Month: February 2023

The recruitment process is a critical component to the success of any business. The people you bring along on your journey to build your business case. One of the most controversial topics when talking about hiring is whether to prioritize hiring employees based on talent or work ethic. While talent and work ethic are both essential traits, ultimately which one to prioritize depends on your business’s goals, culture, and industry.

I’m sure you remember those people in school who never had to open a book or study for a test. They somehow always got it by glancing over their notes just before the teacher gave the test. They easily made Phi Beta Kappa in college, while others struggled to even earn honors. You may also remember those people, myself included, who had to study for everything. They will spend hours reviewing notes, making flashcards and memorizing every little thing before the exam. Any lack of preparation on their part must have reflected in their grades. Or, in their overall end product.

As a business leader, you’ve probably come across people who are naturally gifted in their field and can take on job roles very quickly. You may have encountered people who have had to work hard to get where they are. Which one would you like to hire for your company? Would you hire a person who would be able to get a job quickly? Or, do you want to hire someone who is determined and knows what it’s like to put in a lot of effort to get the job done?

So, which You should see the value Recruitment time? Here’s a look at those two different types of people and what their qualities can bring to your business and brand.

A naturally gifted person

Talent refers to a person’s natural ability to excel in a particular field or skill. For example, a software development company may prioritize hiring developers with a talent for coding. A sales organization may prioritize hiring salespeople with a natural talent for persuasion.

Many naturally gifted individuals do not miss a beat. They are not discouraged by new ventures and the learning curve is fairly high. They are able to catch up quickly and stay on top of their responsibilities without worrying too much about their understanding.

If you want to hire someone whose transcript is impressive with high grades and natural talent, be sure to understand their work ethic. This does not mean that you hire someone who is naturally talented without the ability to work hard. They couldn’t face anything they found challenging. While others studied for hours or spent countless days writing a paper, they used half the time and got the same or better grades.

The Hard Worker

Work ethic refers to a person’s attitude towards work, including their discipline, motivation and dedication to work. This is not to say that they lack intelligence, as much as the gifted lack effort. These individuals have a better understanding of what it’s like to face a challenging situation and give less than 100% effort. If they fail to prepare, essentially, they are preparing to fail.

Don’t sell someone short of their learning curve ability. Coming from personal experience, seeing people’s faith and patience in my work proved that I could get the job done. Even if it takes a little longer to finish.

Taking on a new job can be a little scary at first, but don’t underestimate them when it comes to the job. Facing challenges and overcoming new obstacles is nothing new for a hard worker. However, they have to have the patience and confidence to give them a chance to prove it.

Talent vs. work ethic: Differences when hiring

Before hiring an employeeIt is important to consider the pros and cons of hiring based on merit versus work ethic.

The advantage of merit-based hiring is that people with exceptional skills can contribute significantly to business goals. Talented employees can bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas and help organizations stay competitive in the market.

When hiring based on merit, you may find that training your new employee goes a little more smoothly. Those who are talented in their field are quick to grasp new processes. They seem to use their intelligence to their advantage and apply it to their new role.

On the other hand, hiring based on work ethic means looking for candidates who are committed, reliable and willing to go the extra mile. Work ethic is especially important for positions that require consistent effort and attention to detail. For example, think of roles like administrative or customer service roles

The advantage of hiring based on work ethics is that it creates a positive and productive work environment. Employees with a strong work ethic are self-motivated, take ownership of their work, and prioritize delivering quality results. They have excellent communication and organizational skills because they recognize that those skills help get the job done.

While both talent and work ethic are essential attributes for any organization’s success, the decision to prioritize one over the other ultimately depends on the organization’s mission, culture, and industry.

For example, a startup developing a new product might prioritize hiring based on talent. This may be because the success of the product will largely depend on the skills and expertise of the team. In contrast, an established company that values ​​consistency and quality may prioritize hiring based on work ethic, as these traits are crucial to maintaining the company’s reputation.

Last thought

Although this is just a general set of traits, you may be able to find yourself leaning towards one type of person versus another. Both individuals have the ability to be an asset to your company. Where there is talent and hard work Qualities of a good employee, as a business leader, you need to decide what will offer the most to your brand and business market. Don’t be afraid to take a chance on either person. Because it only requires giving one the opportunity to prove that their abilities are a good fit for the job and your company.

Hiring managers should consider the candidate’s overall fit with the organization. This includes their values, personalities and long-term goals. A candidate with exceptional talent may not be a good fit for an organization with a strong focus on teamwork and collaboration.

Although a candidate with an excellent work ethic may not thrive in an environment that values ​​individual performance over team success. Decisions to prioritize talent or work ethic should not be made in isolation. Rather, you should consider multiple factors when getting to know someone. Whatever their strength.

This article was first published in May 2017 but has been updated and expanded

Article Tags:

Business Opportunities · Featured · Personal Development · Success · Your Mindset · Your Team

Article Category:

Entrepreneurial Lifestyle · Find Your Way · Grow Your Business · Lead Your Team · Your Mindset

The first year of a new business is an exciting time. With so much to do, it can be easy to get wrapped up in the day-to-day. If you are not careful, you can lose sight of the big picture.

Setting goals is important for any business. But setting goals is especially important for new businesses. Goals will help drive your business in the direction you want it to go

Having some clear goals will help you use your time and resources wisely as you try to hit those goals. To stay focused, it’s important to create business goals for your first year. First-year business success is built on small, but critical, goals. These may seem like baby steps, but they are important. Here are 5 business goals for your first year.

Narrow down your target market

Have you given much thought to who your product or service is geared towards? If not, now is the time. In the first year of your business, you should think about who your target market is. Simply put, Your target market The group of people most likely to buy what you’re selling. It can be driven by their needs, their personal beliefs, their sexuality and more.

It is highly unlikely that all people will want what you are selling. Be specific about what your business community offers and how you can meet the needs of your potential customers. How do you fit into their lives? How can you make every customer’s life a little better?

For example, does your business cater to hungry vegetarians who don’t want to cook? Or men who want a quick haircut on a walking basis? Know who you’re targeting so you can meet their needs.

Clarify your goals (short-term, medium-term and long-term)

Once you’ve clearly established the type of customers you’re targeting, you’ll want to think about the future. Don’t worry – you don’t need a crystal ball and you don’t have to be psychic! However, you should have a general idea of ​​what you want for the business.

First, create some short-term goals for yourself. In the first year, some short-term goals may include:

• Adding customers
• Recruitment of employees
• Establish an online presence
• Making a profit
• Establishment process

Over time, you’ll be able to determine what’s working and correct it.

Next, you’ll want to think about the medium term. After your business has been established for a year, what new milestones do you want to celebrate? What would growth to that point look like? medium term goals May include:

• Gain more customers
• Launching a new product
• Increase profit margin

Finally, don’t hesitate to think Long term for your new business. After celebrating five years of your business, what other milestones are you looking forward to? What else will you achieve? The sky is our limit!

