The ReadySetGo Vendor Selection and Management Class returns on March 21st, 2023 and we recently caught up with Instructor Tim Arata to find out what he’s learned while teaching the class so far, how it can be a valuable learning resource for students working on both the buyer and supplier sides of the localization industry, and why limiting the class size makes for more intimate and personalized experience for students.

Localization Institute (LI): Thanks so much for taking the time to openly review your ReadySetGo Vendor Selection and Management class with us. I’ll start with a super general question: What are your thoughts on the class after facilitating the first three?

Tim: Thanks for spending your time with me! Creating and then teaching the first few classes is always a time of tremendous learning. Students’ in-class reactions and post-class comments indicate how topics should be prioritized, what topics need a little more context for students to really “get it”, and how to balance time spent on each topic to maximize the students’ experience. We cover a lot of information! Though the evolution is ongoing, I’m happy to report that I feel even better about the total blend now.

LI: “Who should attend the class?” and “Who will get the most out of the class?” are always questions you try to answer. Based on your experience, do you have an answer for this?

Tim: Great point! And yes, I do. First, students responsible for localization at up-and-coming and even larger companies seem to get the most out it. The reason for this is that, with so much fluff and unhelpful conventional wisdom out there, the class gives them a chance to a.) rethink their own positions on the greater topic, and b.) better understand that there is no longer a one-size-fits-all methodology to run a successful loc program. That last point is critical! In addition to facilitating the course, my consulting experience over the last year calls out the tremendous need for everything we cover. I use a lot of what’s in the class in my daily consulting work (and make tweaks to the class based on that continuing work). Finally, the intellectually playful seem to get the most out of the experience.

LI: How about localization vendors who have attended the class?

Tim: Interesting, and I’m happy to give a blunt comment on that as the course is designed primarily for clients. Highly experienced vendor participants – those who understand their company’s total business — get a lot out of the class. That type of student can make the intellectual jump to understand how the course content can be used in their own client interactions. This includes everything from RFPs, how they might wish to approach perspective clients, and the overall relationship.

On the flipside, less experienced vendor participants have a hard time making that intellectual jump. A few less experienced Vendor Managers (from the vendor side) have taken the class, and I just don’t think the class was the best use of their time. I’m always happy to speak with people interested in taking the class before they make the financial and time commitment. Both the LI and I want each student to receive maximum value, so people who aren’t sure should always reach out to the LI or me prior.

LI: Any other comments you’d like to share?

Tim: Only one that you’ll hate…but not really. I love the fact that we’ve agreed to limit the class size. This creates the opportunity for maximum interaction – which creates the best possible learning environment. Sure, we both know that getting more students into a session would mean more money, but I love the fact that both the LI and I have agreed to put the best possible class-experience over financial considerations. And I wonder if you’ll include this in the interview . I guess I’ll see! Thanks again for your time. I really hope that anyone considering the class will read this interview before registering.