Running a business is group effort. But if you want to be at the top of your game, you’ve got to get your small business employees on board and excited about your company’s future. This takes more than free coffee in the break room and the occasional catered lunch. Although those things are certainly helpful!
If you want to make your employees the MVPs of your small-business team, then you need to keep these pointers in mind.
1. Share the Success
Did you exceed your target sales last quarter? By all means, pass some of that extra cash on. Employees who know they’ll get a share of the surplus will work harder to make sure those bonuses keep coming.
Alternatively, you can put some of the extra money into an “employee enjoyment” fund. Whether the proceeds go toward a new gaming system for your break room, an epic employee outing or a blowout bash, your team will appreciate your appreciation.
2. Empower Your Team
Your small business employees have their own ideas and skill sets, so it’s important that they feel empowered to share them with you. Institute an open-door policy in which employees have the freedom to pitch their ideas to you – then actually listen to what they have to say. Whether it’s a new way to boost sales or a marketing strategy you wouldn’t have thought of in a million years, allowing your team to have some input can have a profound effect on their morale…and your bottom line.
3. Arm Them With the Ability to Sell Your Brand
Opportunity is everywhere, but you can only be one place at a time. Make sure your employees “carry” your small business with them wherever they go. Whether it’s awesome business cards, company swag or your own personal cell phone number, your team needs to be able to sell your brand wherever and whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Consider offering a referral bonus to team members who bring in new business. You don’t need to turn them into door-to-door salesmen; you just need them to have the proper tools to make a sale on their own terms.
Need help determining how to keep your employees motivated and engaged with your small business’ marketing efforts? We can help! We’ve got the tips and the tools you need to get your employees in the game. Give us a ring!