Build a customer base

Keeping existing customers is easier than finding new ones. But every new business has to start somewhere. Once you make your first sale, repeating that process allows you to slowly but surely build your customer base. Knowing your target customer and pricing your product right is part of the formula that allows you to make sales after sales, ultimately building your customer base.

It’s important to look beyond sales though and this is where some businesses miss opportunities. You’ll want to look for opportunities for repeat sales with each customer. You’ll want to look for opportunities for your current customers to refer their friends to you.

For example, a salon or spa may see a client and the client leaves. Or, they may see a client and offer the client the opportunity to schedule their next appointment. Which method is best? The second approach allows you to lock in repeat business, as the client may neglect to book another appointment. Taking the second approach will increase your profits.

Managing your business’s online reputation and presence is also important. Customers seek out businesses they trust to do quality work, regardless of industry. If a customer identifies a problem, be proactive about fixing it. Listen to customer feedback so you can build your customer base.

Figure out which business model works

There are many businesses that start out trying to master one type of business model, only to find another model works best for their business. For example, PayPal didn’t start out as a payment processing company. It started as a security software company for personal assistant devices (PDAs). When that didn’t work out, they followed suit by becoming money transfer businesses. Once they understood Which business model worked best?Follow it with cruelty.

One thing new business owners should understand is that business is not an exact science. Things are constantly changing and evolving and so must you. And, plans change. You may have started a business with the hope of making money by selling a product. However, you may eventually find that one Subscription business model works better for you.

In your first year in business, be aware of what works and what doesn’t. Focus on what your customers like about your product or service. Get feedback from them not just about the product, but about their overall buying experience. Over time, you may find that you have a better model for your business that you can change.

Manage cash flow well

In your first year, it’s important to manage your cash flow well. One of many reasons Why many new businesses fail Due to poor cash management. What money is coming in? What money is going out? Just how much are you spending on utilities and labor costs?

When you manage your cash flow efficiently, you will be able to see the true costs of the business and the true amount of profit or loss. Monitoring costs will allow you to spot cost reduction opportunities where needed. You may be able to negotiate with vendors, or change vendors where appropriate.

Monitoring your cash flow is important because it will let you see how far you are from becoming a profitable business. It will also allow you to see any changes if your business is burning through cash.

Find out which marketing strategy works best

There are endless ways to market a business. Billboard advertising, direct mail campaigns, door-to-door advertising, internet advertising, radio advertising, social media, TV advertising, word of mouth, or even no advertising at all are all tactics that businesses use. Each has their own reasons and their specific target customers. You need to find out which marketing strategy works best for your business in order to maximize your profits and not waste your efforts.

Start thinking about your first rental

The decision to hire your first employee can be a significant milestone in your entrepreneurial journey. You may not be ready to build your team in year one, but you can start thinking about the best time to make your first hire.

Assess your workload and identify if it is becoming unmanageable for you alone. If you find yourself running on tasks or falling behind deadlines, it may be time to consider hiring additional help. You also need to analyze your financial situation. Hiring an employee means incurring additional costs such as salary, benefits and taxes. Make sure your business has the financial ability to support another employee before making any hiring decisions.

Finally, consider the type of work that needs to be done. If you need specific skills that you don’t have or don’t have the time to learn, hiring someone with the necessary skills can be essential to the success of your business.

Conclusion

The first year of starting a new business is an exciting time. Creating goals for this period can lead entrepreneurs on the path to success. Being customer-focused and cost-conscious can help ensure a profitable future.

Article Tags:

Business Opportunities · Featured · Find Your Way · Grow Your Business · Leadership · Productivity · Your Mindset

Article Category:

Find Your Way · Grow Your Business · Leading Your Team · Marketing · Productivity · Your Mindset

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Are you tired of playing catch up in the business world? It can be frustrating and expensive if you’re always one step behind industry trends. To stay ahead of the game, you need to be proactive, strategic and agile.

This blog will explore eight ways to stay ahead of industry trends in the business world. From attending industry conferences to adaptation and development, we have you covered. So, let’s dive in and discover how to future proof your business!

1. Attend industry conferences

Attending industry conferences is an excellent way to stay up to date with the latest trends and innovations in your field. These events bring together like-minded professionals, thought leaders and industry experts. You can learn from their experiences, ask questions, and gain new insights that you can apply to your business.

Furthermore, attending industry conferences can provide access to exclusive resources and tools. Many conferences offer workshops, seminars, and panel discussions that provide deep insight into specific topics or industries. You can also get access to new tools, technologies and services to streamline your business operations and stay ahead of the competition.

2. Pursue the right courses and certifications

Investing in relevant education is a key strategy for staying ahead. Pursuing courses, workshops and certifications can equip you with new skills and insights to help you stay competitive. In particular, pursuing an MBA or other relevant degree can be a valuable investment in your career development.

For example, an MBA can provide you with a broad understanding of business strategies and relevant skills to manage and lead across all business disciplines. However, if you can’t attend traditional classes, you can opt for an online-led MBA. This coursework covers essential topics such as accounting, economics, financial management, data-driven decision making and global supply chains, allowing you to enhance your knowledge and skills and position yourself for long-term success in your industry.

3. Read industry publications and newsletters

Industry publications and newsletters often feature articles, case studies, and interviews with thought leaders and experts in your field. With these publications, you can stay up-to-date with the latest developments in your industry and gain valuable insight into emerging trends.

Additionally, reading these publications can help you stay abreast of regulatory and policy changes that may affect your business. This may include changes in laws, regulations and industry standards that may affect your operations. This way, you can ensure that your business stays compliant and avoid potential legal or financial problems.

4. Follow industry leaders on social media

Social media is a powerful tool for connecting with industry leaders and influencers. As a follower of their social media accounts, you can gain access to their insights, opinions and recommendations. You can engage with them directly by commenting on their posts, sharing their content, and participating in industry-specific Twitter chats.

Another benefit of following industry leaders on social media is that it can help you build your professional network. You can expand your reach and connect with like-minded professionals by engaging with industry leaders and influencers. You can use social media to share your insights and opinions and establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry.

5. Join industry groups and associations

Industry groups and associations often host events, conferences, and networking opportunities that can help you build relationships and gain new insights. You can also share your experience and knowledge with others in the group and learn from their experiences.

In addition, it will provide access to valuable resources and information. Many industry groups and associations offer members exclusive access to research reports, white papers and webinars to help them stay up to date with the latest industry trends and best practices. These resources can provide valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing your industry and tips and tricks to stay ahead of the competition.

6. Conduct research and analysis

You can gain insight into emerging trends and opportunities by analyzing market data, customer feedback and industry reports by conducting research and analysis. You can identify potential threats and challenges that could affect your business.

Also, conducting research and analysis will help you identify gaps in the market that you can exploit. By analyzing your competitors and identifying their shortcomings, you can develop new products or services that meet customer needs that are not currently being met. This can give you a significant competitive advantage and help you stay ahead of industry trends.

