Your employees are the conduit between your customers and the cash register. Customers choose where they spend their money. To make your small business as productive as possible, you need a great team behind you and that includes your employees.
How do you find and keep the right team of employees? Below are some tips for getting the most out of your team.
Boost Happiness Among Hourly Employees
If you want to get the most out of your team, it helps to keep them happy. Even hourly workers tend to get more done and stick around longer if you can provide some little things that make them happier at work. Expressing appreciation and a simple thank you means a lot. It shows employees you truly value them. An employee of the month recognition and a gift card every once in a while doesn’t break the bank and goes a long way toward employee morale.
Learn How to Hire Consultants
Adding to your small business team doesn’t necessarily have to mean hiring hourly employees. You can potentially grow your business by utilizing the help of consultants. These are experts in their field that can help with such things as marketing, social media, bookkeeping and human resource issues. You may not need a full-time employee. Independent consultants are focused and disciplined in their given areas of expertise and hiring the right consultant can help you strategize and grow your business.
Avoid Distractions and Consistently Hit Your Targets
It’s easy to say that you want to get more done in your business. But there are tons of distractions out there that can keep you from reaching your goals and targets. Make sure employees and consultants alike are aware of your goals. Celebrate the small victories when targets are hit.
Create a Sales Page for Your Online Course or Product
If you want your online customers to be able to complete their purchases easily, you need a great sales page. Inform your team of ongoing promotions. For instore promos – create a sales calendar outline the next quarter’s promotion so they know what’s coming up. Your staff will feel empowered and customers will appreciate a “heads up” on a future sale that starts in a few days.
Use Social Listening for Your Business
Social media isn’t just for promoting your business. You can also use it to learn from your customers and followers using social listening. Ask for reviews, monitor your online reputation and respond to any concerns listed by your customers.
Your customers and their purchasing power help to keep your lights on. Create a WOW experience through stellar customer service. Empower your employees with knowledge and training. Give praise and appreciation for a job well done.
About the author: Autumn Edmiston is the CEO and owner of the Edmiston Group. The Edmiston Group is a multifaceted Pittsburgh based marketing consulting firm providing senior level marketing management services to businesses and non-profit organizations on a short or long term basis. Core areas of service are business development, marketing, strategic planning and public relations. The Edmiston Group has consistently delivered and implemented real-world, proven business marketing ideas and strategies for business growth.