Master Essential Skills & Topics for Retail and CPG

Having strong foundations in Excel is a critical skill that most business professionals require at a basic level in order to be effective and efficient at data analysis. This needs to go beyond a training course that simply teaches how to calculate a mortgage and perform other basic functions that will most likely never be used, or an online course that covers generic use of data. This virtual classroom training dives into the most important elements of Excel to give participants confidence while working in the application, including: moving around a spreadsheet, writing basic formulas like SUM, COUNT, RANK, UNIQUE, IFERROR, and conditional formulas, formatting cells, understanding absolute and relative ranges, and creating basic charts and PivotTables. We use examples that are very common in retail and CPG, so it also helps participants learn some best practices in analyzing and calculating key measures in their data. There are many hands-on workshops in this fast-paced session. We can adjust focus areas based on the unique needs of your organization with an emphasis on specific topic areas. We can also use data and examples from your business to increase relevancy. SESSION DETAILS: Optimum class size: 10-15 participants (maximum 25) Length of session: 120-150 minutes Cost: Starts at $3,000 USD (includes development, customization, delivery, student notes, hands-on workshops). Multiple sessions of the same topic are at a reduced price. Core Competency: DATA AND ANALYTICS This session can be combined with other training topics to create a virtual training series over days, weeks or months.

As our data-driven world evolves in retail and CPG, so does the need for us to hone our presentation skills. These skills include everything from understanding PowerPoint to developing a storyboard with a well-defined purpose and incorporating this storyboard into a succinct and impactful presentation with clear logic and flow. This 2-day, instructor-led classroom training starts by teaching participants how to develop a plan for their presentation before jumping into PowerPoint, enabling them to create a clear and informative story. In day 2 we take our storyboard to PowerPoint, learning data visualization techniques and getting the logic and flow right. The entire session is driven by a real business scenario identified by the client. This session can be combined with other training topics and/or combined with online pre-work for even more content. Optimum class size: 10-15 participants Length of session: 120 minutes Cost: Starts at $8,000 USD (includes customized workshops) per session

Overview: In today's dynamic world of retail and consumer packaged goods (CPG), refining skills to navigate a data-driven landscape is paramount. This course focuses on the effective communication of data insights, addressing the challenge of information getting lost in the complexity of numbers and statistics. Participants will explore data visualization strategies for both data and non-data contexts, empowering them to discern trends, outliers, and patterns.

Overview: Category management is a strategic imperative across diverse sectors, including retail, CPG, c-store, DIY, industrial, and professional services. Essential for retailers, suppliers, and solution providers, this course provides a foundational understanding of category management principles, processes and strategies.

This advanced training program is designed to build skills in areas like shopper and product supply. It includes a set of on-demand courses that gives participants the skills to function at an advanced level in their role in retail / CPG / FMCG. This program meets all learning requirements for the CPSA designation. Who should take this course? For those looking for an advanced understanding of Category Management - and/or who is looking to achieve CMA designation at the CPSA level. Program Details Approximately 20 hours course time Prerequisite: Intermediate category management understanding and/or CPCM Designation (if you are looking for CMA certification). Note that the CPSA level does not include exam preparation materials as certification is by an essay-based exam that also considers the candidate's experience. Buy Advanced / CPSA Category Management Training Program ($499) from CMKG.ORG

This category management training program spans the foundations of Category Management from the foundational to the intermediate level with a focus on in-depth data and analysis. It's a great program if you have a limited background or need a refresher in the foundations, if you want a good general knowledge of category management data and analytics, or if you are seeking certification at the Certified Professional Category Manager (CPCM) level with the Category Management Association (CMA). Buy Foundational / CPCA + Intermediate / CPCM Category Management Training Program ($1,549) or Certification Package ($1,699) from CMKG.ORG

This training program is designed to build category management skills at an intermediate level, including in-depth data and analytics across key data sources and the category tactics. It includes a set of on-demand courses that will give participants skills to function at an intermediate level in their category management or sales role in retail / CPG / FMCG. This program meets all learning requirements for the Certified Professional Category Manager (CPCM) designation with the CMA for those who are interested. Who should take this course? Retail, category management, sales and shopper teams looking for an intermediate understanding of Category Management and/or who is looking to achieve CPCM certification. Program Details Approximately 30-35 hours course time Prerequisite: Foundational / CPCA Buy Intermediate / CPCM Category Management Training Program ($999) or Certification Package ($1,099) from CMKG.ORG

This set of foundational courses gives a solid grounding in the category management process, analytics and presentation skills. This program meets all learning requirements for the designation of Certified Professional Category Analyst (CPCA) designation for those who are interested in certification. Who should take this course? Retail, category management, sales and shopper teams looking for an intermediate understanding of Category Management and/or who is looking to achieve CPCA certification. Program Details Approx. 30-35 hours course time No prerequisites Available in Spanish

This set of courses builds important strategic foundations that help participants better understand the Shopper focus in category management, retail, shopper insights, and shopper marketing. Who should take this course? Individuals and teams looking for a more strategic approach within shopper insights. Program Details Approx. 30 hours course time No prerequisites Includes access to Annual Learning Subscription, including 25+ recorded Virtual Training sessions, and CMKG-exclusive resources.

