Retailers®, is based in San Luis Obispo, CA.
