One night in July I started thumbing through the catalog of classes that Colorado Free University (CFU) sends me every month.

Here is a great summary of CFU that I found on its website:

“Colorado Free University is a lifelong learning center offering a wide array of skill-based and enrichment courses. More of a learning network than a traditional school, CFU draws its teachers from the community and all teachers are independent contractors. Classes are designed for busy adults who want to get useful information or new skills without having to commit a great amount of time.”

I had taken a few classes on social media at CFU a couple years ago when I launched my Boomers’ Social Media Business. They were great classes to help me with the ramp up phase. But then I got busy with other things.

As I looked through the July catalog, I noticed something new – CFU had created a Social Media Certification Program. I started reading through the required and elective classes and realized that most, if not all of them, could benefit me and my clients.

Immediately I signed up for LinkedIn 201 – LinkedIn for Business Advancement and took the class the following week. Even though I have been on LinkedIn for nearly 4 years, I learned so much in this class.

Our instructor was Lindsey Day, a career development strategist. She managed to keep a diverse group of students on track as she walked us through what it takes to create a company page on LinkedIn. Plus she effectively covered other features of this professionally oriented social media site that addressed the needs raised by the class members.

My next instructor was Nazli Nomanbhoy, a true whiz at all things related to websites and social media. Due to Nazli’s encouragement and practical tips, I finally dove into the hurly burly world of Twitter and have loved every minute of it. She also helped me better understand how to make my Facebook page more attention getting and engaging.

Then came my instructor Jennifer Hilburn, the marketing queen. She helped me better understand the mindset of women when they are online. In addition, she provided numerous tips on how to make the most of our Pinterest experience. Up to that point, I had been using this fun, very visually oriented social media site to put cute pictures of animals and children. She showed me how to create boards on Pinterest with topics that tie directly to my social media tutor business.

I am just halfway through my educational adventure of the Social Media Certification Program and have found each of the six courses I have taken to provide immediate value for me as a social media tutor.

If you fit the profile of a busy adult who wants to get useful information or new skills without having to commit a great amount of time, go to CFU’s website at www.freeu.com

You will be glad you did!

P.S. Here is a link to the social media classes at CFU: https://www.freeuregistration.com/wconnect/CourseStatus.awp?&course=1101B

Joyce Feustel, Founder of Boomers’ Social Media Tutor, helps people relatively new to social media to become more effective and comfortable in their use of this medium. Find her at www.boomerssocialmediatutor.com