I published this on LinkedIn a while ago but I like it so much I thought it was a nice way to get my new blog going! -Ian
1) Brainstorm
Get a small group of people to list or write down ideas on a large board or paper. There are two main rules for brainstorming never say “no” to an idea and always work to better any ideas. Do this at least one time per year or more. The group of people should be from all levels of your staff and even people not directly associated with your business. Each time you brainstorm try to develop then implement one idea. Ideas could be how to improve staff relations, improve sales, save money, streamline business processes, community outreach, and any idea that can help the business.
As the owner or manager you can’t always be expected to creative all the time and have the answer for every situation. Ideas used from staff will also help with corporate buy in so your staff become more loyal.
2) Transparency
Show your staff how much money the business is really making. The major concern here is that owners think staff will resent how much money the owners make or how much other staff members will make. Then the owners fear the staff will demand more money and if you are an owner making a million dollars each month when your staff is only making minimum wage maybe it is time to increase wages or start a Pay for Performance system (see next tip). With most small business the owners are not making a lot of money or as much as people think. This creates trust and buy-in with employees because they begin to see the business as their own so they care more and work harder for the business.
Yes there is always the possibility of a staff member not buying in but this is good because you learn what employees are not a proper fit for your business culture.
3) Pay for Performance
If your small business did more business would you make more money? What if all your staff even non-sales staff helped build the business? Consider a pay for performance system to encourage all your staff to become business champions. Your current staff are already on your payroll so why are you paying hundreds, thousands, or more to the third party to advertise for you. Remember that word of mouth is better than any other type of advertising.
Consider promo cards that all staff can give away to build business. When the cards come back to be used by customers that staff member gets a small bonus.
In a point based system you can offer a cash bonus each month say $1,000 or a % of monthly profits and everyone that has earned points receives a share based on how many points they earned. Points can be earned by increasing sales or any activity that is lacking within your business.
Need help or more tips?
Ian Hopfe Creative Business Consulting
