I recently read an article in Forbes called, “Four Ways Small Businesses Can Recruit Top Talent” and it had some great ideas, but it also got me thinking. You can put forth all the effort in the world to recruit top talent for your small business, but once that is done, what are you doing to KEEP that amazing talent on your team? Sometimes we get so caught up in catching a fish, we forget to put the appropriate plans in place for when we actually catch one.
Recruiting and hiring great talent is a difficult, but rewarding process for any business. If you find the right people who are a good fit for your culture and are dedicated to helping elevate your business, magic can happen. However, it is important to remember that your small business superstars need recognition or else a bigger, hungrier fisherman making appealing promises might steal your catch.
Here are three ways a small business can keep its top employees:
1. Recognize and reward your superstars when reward is due.
Notice. It’s really that simple. When your top talent delivers, show that you appreciate their efforts and hard work. As a small business, you might not have the budget to buy your superstars fancy awards or send them on luxury vacations, but what about an unexpected comp day or a free lunch? Showing your top talent that you appreciate them does not take much effort; it will increase job satisfaction and also motivate those employees to work harder for you and your business – a win-win for everyone.
2. Promote an open door policy.
Instead of being a boss who hides away in their office, be present. Let your top talent, and all of your employees for that matter, know that you are there when they need you. Having an open door policy will promote loyalty among your entire team.
3. Ask your top talent to mentor a fellow employee.
Top talent is top talent for a reason. These employees are doing something right and they know their stuff. They are not only huge assets to your business, but can also be assets to the rest of your team. Ask your superstars to mentor a fellow employee who needs some guidance. This will not only help improve the performance of the mentored employee, but is also great management preparation for your top talent or simply a way to make them feel like an even more valued part of the team.
Need help putting this advice into practice? Contact me about small business coaching.