A small business will continually need to fight its survival. Small businesses simply do not have the wriggle room or ability to mitigate financial error as the large businesses do. Large businesses can often afford the error, finding it’s better to go ahead with a flawed strategy because it’s cheaper in the long run. It’s not that you as a business owner should strive to get away with things, but the temptation is there as you struggle to grow. With all the challenges you face, trying to grow your company can be overwhelming. You have to think about retaining your staff and creating an environment they can thrive in. When they thrive, they will be more productive. How can you encourage them to thrive? By adding a few business conveniences. If applied correctly, this can truly make all of the difference.
Here are a few you should consider…
Virtual Helpdesks
A virtual helpdesk such as the Australian based company, Virtual Reception can assist your business in many small but important ways. For example, they can help you offset the need to provide your own customer support and save time by direct the call exactly where it needs to go. Your staff will not have to worry about taking calls they are not suited to answer. It allows your staff to focus all of their creative energies to the true tasks they were hired to do.
Essential Facilities
The workplace is like a second home for many employees since they spend so much time there. This means ensuring the essential components of an office are provided but also going a little further than just the basics. For example, consider providing excellent kitchen facilities so employees can store or prepare their food safely. Have a place away from their desks where they can enjoy their lunch or dinner. If you can’t provide a kitchen and dining area perhaps you can establish a relationship with a local cafe that will offer employees discounts.
When it comes to facilities there are legal requirements you must adhere to. An office must have restrooms and keep them clean. Any maintenance issues must be cared for and these facilities must be safe. The corridors should be free from trip hazards or other exposure to dangerous materials. Although these things may seem a matter of fact, you must not overlook the need to maintain high-quality standards. Remember, it’s the little things that can make a big difference.
Training
It might be that staff training seems unaffordable for your small business. However, you can develop creative ways to provide training. It may be as simple as bringing the team together to review and discuss company policy or showing a DVD or YouTube video that would benefit the group. Set the culture as one that believes and encourages professional development from the very beginning. As the business grows, consider hiring trainers specialized in particular areas such as communications, time management, and other soft skills.
Sometimes it’s just about the little things. Little things that can make a big difference and impact the productivity and growth of your business. Consider giving these three things a try. By adding a few business conveniences, your staff will feel appreciated and want to go that extra mile. Here’s to YOUR success!
Carolyn R. Owens has over 25 years of proven experience and serves as a Career Strategist, Leadership and Life Coach. She is the Chairwoman and CEO of Infinity Coaching, Inc. where they help you up-level your skills so you can up-level your income. Infinity Coaching, Inc. provides one-on-one and group coaching, organizational training, personality assessments, and a signature program, the Infinity Coaching Inner Circle. Carolyn is certified to give both The Energy Leadership Index Assessment and Myers Briggs Type Indicator Assessment. You can find out more about both assessments and other products and services at https://infinitycoaching.net.