7. Adapt and evolve

As industry trends and customer needs change, it is important to be flexible and adapt your business strategy accordingly. By embracing change and being open to new ideas, you can stay ahead of the competition and position your business for success.

Adapting and evolving to change will foster a culture of innovation within your organization. By embracing creativity and experimentation, you can foster an environment where new ideas and approaches are embraced and failure is seen as a learning opportunity. You can then develop new products, services and business models to help you stay ahead of industry trends and grow.

8. Embrace innovation

Embracing innovation allows you to differentiate yourself and gain a competitive edge. You can identify new opportunities and disrupt the status quo.

Innovation can take many forms, from introducing new products or services to implementing new technologies or processes. One way to encourage innovation is to foster a culture of experimentation and creativity within your organization. You can drive innovation by encouraging your employees to take risks and share their ideas, provide resources and support for innovation initiatives, and celebrate successes and failures.

Conclusion

Business requires a proactive, strategic and agile approach to stay ahead of industry trends. You can stay abreast of emerging trends and opportunities by attending industry conferences, reading industry publications, following industry leaders on social media, and joining industry groups.

By conducting research and analysis, adapting and developing, investing in continuing education and embracing innovation, your business can be positioned for long-term success. So, start implementing these strategies today and future proof your business!

0

Payroll is an important function for any small business that has employees. It is a complex function that has many aspects and comes with many regulations to follow. Small business owners usually have to do a lot of homework to understand the intricacies of payroll so they can do it right.

Fortunately, there are many online resources, such as humanresource.com, that offer helpful tips and guidelines

Here we’ll cover exactly why payroll is such an important process for small business owners to master.

Legal compliance and risk management

The laws governing payroll are numerous and include:

• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) – includes minimum wage and overtime requirements
• Federal Insurance Contribution Acts (FICA) – Payroll taxes that fund Social Security and Medicare
• Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA) – Payroll tax that funds the unemployment insurance program
• Equal Pay Act (EPA) – prohibits wage discrimination based on sex.

Employers must ensure that they comply with these regulations by paying wages and overtime and by withholding and paying the appropriate taxes. States also have their own salary laws that must be followed.

Accurately withholding taxes is difficult if you’re doing it manually, especially since you have to calculate withholding at the federal, state, and local levels. Each employee will have a different withholding structure based on their W-4.

Employers must also ensure that they make timely payroll and withholding tax payments according to federal, state and local deadlines.

Failure to comply with regulations may result in fines, penalties and interest. Violations of equal pay laws can be even more costly if employees feel discriminated against filing civil lawsuits.

Employee satisfaction and retention

Employees expect to be paid accurately and on time, and accurately. Payroll mistakes, more than anything else, can create employee dissatisfaction that may cause them to seek other opportunities.

Employee turnover is costly for small businesses, so proper payroll management is critical to maximizing employee retention.

Failure to pay proper wages and overtime can even lead to legal action by employees, meaning legal costs and bad publicity.

Keeping employees happy in terms of pay is an important part of your overall company culture, which should be one where all employees feel valued and treated well. A good company culture can be more important than wages in attracting and retaining employees.

Financial management

Many businesses fail due to poor financial management, and failing to manage payroll properly is often the culprit.

Payroll processing and administration comes with a cost that needs to be factored into the budget for businesses. Payroll costs can add up, so it’s important to include payroll in the overall financial management framework of a business.

Often, new business owners fail to plan for all payroll expenses, including payroll taxes, which can lead to cash flow problems. Cash is king for any small business, so payroll expenses should be part of your cash flow forecasting process.

Often, small business owners are experts in their field, but not in finance. Hiring a full-time professional to handle your financial management needs is expensive, but you can outsource the services of an accounting firm to help you. Some companies even offer outsourced chief financial officer services that can be cost-effective. An experienced CFO can help you develop a financial strategy that can significantly improve your bottom line.

Record keeping and data management

Maintaining payroll records is also important to comply with payroll laws and to be able to prepare employee tax forms correctly. Also, when problems arise, records must be easily accessible to resolve issues and provide documentation to relevant parties.

Payroll information is an important part of management decision making. You need to know the total cost of adding a new employee or the cost savings of removing an employee. How you staff your business should be an important part of your short- and long-term strategic planning.

It is also important to manage data security and privacy. The cost of a data breach to small businesses can be huge. Some estimate that the average cost of a data breach to a small business is around $150,000, which is a cost that most businesses cannot afford.

Outsourcing payroll services

Payroll is complicated! This is why most small businesses choose to use payroll software or hire a payroll service. Doing so certainly comes with a cost, but it can save you time that is better spent running and growing your business. A payroll service is much less expensive than hiring an employee to handle your payroll for you.

Using a payroll service can also ensure that you comply with all regulations. Some payroll services even offer additional HR services and tools that can help you manage your HR functions.

A payroll service can also ensure that your employee and payroll data is protected, which can give you great peace of mind, since data breaches can be so costly.

You’ll need to shop around to find a payroll service that offers flexibility and customization to meet your specific payroll needs and fits your budget. Payroll services vary widely in terms of the features they offer and the prices they charge, so be sure to do your homework to find the one that best suits your business needs.

You should also investigate customer reviews before choosing a payroll service. You want a service that offers good customer support and doesn’t have a history of errors The Better Business Bureau and TrustPilot are excellent places to find company ratings and reviews.

off

Payroll is a time-consuming and complex process and getting it right is critical to your business. The laws surrounding payroll and payroll taxes are numerous, and failure to comply can be costly. Learning how to pay payroll takes time that could be better spent on activities that can help you reach your business goals.

It is highly recommended that you engage with a payroll service so that you stay compliant and make better use of your precious and limited time. You will find that it is well worth the investment.

The first year of a new business is an exciting time. With so much to do, it can be easy to get wrapped up in the day-to-day. If you are not careful, you can lose sight of the big picture.

Setting goals is important for any business. But setting goals is especially important for new businesses. Goals will help drive your business in the direction you want it to go

Having some clear goals will help you use your time and resources wisely as you try to hit those goals. To stay focused, it’s important to create business goals for your first year. First-year business success is built on small, but critical, goals. These may seem like baby steps, but they are important. Here are 5 business goals for your first year.

Narrow down your target market

Have you given much thought to who your product or service is geared towards? If not, now is the time. In the first year of your business, you should think about who your target market is. Simply put, Your target market The group of people most likely to buy what you’re selling. It can be driven by their needs, their personal beliefs, their sexuality and more.

It is highly unlikely that all people will want what you are selling. Be specific about what your business community offers and how you can meet the needs of your potential customers. How do you fit into their lives? How can you make every customer’s life a little better?

For example, does your business cater to hungry vegetarians who don’t want to cook? Or men who want a quick haircut on a walking basis? Know who you’re targeting so you can meet their needs.