This set of courses builds important strategic foundations that help participants better understand the Shopper focus in category management, retail, shopper insights, and shopper marketing. Who should take this course? Individuals and teams looking for a more strategic approach within shopper insights. Program Details Approx. 10 hours course time No prerequisites Includes access to Annual Learning Subscription, including 25+ recorded Virtual Training sessions, and CMKG-exclusive resources.

This set of courses builds important strategic foundations that help participants better understand the Shopper focus in category management, retail, shopper insights, and shopper marketing. Who should take this course? Individuals and teams looking for a more strategic approach within shopper insights. Program Details Approx. 10 hours course time No prerequisites Includes access to Annual Learning Subscription, including 25+ recorded Virtual Training sessions, and CMKG-exclusive resources.

This set of courses builds important strategic foundations that help participants better understand the Shopper focus in category management, retail, shopper insights, and shopper marketing. Who should take this course? Individuals and teams looking for a more strategic approach within shopper insights. Program Details Approx. 10 hours course time No prerequisites Includes access to Annual Learning Subscription, including 25+ recorded Virtual Training sessions, and CMKG-exclusive resources.

This accredited program builds your Excel skills, no matter where you are in your learning process to help you become more proficient in developing and analyzing Excel spreadsheets using category management data. Your program is broken into different mini-modules that start with the basics, followed by intermediate and advanced topics. Each mini module includes a how-to video, followed by a workshop where you will complete examples that were taught in the video. Proficiency In Excel ($149) from CMKG.ORG

This accredited program builds proficiency in the category management process at a deep level, including category definition, roles, strategies, and implementation of the plan. By moving into more depth about the category management process, you will learn to effectively set up your categories for success through these more detailed foundations in category management. Buy Understanding Retailer Strategy and Category Management 2 ($369) from CMKG.ORG

This accredited skill development training program builds proficiency in understanding Retailer's business goals and objectives. Understanding a Retailer’s income statement, product supply measures, and the product supply chain will give you new perspective that you can apply to future decisions and recommendations that you make. Buy Advanced Retailer Understanding ($198) from CMKG.ORG

Learn about how to use key category management data sources (including panel data, interaction data, retail POS data, scanned sales data), so that you will be confident when using these important data sources in your own work. Buy Proficiency in Understanding and Using Data 1 ($198) from CMKG.ORG

Learn about the key category management data sources (including retail scanned sales, syndicated, consumer panel, shipment, big data) from a topline perspective, so that you can be confident when using any data sources in your work. Buy Proficiency in Understanding and Using Data 2 ($198) from CMKG.ORG

Learning how to turn data into insights and insights into action can be done in simple yet powerful ways — a truly important skill for sales, marketing, and category management professionals. Buy Category and Business Insights 1 ($198) from CMKG.ORG

Complete health checks on your categories/brands are truly necessary to understand the big picture perspective of overall performance. This includes an in-depth understanding of consumer trends, the economy, competitive environment, and each tactic. A deep understanding will highlight strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for your categories or brands that may not be apparent from a topline look at the data. Buy Category and Business Insights 2 ($198) from CMKG.ORG

This program builds your skills to help you make better recommendations or decisions that affect product assortment and the retailer's shelf through a better understanding of each of these tactics. Do you ever think how the decisions or recommendations that you make affect product assortment or space management for the retailer (like innovation, product lineup changes, promotion, display)? Learn how to make more strategic decisions or recommendations by better understanding these two important tactics. Buy Assortment & Space Management Skills ($297) from CMKG.ORG

This program builds your skills in the area of shopper understanding, with a focus on the retailer's shopper and approaches to market to their shopper. Understanding the Shopper is a priority for most Retailers and Suppliers. By building these skills, you will learn to consider different approaches to understand and reach the Shopper, ultimately creating more effective solutions that result in Shopper satisfaction. Buy Consumer and Shopper Analytics and Insights ($396) from CMKG.ORG

Build proficiency in developing compelling PowerPoint presentations using a fact-based approach with logic and flow. Learn how to take the analytic work you've completed and turn it into a fact-based presentation that looks good, is relevant for your audience, has logic & flow and tells a story. This is where art and science meet. Buy Selling Skills 1: Developing Fact-Based Powerpoint & Presentation Skills ($198) from CMKG.ORG

In today’s world, both retailers and manufacturers must gain a deep understanding of shopper needs and behaviors to better inform their marketing activity. Category reviews focused on a single channel are no longer sufficient to meet changing Consumer and Shopper needs, and this requires organizations to move beyond traditional data sources into some new and exciting territory. In this course learners will see examples of new data, measures and insights that are available for a deeper Shopper understanding and how they affect the category review process.

