I thought it might be interesting to ask current CLIs what they think of their career. Every CLI was quick to point out the accomplishment of teaching is really enhancing the job skills of everyone in class. For the CLIs, enriching the professional knowledge of their students is the most rewarding part of being a CLI. It's a great moment to be in the classroom when there is an "aha" remark from someone who sees the light.

It doesn't always go smoothly. Probably the most frustrating part of professional training is when the students are in the wrong class. Students can lack the prerequisite essentials, and it's especially challenging when they lack any prior experience whatsoever with Notes. The most energetic instructors have a vision for the product, letting the class see the capabilities of Notes and Domino. Veteran CLIs have seen Lotus Notes change the way companies do business.

Final parting advice and my best training secrets
As a CLI, you'll be providing the first view of Lotus software for many programmers and administrators. Your introduction will become their foundation. The best CLIs are not merely trainers, they are technology evangelists.

Lotus Education is a leader in the training industry, from their high expectations for professional competency to their requirements for each course. What makes the Lotus program distinguished is their willing assistance to the CLIs. There are special CLI sessions at major Lotus conferences, a CLI Web site, and even a Lotus CLI Advisory Board. The staff at Lotus is available and responds quickly to every inquiry. This really is very different than the industry norm for vendor authorized training. As either an independent or LAEC affiliated CLI, you'll never be alone.

If you decide to become a CLI, I'd like to hand over my handpicked tips. We all know the truisms (such as "don't talk to the board"), so I've listed those off-the-margin notes that make the difference between being good and being Number One. If you don't go into training, then you can use them to evaluate your own training experiences.

• Never blame the equipment. It may get you off the hot seat, but your students are going to be petrified of their company's own systems. And, after they later figure out the problem, they will remember the instructor who said it couldn't be done.

• Don't claim to know more than you do, but don't be Forest Gump, either. Your students are paying for answers, and Lotus Software is huge. If you're not sure say, "This is how I understand it." Then, when the day's class is over (or during a break), book-up and master the question. Next day say, "You know, I was thinking about what was said yesterday and I don't think I explained it well."

• Be gentle, be encouraging, and tell them everything you are doing as you do it. Some students are trying to copy your actions, and they'll get lost when they look at their own monitors and back at yours.