Clarify your goals (short-term, medium-term and long-term)

Once you’ve clearly established the type of customers you’re targeting, you’ll want to think about the future. Don’t worry – you don’t need a crystal ball and you don’t have to be psychic! However, you should have a general idea of ​​what you want for the business.

First, create some short-term goals for yourself. In the first year, some short-term goals may include:

• Adding customers
• Recruitment of employees
• Establish an online presence
• Making a profit
• Establishment process

Over time, you’ll be able to determine what’s working and correct it.

Next, you’ll want to think about the medium term. After your business has been established for a year, what new milestones do you want to celebrate? What would growth to that point look like? medium term goals May include:

• Gain more customers
• Launching a new product
• Increase profit margin

Finally, don’t hesitate to think Long term for your new business. After celebrating five years of your business, what other milestones are you looking forward to? What else will you achieve? The sky is our limit!

Build a customer base

Keeping existing customers is easier than finding new ones. But every new business has to start somewhere. Once you make your first sale, repeating that process allows you to slowly but surely build your customer base. Knowing your target customer and pricing your product right is part of the formula that allows you to make sales after sales, ultimately building your customer base.

It’s important to look beyond sales though and this is where some businesses miss opportunities. You’ll want to look for opportunities for repeat sales with each customer. You’ll want to look for opportunities for your current customers to refer their friends to you.

For example, a salon or spa may see a client and the client leaves. Or, they may see a client and offer the client the opportunity to schedule their next appointment. Which method is best? The second approach allows you to lock in repeat business, as the client may neglect to book another appointment. Taking the second approach will increase your profits.

Managing your business’s online reputation and presence is also important. Customers seek out businesses they trust to do quality work, regardless of industry. If a customer identifies a problem, be proactive about fixing it. Listen to customer feedback so you can build your customer base.

Figure out which business model works

There are many businesses that start out trying to master one type of business model, only to find another model works best for their business. For example, PayPal didn’t start out as a payment processing company. It started as a security software company for personal assistant devices (PDAs). When that didn’t work out, they followed suit by becoming money transfer businesses. Once they understood Which business model worked best?Follow it with cruelty.

One thing new business owners should understand is that business is not an exact science. Things are constantly changing and evolving and so must you. And, plans change. You may have started a business with the hope of making money by selling a product. However, you may eventually find that one Subscription business model works better for you.

In your first year in business, be aware of what works and what doesn’t. Focus on what your customers like about your product or service. Get feedback from them not just about the product, but about their overall buying experience. Over time, you may find that you have a better model for your business that you can change.

Manage cash flow well

In your first year, it’s important to manage your cash flow well. One of many reasons Why many new businesses fail Due to poor cash management. What money is coming in? What money is going out? Just how much are you spending on utilities and labor costs?

When you manage your cash flow efficiently, you will be able to see the true costs of the business and the true amount of profit or loss. Monitoring costs will allow you to spot cost reduction opportunities where needed. You may be able to negotiate with vendors, or change vendors where appropriate.

Monitoring your cash flow is important because it will let you see how far you are from becoming a profitable business. It will also allow you to see any changes if your business is burning through cash.

Find out which marketing strategy works best

There are endless ways to market a business. Billboard advertising, direct mail campaigns, door-to-door advertising, internet advertising, radio advertising, social media, TV advertising, word of mouth, or even no advertising at all are all tactics that businesses use. Each has their own reasons and their specific target customers. You need to find out which marketing strategy works best for your business in order to maximize your profits and not waste your efforts.

Start thinking about your first rental

The decision to hire your first employee can be a significant milestone in your entrepreneurial journey. You may not be ready to build your team in year one, but you can start thinking about the best time to make your first hire.

Assess your workload and identify if it is becoming unmanageable for you alone. If you find yourself running on tasks or falling behind deadlines, it may be time to consider hiring additional help. You also need to analyze your financial situation. Hiring an employee means incurring additional costs such as salary, benefits and taxes. Make sure your business has the financial ability to support another employee before making any hiring decisions.

Finally, consider the type of work that needs to be done. If you need specific skills that you don’t have or don’t have the time to learn, hiring someone with the necessary skills can be essential to the success of your business.

Conclusion

The first year of starting a new business is an exciting time. Creating goals for this period can lead entrepreneurs on the path to success. Being customer-focused and cost-conscious can help ensure a profitable future.

Article Tags:

Business Opportunities · Featured · Find Your Way · Grow Your Business · Leadership · Productivity · Your Mindset

Article Category:

Find Your Way · Grow Your Business · Leading Your Team · Marketing · Productivity · Your Mindset

There is nothing worse than working without motivation. Many managers and leaders put a lot of effort into motivating their employees. But once you’ve inspired them, how do you keep that fire going?

A motivated team is more productive, engaged and committed to achieving business goals. However, keeping employees motivated is not always easy.

As a manager, you know you won’t be perfect. But, there are certain ways to ensure that your team will be motivated in your company. The goal is to help your company keep good employees for the long term. You want those employees to care about your company and its purpose.

So what are some of the best ways to do that? Let’s look at the different ways you can take it Keep your team prosperous and happy Time to work for your business. These are some simple yet meaningful ways to engage your employees and keep them motivated to do motivated work

1. Be transparent

Nothing is more important than trust between you and your team. Trust takes a long time to build, but only a moment to destroy it. Building trust requires openness and clarity of your expectations, critical feedback, and being upfront about what the position entails from the start. No one likes to be told one thing about their role responsibilities then it’s something else entirely. If trust is shaky from the start and not on a solid foundation, it’s harder for employees to want to go above and beyond for your company.

Clarity in your role and showing them what to expect from the start is essential. something good Employees may start to become apathetic If they feel that workplace communication is poor. Not only will this avoid future mistrust issues that may arise, but it can also save you from losing a good employee because they couldn’t believe what you said.

2. Be sensible about work/life balance

Life happens to all of us. There was a time when one parent took care of the family while the other worked. This is the reality we no longer face. This is significantly more true now that balancing one’s home-life and work life is more of a priority now than ever.

Kids get sick, family emergencies happen, or someone in your group gets sick. These things are part of life. When you don’t accommodate these issues, your team members can make the other company more understanding of their situation.

3. Recognize those who go above and beyond

Various initiatives such as honoring “Employee of the Month”, service awards or “Employee of the Year” can be unique ways to highlight your employees throughout the year. In a small business, you can give all employees an extra financial bonus for their dedication and hard work over the years.

May lack recognition Good workers stop caring about their work. Recognizing your employees ensures that everyone is an equal in your company’s success and plays a role in keeping it thriving. However, not all recognition has to be monetary. There are several Non-monetary means of rewarding And get to know your employees.

4. Be open to constructive criticism from your team

Transparency must be an open door from both sides. Many famous entrepreneurs love to hear constructive criticism from their team as it provides some of the best insights to improve their company. Shows like “Undercover Boss” are a great example of this. On the show, CEOs go undercover to learn from their employees how the company can improve what it does and be better for everyone.