Overview: In the last decade, category management has evolved significantly due to complex data, advancing technologies, changing shopper expectations, and the rise of the omni-channel. To remain effective in retail and CPG, it's crucial to adopt a more dynamic and adaptive approach. This includes integrating insights from diverse channels, prioritizing the preferences of the modern shopper, and leveraging innovative technologies. Navigating these changes requires a strategic upgrade, acknowledging new challenges and embracing cutting-edge strategies to stay relevant and agile in the dynamic retail landscape.

This virtual training session gives participants a strong foundation of the considerations when using data, including a review of the unique data sources available to their organization, how they are derived, and how and when they should be used. Following the data overview, we will review the key measures from each data source, practice the calculations, and learn how to drill through data (geography, time period, product, measures) for improved business understanding. Finally, we will discuss ways to draw relevant insights by looking across multiple data sources. This virtual classroom training will give your team a hands-on learning that includes workshops using your data and examples for incredibly powerful learnings that consider all the nuances of the data that is most relevant for your business. The session is relevant for retailers, suppliers and 3rd party solution providers who want to get more proficient at drawing actionable insights from their data. SESSION DETAILS: Optimum class size: 10-15 participants (maximum 25 participants) Length of session: 120 minutes Cost: Starts at $3,000 USD (includes development, customization, delivery, student notes, hands-on workshops). Multiple sessions of the same topic are at a reduced price. Core Competency: DATA TO INSIGHTS This session can be combined with other training topics to create a virtual training series over days, weeks or months.

Overview:

Project missteps and misunderstandings often arise when there's a lack of effective collaboration between partners. Without a framework in place to foster collaboration, individuals often end up with different goals and expectations, resulting in wasted time, energy, and resources. This virtual classroom training provides learners with the key skills to enable successful collaboration between both internal and external partners. Through a comprehensive understanding of joint business planning, participants are able to implement JBP strategies to solve their customers' key business issues, navigate expectations and next steps, and become more effective consultative category professionals. This session can be combined with other training topics to create a virtual training series over days, weeks or months. Optimum class size: 10-15 participants Length of session: 120 minutes Cost: Starts at $2,500 USD (includes customized workshops) per session

As more industries move their sales and business online, cultivating skills to successfully navigate the eCommerce space is now more important than ever. Luckily, with the right tools and training you can easily open up opportunities in the online sphere and adapt brick and mortar category management strategies for the eCommerce space. This virtual classroom training explores the new eCommerce landscape, the challenges you'll face, and how to extend category management strategies beyond brick and mortar to ensure your success and increased Shopper satisfaction. category management in ecommerce and the omni-channel This session can be combined with other training topics to create a virtual training series over days, weeks or months. Optimum class size: 10-15 participants Length of session: 120 minutes Cost: Starts at $2,500 USD (includes customized workshops) per session

Overview: While data analysis and insights are paramount, crafting an equally impactful presentation often takes a backseat. This virtual classroom training addresses this gap, guiding learners in developing sleeker and more compelling presentations. Participants will gain insights into enhancing storytelling, translating ideas into visuals, and boosting audience engagement for increased success in getting their ideas accepted.

Overview: Storyboarding a business presentation before delving into PowerPoint slides is a critical step in crafting an impactful story. It ensures a strategic and purposeful approach, guiding presenters to define the presentation's goals, consider the audience's perspective, and identify key insights and opportunities. By mapping out the storyline in a storyboard, presenters gain a clear roadmap, allowing for a more seamless and engaging flow in the final presentation. This process not only enhances the structure of the content but also fosters a deeper understanding of the message, resulting in a more impactful and persuasive delivery.

The Category Management Master's Series is a set of 12 virtual courses (recorded) with information about CatMan 2.0™ that will impact individuals’ day-to-day and futures role using an updated, advanced category management process. Get yourself or your team ready with topic-based recorded virtual courses that help learners apply new & refreshed Catman 2.0 principles through examples, strategies and tips. Who should take this program? Category management practitioners, analysts, sales, marketing and other roles who want to move to more advanced. What will I learn? How each topic is, or will be, affected by changes in the industry, Shopper, and CatMan 2.0. How to incorporate the most relevant topics into participants existing category management framework. How to apply new concepts in day-to-day work. How to speak to one’s manager, peers, and customers about the changing dynamics across different topics with clarity and understanding. How to determine which topics are the biggest priorities and opportunities for learners and their role.

This category management training program gives you access to all of our accredited and non-accredited category management courses at the Foundational, Intermediate and Advanced levels, plus an additional 6 non-accredited courses. Learn everything you possibly can about category management in this expanded set of accredited and non-accredited courses. If you are serious about category management and want to become proficient at all levels, this program is ideal for you, and gives you the best bang for your buck. An "all course access" gives you access to 34 courses (29 accredited and 5 non-accredited), with two years access to the full program in our Online Training & Resource Center. Buy All Course Category Management Training Program ($2,149) from CMKG.ORG