Image by: quasireversible
By Charles Lewis

You’re already accomplished in business, killing it on that website start-up. And you’ve already done the college thing. Plus, you are not sure you can take another night at the frat house. Good news, brother: You don’t need to hightail it back to your alma matter to get an educational tune-up to keep up with the latest business and technology know-how.

Plus, you’ve are already established the fact that you are good at sitting in front of the computer in your underwear, so why not educate and enrich yourself at home instead of … well, you know.

Did I make the case? Good. Let’s move on …

Online training has improved leaps and bounds over the years. There’s so much out there now that well-respected institutions and teachers are offering excellent quick courses that can sharpen your stick in no time. And here’s the best part – many of them are free or practically free.

Where To Start

One of the coolest places to hang your hat is Lynda.com. This online training center offers more than 1,500 courses in a variety of areas, including business, accounting, cloud computing, email marketing, time management and web conferencing. And forget old-school standard definition and rickety webcams – these guys and girls deliver a high-definition education from experts in their field. And the best part is that you can try it risk-free for seven days, giving you full access to their tutorials and classes.

Wait … There’s More

Another learning portal that offers a mix of free courses and paid educational opportunities is e-learningcenter.com. While this site is heavy on computer programming aimed at those who fly the IT flag – nerds! – they also have sections with robust courses to help you bone up on your business and personal skills. Make sure to try before you buy, however.

Here’s another thought – why not GO BIG with one of the most recognizable names in education – MIT. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology has a very robust (2000+) course offering available online for free. Foreign languages? Check. Engineering? Check. Economics? Check. Let the brainiacs at MIT show you the way.

Before You Dig In, Get Your Head Right

Here are some tips to get the most out of your online mental workout:

1 – Block out all other distractions with headphones

By creating an atmosphere devoid of other noises, your mind will remember the new things you are learning better. Plus, every time a car alarm goes off or your neighbor cranks up Squawk Box, you won’t break concentration. The full-sized noise canceling headphones are best.

2 – Actually schedule time to study and watch the videos

Put it on the calendar, dude. It is the only way to make it happen. I get that you are busy – and that’s awesome – but you’ll never enrish your brain or sharpen your skills if you keep putting off the courses because Netflix got in the way.

3 – Take it seriously, it is your future

Think of these course as an extension of your education you got back in college, not some online novelty. Take it seriously and it will take you places.

4 – Finally put that iPad to good use

Many online learning centers are iPad and Android tablet friendly. So stop using that fancy new touch screen device as an expensive gadget for simply for looking up pictures of Jessica Alba. She’s not going anywhere (especially to your place).