Asking for constructive feedback can help you improve in ways you don’t always see. It will also let your employees know that you value their opinions and strive to become better because of their feedback and recommendations.

5. Give them a worthwhile goal or project

Most employees like to be a part of a company’s overall mission and improvement. Giving a team project or setting up achievable bonus goals for your team is a powerful incentive to entice your employees to deliver results. Bonus goals can be a great way to motivate your employees to start and finish a project within a certain time frame.

The most important aspect to remember is that they are measurable and reachable based on the person and their role. You also want to make sure it’s not more accessible for some and more difficult for others to finish. Fairness is essential here.

6. Encourage friendly workplace competition

Some friendly competition can bring some excitement and fun to a workplace. In the right context, some form of competition can create motivation and drive for the entire team. Games like workplace bingo, a costume contest, or a team trivia game are easy to implement but help inject some variety into the work week.

To get you started, here are a few things to consider when encouraging competition in the workplace.

• Set clear goals and rules for the competition to avoid misunderstandings and ensure fairness.
• Create teams or pair individuals to increase collaboration and build friendships.
• Choose a contest format that fits your company’s culture and values.
• Offer meaningful rewards, such as recognition or small prizes, to encourage participation and effort.
• Celebrate and recognize winners and participants.
• Keep it fun and light to avoid creating negative or toxic competition.
• Regardless of the outcome, reward everyone who participates with something.

7. Remember the little things about your team

When you have large groups, this can be difficult; However, doing this with your direct reports can motivate them to do the same with those they supervise. Taking the time to bring lunch for their birthday (in a safe way, of course) or signing a birthday card for them can go a long way and inspire the team in ways they’ll remember.

Even asking about the well-being of their families and their lives outside of work is a meaningful but simple gesture. It shows how much you care about them as an employee and as a person.

8. Create a work family

Building a business and a career is much easier when you are surrounded by people you love. While the people you work with can never replace or substitute a real family, creating a work family can keep a team engaged and engaged. A family shares responsibilities but also good times.

Try to find ways to have fun and interesting work events that can help build friendships. Hosting a ZOOM or Google Meets conference call for non-work-related activities to bring people together can be used by companies that work remotely temporarily or that have moved to remote workers entirely.

9. Share some inspiring insights

One thing my manager shares with us is his favorite quote. He will save them over time, compile the list and email it to his team to reflect and choose our preferences. We’ll all share which one we liked and why we liked it. You need to learn more about your colleagues, how they think and what is important to them at work and in life. It’s a great practice and it will always stay with me.

10. Encourage peer-to-peer recognition

Peer-to-peer recognition involves employees recognizing and appreciating the efforts and achievements of their colleagues. When employees receive recognition from their peers, it can boost their morale. It can give employees a motivational boost.

Employees may feel it is management’s job to recognize them. However, when a colleague recognizes them for their work, it motivates them to contribute to the team. You can easily implement a peer-to-peer recognition program by setting up a recognition box in the office. You can also ask employees each month who they think deserves recognition.

This article was first published in April 2021 but has been updated and expanded

Staff Writer: Summer Anderson is a mother, wife, writer and longtime lover of golf. Her passion lies in writing from the heart, and on the topics most important to the millennial generation. He hopes to influence them through his writing and advice on marketing and social media communications. When she’s not on the golf course, blogging or watching “Frozen” with her little ones, she can be found designing websites in her home state of Pennsylvania.

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Article Tags:

Business Opportunities · Company Culture · Featured · Find Your Way · Grow Your Business · Leadership · Productivity · Sales

Article Category:

Entrepreneurial Lifestyle · Find Your Way · Grow Your Business · Lead Your Team · Productivity · Sales · Your Mindset

As an entrepreneur, thinking about all the different ways to market your business can feel overwhelming. No doubt, you have been told that marketing through the internet is the best way. However, it’s not as cut and dry as it sounds. The Internet is a vast place with billions of sites and advertisements competing for users’ attention. There are also dozens of different marketing strategies that can be implemented in a marketing campaign. One of these is mobile marketing

Many people mistakenly confuse mobile marketing and digital marketing. Although the two are related, there is one Difference between digital marketing and mobile marketing. Mobile marketing involves strategies that only target mobile users through their smartphones. This article gives seven types of mobile marketing that you can employ for your business.

SMS Marketing

Texting is a great way to increase your engagement. Sending SMS text messages to your customers is direct and immediate. That’s why it’s so effective. Statistics show that 97% text The reading is done within 15 minutes of delivery. You can encourage customers to sign up for text messages in exchange for discounts and promotional offers

Keeping this communication channel open is a productive baseline for continuing to communicate with your customers. Personalized messages are essential in text message marketing. This opportunity to collect and retain valuable information is vital as you will use it to target customers. Hope to make more purchases in the future.

It’s important to remember that you must first get their customers’ permission to market via SMS text. This is primarily because data usage rates may apply to mobile plans

QR code

When first released to the retail world, QR codes seemed like something made for a rocket scientist. Dramatic, maybe. However, most people had difficulty getting to grips with this new technology released during the pandemic. Especially Gen Xers. QR codes are unique because they allow companies to collect first-party data This information is much more valuable and reliable than third party data.

Once QR codes were understood, they were expressed as simple and easy to understand These codes cut out the middleman. With a scan on your smartphone, you will be directed to the website page you need. In 2021, it was recorded 75.8 million US citizens scan a QR code. With data like this, it’s no wonder why marketing experts predict QR codes have a big future.

Location Based Marketing

Mobile marketing thrives on its ability to tap into location services. It’s no secret that companies are logging and storing customer data. The trick is to target customers because of their location. This way they are sent push notifications and enticed to make purchases.

Another way this works is if a customer searches for a business near a topic, brand or business. Location data will appear at the top of the customer’s SERP (Search Engine Results Page). Showing at the top of the SERPs is highly effective in getting sales.

In-game advertising

Incorporating ads into games is a unique way to introduce a non-disruptive advertising option into your marketing campaign Gaming ads appear on billboards or walls in-game. Making the ad highly visible and constant for gamers. Gamers are less likely to multi-task. This, in turn, creates a greater brand recall.

Many people believe gaming has a male-targeted audience. However, the gaming crowd has become increasingly diverse over the years. A recent study from 2021 showed that 55% of players are male, where 45% of gamers are female. Because of this diverse audience, gamers also have diverse interests. Thus, there is marketing potential for different product categories.

It’s also worth noting that gamers are now considered influential in advertising. Many look to popular streamers and professional gamers to promote the latest gaming technology and products.

Mobile apps

The smartphone was originally designed as a multi-tasking machine. Finally, mobile apps have become an integral part of smartphones. Apps have become traditional and expected. Therefore, our dependence on them becomes inevitable. Mobile applications provide extreme value to customers. But also companies and smartphones.

