Support
Visitor
|
Re:Where do I find employees? - 2006/02/16 22:19
Dan,
Your staff can really make or break you. You can have the best product in the world. You can have the best marketing ever. You can have every aspect of your business running perfectly. But, if your staff member ticks-off, disappoints, or dissatisfies your customer, then nothing else matters.
Having good people that care about and have a vested interest in your business is the most important thing as a business owner or manager you can do. So, you probably already know this. Now, let's look at how to do this.
Hiring
Drive and attitude are something that can not be taught. The skills for your business may be something else. I would rather hire someone with a positive attitude and good customer service skills who is willing to learn than someone who knows everything and has a hard time dealing with people. Look everywhere for these people. Not just within your industry.
Keeping
It can be a hard pill to swallow, but pay your people well. Happy and satisfied people work harder. Ok, it's not always about the money. Time off, flexibility, and benefits also play a huge role. No matter what, every person wants to do a good job. Give them an atmosphere that is conducive to that and you will see amazing results.
Listening
The people that talk directly with your customers every day have the most direct contact and probably the best ideas of how to serve them better, faster, easier. Find ways to talk to them as often as possible. Implement their ideas. Be willing to let them make business decisions for you. Although they may not always pay off, they will probably pay off a majority of the time.
Thoughts
If you have to post a sign that says you are "People Focused" you probably aren't. Telling someone to do something does not give them "buy-in" or a stake in what they are doing. Asking for ideas or help does.
Action Items
1. Talk to your employees. Ask them if they have any ideas to make their jobs easier. (That will also better serve your customers)
2. Put in place those ideas that do not cost anything or are easy to do, NOW.
3. Prioritize the more expensive or complicated ideas.
4. Give your employees feedback to let them know they and their ideas matter.
5. Put a system in place to keep the lines of communication open between you, your employees, and your customers.
With Regards,
Samantha
|
DO IT YOURSELF TOOLS 
