2 simple suggestions for a trainer to assess the result

It can indeed be a challenge to measure the impact of training classes on business sales results, especially when multiple variables are involved. Here are two suggestions out of many that may help you address this struggle:

Clearly define goals and objectives.

Usually, this is the easy part. You can work with your stakeholders to clearly define the desired outcomes of the training classes. Identify specific metrics or key performance indicators (KPIs) that can be linked to business sales results, such as improved conversion rates, increased customer satisfaction, or higher average order value. However, sometimes, the goal may not be equal to the result or the result may not be equal to the goal. Here, the concept of cause and effect comes into play. The effect is the result of a cause—something you did or did not do. For example, if we set a goal to have a body weight of 80kg, that is the result and the effect. BUT that is not a goal. Instead of setting a weight goal, you can set a goal to eat healthy and exercise for 30 minutes a day. These are the causes, and the effect will be that you will weigh 80kg. So, the goal is to focus on what you can do about it, not just purely the end result.

Use control groups.

Consider creating control groups that do not receive the training and compare their performance to the group that receives the training. This can help isolate the impact of the training on business sales results. Most of the time, we do not set control groups due to various reasons, such as lacking data. The control group will help you measure the real impact of your strategy in a particular dimension of time and space.

Other suggestions:

Please feel free to search for answers online or consult someone working closer to your industry and specific job function. In the world of big data, we face an abundance of information and a lack of crystal-clear execution strategy. I may sound harsh in this statement, but isn't that happening around you?

Quoting Steve Jobs: "People think focus means saying yes to the thing you've got to focus on. But that's not what it means at all. It means saying no to the hundred other good ideas that are out there. You have to pick carefully. I'm actually as proud of the things we haven't done as the things I have done. Innovation is saying no to 1,000 things."