Apps offer consumers a strong relationship with any brand. It provides open-ended communication. In a world where consumption has become nature, we have become more involved with business. Consumers want instant and 24/7 access to brands

Apps provide all these benefits and boost brand credibility, trust and familiarity. It’s a win-win for both parties. Mobile apps are also advantageous for marketing due to their ability to learn consumer information and behavior. Apps are the building blocks of digital marketing. They include location services and are responsible for tracking as we discussed earlier

augmented reality

Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that overlays digital content such as images or text onto the real world. This is done using the camera or screen of a mobile device. This technology was made mainstream in 2016 with the explosion of popularity of the mobile game Pokémon GO. In the context of mobile marketing, AR allows marketers to create interactive and immersive experiences for consumers.

As a result, marketers can increase engagement instantly. They can increase brand awareness, and ultimately, sales. Using AR, companies can create campaigns that integrate virtual elements into the physical world.

Now, brands can do things like product demonstrations or gamification experiences. Allure and engage consumers. AR is a powerful tool for mobile marketing. It combines the convenience and ubiquity of mobile devices with the innovation and excitement of immersive digital experiences.

Mobile-first advertising

Mobile-first advertising is a strategy that is focused and optimized for mobile users. So, instead of creating banner ads for desktop or laptop viewing, you’ll create ads that generate the most engagement for mobile users. This means advertising on websites optimized for mobile viewing

Another place to think about this is in social media. In fact, this is one of the best places to start. Platforms like Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook are already mobile-first sites. Most users engage with those platforms on smartphones. Obviously, the best approach is to make sure your ads on these platforms are targeted towards mobile users

Conclusion

Competition in today’s over-saturated business market has placed marketing at the forefront of any business’ daily operations. To thrive, one must have marketing materials that are clever and innovative. Mobile marketing should be a priority when navigating your business’s marketing strategy. Collect evaluations and thorough research Your target audience Before you need to map out your marketing plan. It is advisable to take advantage of any of these strategies. However, building a mobile app can be the best option for most companies to start with.

Mobile applications are a relatively inexpensive marketing option. Most people are comfortable and familiar with the usability and convenience of mobile apps. From the baseline of managing a mobile app, you can easily integrate location services and text messages QR codes are a unique tool to use when promoting special sales or events. And, when funding is available, in-game advertising is always a great option to consider.

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Featured · Find Your Way · Grow Your Business · Marketing · Sales · Technology

Article Category:

Find Your Way · Grow Your Business · Marketing · Sales · Technology

The world of business is full of risks and potential gains. And as much as one might think there is a secret to learning what to do and what not to do, most of it is trial and error. You must learn from the mistakes you and others make while realizing that hindsight is 20/20.

Many former executives are currently sitting around wondering “what-if” they had made the deal. Others are wondering “what if I just let it go?”

Unfortunately, some mistakes are inevitable and can be corrected. Others, turn out to be disasters or huge missed opportunities. Here are our top 7 worst business decisions of all time.

Kodak is not going digital. They discovered it though

This one is a real head scratcher. With almost every adult in the US carrying a digital camera at all times, it’s hard to believe there was a time when all photography was done with film. There was no digital photography technology. This was until 1975 when the Kodak Company invented the technology. However, instead of seeing this as a game-changing opportunity, Kodak decided to shelve the concepts of digital photography.

Why are you asking? Because they thought it would ruin their film business. The company enjoyed a 90% market share till 1984. After becoming an official sponsor of the 1984 Olympics, a Japanese camera company called Fuji entered the US market.

From there things started to go downhill for Kodak. When Kodak went digital, consumers were no longer attracted to the brand. when there is Companies that fail due to lack of innovation, Kodak is all about being innovative but not capitalizing on it. The company never fully recovered from this and other bad decisions. Finally, in 2012, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Excite.com is not buying Google for $750,000

We all know what Google is today. But in 1999, it was nothing but a highly-impossible dream. Excite.com is now a web portal but was once the most popular search engine of the early Internet. In 1997 Sergey Brin and Larry Page tried to sell their research project, Backrub (later Google) to Excite for $1 million. Because the project is taking time away from their school studies.

CEO George Bell didn’t think it was a good idea. The original offer of $1 million has been reduced to $750,000. But Bell still didn’t move. He felt that he wanted to retain Excite’s current company culture that he could get with the takeover of Google. Brin and Page wanted to use Google’s technology but Bell thought Excite.com’s technology was better. A young upstart isn’t supposed to buy a startup, though Types of business decisions Should that be accepted as a possibility, it seems that Bell had made up his mind about Google.

Most people today have never heard of the Excite brand. But, we all know they are familiar with Google. You can find this article using it. The company is now valued at over $1.22 trillion.

Blockbuster is not buying Netflix

Blockbuster, once upon a time, was at the top of the movie rental game and lived the best life there. It’s no surprise that when a small startup called Netflix was looking for some investors they approached the massively successful company.

In 2000 the Netflix management team approached Blockbuster for a $50 million investment. However, the company’s revenue started to decline. Blockbuster CEO John Antioco struggled not to smile after hearing the offer, according to co-founder Mark Randolph. He didn’t take the try and counter seriously enough. Instead, he closed the discussion and closed the door on the opportunity of a lifetime.

That decision, as well Brand failure to innovate, sealed his fate. Blockbuster ended up filing for bankruptcy in 2010. The company was slow to move into streaming and amassed disgruntled customers who were tired of paying late fees. Netflix is ​​now valued at over $154.96 billion.

Atari isn’t buying Apple

Atari CEO Nolan Bushnell was asked by one of his employees for $50,000. In return Atari would own the company he started with his friend. That employee was Steve Jobs and the company was Apple Computer. Steve worked with his future co-founders in what would later become their own company and built the first Apple computer with spare Atari parts.

Although Bushnell knew that Jobs was a highly intelligent, highly motivated individual, the CEO declined the offer. Although Apple is now worth more than $1 trillion, Bushnell says he has no regrets about the decision. He is from the United States That he has a great life and family and doesn’t know if he would have enjoyed it if he was “uber, uber-rich.”

Yahoo turned down an offer from Microsoft

Yahoo is an interesting company when it comes to bad business decisions. In 1998, the company turned down an offer to buy Google for $1 million. After 4 years, Google was worth more than Yahoo. Yahoo tried to buy Google again. 1 billion dollars this time. But Google wanted $5 billion. Yahoo declined once again.

However, in 2008, Yahoo had a chance to redeem itself as it continued to lose market share to Google. Microsoft approached Yahoo and offered to buy the search engine for $44.6 billion. Founder Jerry Young declined the offer, citing it as too low. Young was and is highly criticized for this decision Forced to resign from his company In 2009.

At its peak, Yahoo was worth more than $125 billion. However, the company was sold to Verizon in 2016 for just $4.48 billion.

AOL-Time Warner merger

Everyone expected that the year 2000 would be the year that Internet companies would completely take over the market. However, the opposite began to happen as many technology companies became overvalued in what we now call “the dotcom bubble”.

