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Growing your small business is a major concern as you develop your enterprise to provide services or products to customers. As your business becomes more popular and gains more customers, you want to control growth so that it is steady and true to your Mission and Strategy. For your very first employee and subsequent employees, employee training and continuous development should remain a critical activity. In fact, your Strategic plan must contain employee development to achieve your Vision for the future of your enterprise. I’m sure this brings up a lot of questions such as: how is this done or how can I afford this? A well designed Strategic plan is essential. The development plan that you add to your strategy does not have to be complicated or expensive. Hiring people who are the best fit for your position is a good foundation for going forward. Basically, it requires that you really know your employees, their talents and abilities.
Advantages for Employees
1. The employee feels a sense of importance to your business.
2. Satisfaction of the basic need to grow and master their jobs.
3. Helps employees realize their skill levels and need for growth.
4. Helps employees change as technology and the business environment changes.
Advantages for Business Owners
1. When salary increases are not immediately available, the business owner can show their appreciation and long term support by providing training as a way to retain good employees.
2. Helps businesses manage change as it rapidly occurs.
3. Helps your business strengthen their weaknesses.
4. Promotes a learning culture for your business.
5. Gives your business a competitive edge.
6. Results in financial rewards for your business.
7. Develops engaged and confident workers.
8. Develops committed and motivated workers.
How to Proceed
1. Determine the skills needed to implement your strategy.
2. Determine how the employee can obtain these skills. ( Some examples: webinars, experienced co-workers, you coach the employee)
3. Conduct coaching and training discussions with the employee.
4. Agree on the outcome.
5. Allow the employee to say what went well and what went wrong.
“Your employees are your principle business asset. Invest in them thoughtfully and strategically, and you’ll reap rewards that pay off now and for years to come” Paul Sarvadi Entrepreneur.com.