One of the first was the AOL and Time Warner merger, set to take effect on January 10, 2000. With a deal valued at $350 billion (one of America’s largest at the time), they were hoping the Internet bubble wouldn’t burst and hopefully reap the rewards. Instead, what they got were record-breaking losses by 2001. They also faced a huge decline in their administration as everyone tried to figure out what had gone wrong with the world.

Both brands are technically still going. But under different names. This merger is seen as the worst ever. It is often used as a case study for business school students on what not to do.

NBC and CBS are turning down Monday Night Football

In the late 1960s, the NFL commissioner, Pete Rozelle, approached the television networks NBC and CBS. He had revolutionary ideas; Monday night football. He made a deal with the networks before this meeting. The deal was to broadcast 2 football games every weeknight. This encouraged him to pursue the vision of broadcasting one game per week on Monday nights. However, network heads did not share the same passion for his vision. They were more interested in keeping popular shows in that time slot. For example programs like The Doris Day Show.

Rozelle eventually inked a deal with ABC for Monday Night Football. The rest is history. Monday Night Football is one of the longest-running and highest-rated shows of all time. The program now airs on ESPN. Weekday football has also expanded to include Thursday night football which is still hugely popular. However, it did not reach the heights of Monday Night Football.

Conclusion

You see, when the stakes are high, the ability to make sound decisions can be difficult to say the least. However, among all these bad business decisions, there were many lessons. Some decision makers would still stand by their decisions today if presented with the same information they had before.

In business, you live and learn through trial and error. And that’s okay. Just learn from these mistakes so you don’t make the worst business decision on anyone’s all-time list the next time it comes around. If you want to learn more about the other side of the decision making coin, check out our article The 6 Best Business Decisions Ever Made.

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out of class

If you’re struggling to retain your top-performing employees, know that you’re not alone. This is a dilemma that many companies face. From mom and pop shops to big corporations. Especially, in the modern and ever-changing world of business. To combat this problem, it’s important to take a proactive approach and ensure you retain your top talent for the long term.

Talented employees are hard to come by. Given that, retaining the great employees you have should be a top priority. Staffing is also cheaper. A report found It costs employers 33% of a worker’s annual salary to hire a replacement if that worker leaves. For example, let’s say the average employee salary is $45,000. That means the replacement cost would be $15,000 per person.

Obviously, having an employee is the best way. Especially, if that employee is your best and most talented. If you did a good job Attracting top talent, now is the time to focus on keeping them around. In this article, we’ll look at eight ways to retain your top talent.

Improve your hiring process

If you’re noticing an increase in your company’s turnover rate, an ineffective recruiting strategy may be partially to blame. A short interview is often considered a sufficient screening for potential employees. Although, sometimes it just doesn’t cut it. There are other ways you can filter through job candidates to ensure you’re only hiring the best of the best.

Correct job description

Naturally, the job description posted under your “for hire” ad should reflect the exact requirements and duties of the job you’re seeking to fill. Many employees rely on this information to create accurate, realistic expectations for the workload ahead. Failure to be upfront about this can lead to miscommunication.

Read all employee documents

Job seekers who are truly invested in your opportunity will take the time to thoughtfully craft their resumes or cover letters. They will also provide you with these documents under the assumption that you will read them thoroughly. Unfortunately, many employers fail to look at these documents. In doing so, they miss critical information about the new hire’s background, work experience, and thus their skills.

Consider a two-part interview

If you have difficulty selecting the right candidate, be open to a second interview session. Especially, when more than one person is interested in the position. This adds an extra layer whereby only dedicated applicants can survive. Additionally, some job candidates may not even show up for the second interview. This helps to weed out applicants who are not committed

Run a background check

Needless to say, running a background check before hiring an employee can save you a lot of trouble later. Discovering that an applicant has a criminal background or other problems can affect their hiring decision. But it can help you maintain a safe and respectful workplace.

Do it slowly

The biggest mistake most employers make when hiring new talent is rushing through the process to fill the role as quickly as possible. At first, this may seem convenient when you desperately need a new team member. However, in the long run, this is going to do more harm than good.

Take the time to communicate openly with job applicants and do a little research to discover who is the best fit for the position. Granted, it may take more time to fill the role. But, it will be secured by someone you can trust to perform consistently well.

Create a positive company culture

Studies show that a toxic workplace culture contributes 10 times more than compensation High turnover rate. Even if your employees are well paid or have excellent benefits, the workplace culture will ultimately decide whether they stay or quit.

Building cooperation and trust in the workplace is important. Employees should feel supported and empowered. Providing resources to employees, such as the HR department, can encourage them to freely talk about their feelings at work. Also, you can encourage teamwork and strengthen employee relations by trying team-building exercises and group projects.

If employees come to you with workplace relationship complaints, you must take their feedback seriously. Additionally, you should make a physical note of it. Employees who feel heard and valued at work will do better every time.

Competitive compensation offer

Compensating your employees appropriately is important To retain your top talent. If an employee is consistently going above and beyond expectations, you must give them that feedback. This will help ensure they know they are valued. A great way to do this is to increase their wages to reflect the quality of their work and the consistency of their efforts.

Also, notice what other companies are paying their workers within your industry. If possible, try to skip it. Employees who work hard and perform well will be on the lookout for the best opportunities they can find. If you undercompensate a talented employee, you risk losing them to a higher-paying employer.

Ask employees for feedback

Offering occasional surveys or hosting group talk sessions with employees can be a game changer for workplace culture. Allowing employees to submit anonymous feedback allows them to safely communicate issues they might otherwise keep to themselves until it’s too late. Essentially, by organizing group meetings you can periodically clear the air and keep communication open.

Give employees non-monetary benefits

Rewarding hard-working employees motivates them to continue delivering high-quality results. And, these rewards don’t always mean compensation increases. You can also find Non-monetary ways to reward your employees. Here are some other great examples of ways you can reward employees without relying on pay raises:

• Encourage employees to explore their own (related) business projects.
• Increased available PTO and sick days.
• Offer educational resources for those interested in pursuing the field.
• Provide public recognition for high-performing employees.
• Consider launching an “Employee of the Month” program.
• Use gifts and freebies as rewards for accomplishments at work.
• Offer growth opportunities within the company.

Promotion from within

When employees struggle to grow within their company, it creates feelings of being undervalued and ignored. Ultimately, this can lead to a high turnover rate. 78% of US employees Expressed disappointment with promotion within their company. Also, ¾ of workers also said they would be “very likely” to leave their current job for another one with more growth opportunities.

Even if your workplace environment is overwhelmingly positive and employees are fairly compensated, employees may feel dissatisfied. Especially, if they are not given the opportunity to push beyond their current responsibilities. Many of your employees may have the potential to become your company’s top talent. But, instead fell through the cracks due to lack of opportunity.

Find ways to keep employees engaged

It is important to have fun in the workplace and prevent employees from becoming bored or discouraged. Work is hard – so it’s work. That being said, there are ways you can make the workday a little less tiring for everyone. Maintaining morale in the workplace can lead to increased motivation and better performance all around.

There are many here Less engagement is the reason among workers. Identify risk factors in your workforce to prevent this from becoming an employee exit. Also, be proactive in keeping employees engaged in their work.

Provide flexible work arrangements

In recent years, employees have started prioritizing work-life balance. To retain your most talented employees, help them prioritize that. One way to do this is to arrange flexible working.

Flexible work arrangements can include remote work, flexible scheduling and job sharing. Also, consider providing employees with the technology and resources they need to work effectively from home. By offering flexible work arrangements, companies can attract and retain employees who value work-life balance.

Conclusion

Your top talent is the backbone of your business. Regardless of the industry you are in. For this reason, Increase employee loyalty Extremely important. Ensuring that your best-performing employees are treated well can lead to long-lasting tenure Improved productivity. Don’t let your top talent slip through the cracks. Instead, guide them to higher branches of success.

Article Tags:

Business Opportunities · Company Culture · Features · Growing Your Business · Leadership · Mindset · Productivity · Success

Article Category:

Find Your Way · Grow Your Business · Lead Your Team · Productivity · Your Mindset

Every entrepreneur wants their business to be profitable. But the key to the success of every profitable business is productive employees.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that labor productivity will decline by 2.4% in 2022. In the second quarter, we saw the largest annual decline since the government began recording productivity in 1948. Over the years, labor productivity has been increasing but we have seen a small shift in the other direction.

How can you increase employee productivity? It’s a process. Whether your employees are always suffering from poor productivity or your team is just there A productivity slump, Getting your team to increase productivity is vital to your business. Here are 7 ways you can increase employee productivity.

1. Offer performance-based incentives and rewards

Have you ever heard the saying, “To make money you have to spend money?” This is definitely applicable if you want to motivate your employees to keep working hard. Compensation is one of the most compelling motivators for success. If you want to increase productivity – and ultimately, your company’s profits – you need to offer performance-based incentives and rewards.

Consider paying employees an annual award or bonus. This can persuade them to stay with the company and based on what they have done for the business.

You can also create various performance-based rewards. For example, if your business has seasonal demand, consider offering a bonus for employees who work more than 40 hours. Or, you can offer a bonus on top of overtime pay when business is exceptionally busy. This can motivate employees to work more than usual.

2. Improve working conditions

Fair pay, paid breaks, and a reasonable workload are some of the basics for improving workplace conditions. But there are more ways to improve.

Consider what the office looks like. Is it light or dark? It has been proven that during the winter months, some people struggle with seasonal depression due to reduced sunlight. Humans need light to maintain energy and be productive. Sunlight is shown To increase a chemical called serotonin in your brain. Serotonin can give you more energy and help keep you calm, positive and focused.

In your buildings, if it is dark and gloomy, how will the employees be productive? This has a direct impact on their mood and energy levels.

Think about how your employees spend their days. Are they forced to sit in uncomfortable chairs? Functionally efficient workstations will increase productivity and employee satisfaction.

What about technology? Are computers using outdated systems causing delays? Businesses need to evolve with the times to satisfy customers and allow employees to do their best work.

3. Optimize or minimize meetings

The next time you feel compelled to schedule a meeting, ask yourself what the purpose of the meeting is. Can this purpose be met through another communication method, such as an email, a phone call, or a chat message?

Meetings can absorb a lot of time. Without a clearly defined purpose, they reduce employee productivity.

Before you schedule a meeting, make sure there is a purpose for the meeting and that all participants know why they need to attend.

4. Make your employees feel valued

Ultimately, your employees are what will make your business profitable and your mission fulfilled. It is essential that they feel valued.

You can promote an open door policy for any suggestions or concerns. Even if the ideas offered aren’t reasonable, you can still show that you value employees. Do this by acknowledging the time they took to contribute their thoughts.

Another way to show employees you value them is to celebrate their birthdays and tenure with the company. Affirm them when they are doing a good job. Doing so is a way of recognizing their efforts.

5. Provide good employee training

Good employee training can help you build productivity and maintain it. New hires should know what procedures to follow and who to consult with if they have questions. No employee should feel like they are “alone”.

As a startup, you may have minimal resources in terms of training. However, the sooner you can start documenting your company’s procedures, the better. You can create a library of resources or a policy center. You can even create an internal video center to show how things are done, where supplies are kept, etc.

6. Trainers are low performing employees

Employees who do not feel confident in their jobs may not ask for help. In fact, they may not be asking any questions at all. Employees need to know that they should ask questions, as this is a way to improve the work of top performers.

Motivating low performing employees May be one of your most important tasks. Having the ability to steer an underperforming employee in the right direction can help your employee build confidence. It will also help your business grow.

Giving honest feedback is important. It gives employees an opportunity to improve their performance. Be direct, and create a plan of action. Explain how they should change. Your guidance can help increase employee productivity.

Helping employees be more productive — and balancing everything else on your to-do list — can be time-consuming. However, there are some proven strategies that you can use Increase your own productivity as a business owner. Consider how you can implement these strategies to increase your success.

7. Improve office communication

One of the barriers to employee productivity is poor communication. Receiving different instructions – or no instructions at all – can create confusion. How would you say your business is doing in this area?

When employees do not know what is expected, and they do not fully understand the process or procedure, performance decreases. Make it your goal to improve office communication. When communication is clear, changes are communicated quickly. Delays are minimal. Employees are kept “in the loop” of information, and can act on it as it applies to their work.

How do you know if communication needs to be improved? When many people do not understand how to do something, it can be a sign that something needs to be improved.

8. Minimize micromanaging

Although micromanaging is an impediment to productivity, many managers and leaders still practice it as a leadership style. Micromanaging your team discourages them in many ways. This discouragement leads to lack of focus and reduced productivity.

When you micromanage employees, you reduce the amount of teamwork by your employees. Employees work less and less with each other or only with micromanagers. This causes a decrease in productivity because managers are solving problems that the team should be empowered to solve on their own. Micromanaging can breed mistrust. When leaders micromanage their employees, they are essentially saying “I don’t believe you can do this on your own”. A lack of trust can lead to a lack of productivity, but also a lack Employee loyalty.

To increase productivity among your employees, reduce micromanaging done by leadership. Start empowering your team to make decisions, solve problems, and take ownership of their roles. When your team members take responsibility for their work, it will increase the amount of energy in their work and increase productivity.

Conclusion

Increasing employee productivity is one of the business objectives of any entrepreneur. Employee productivity is the secret behind every successful balance sheet. Without it no business is profitable. Investing in employees is important to ensure their satisfaction, retention and commitment to the company.

Article Tags:

Find Your Way · Grow Your Business · Leadership · Productivity · Sales · Your Mindset

Article Category:

Find Your Way · Grow Your Business · Lead Your Team · Productivity · Your Mindset