Volume 4 Issue 10

RISBJ V4.10

We’re approaching the time of year where our family commitments collide head on with our business responsibilities. That can only mean one thing. It’s the holiday season!

As entrepreneurs, many of us get caught up in the day-to-day of running our business, so this is a great time to reflect on the things we are thankful for. This is the time of year to think about our staff, and the commitment they have given to us. It’s also a great time to be thinking of our clients, because after all, they are the ones that keep our staff busy and keep our business running. We should be truly thankful for those who help us do what we love every day.

Here are a few ways to show appreciation to those that help make a difference to your business throughout the year.

Company outings

While the holidays are a perfect time to start this tradition, having regularly scheduling company outings give your staff an opportunity to create strong relationships outside of the office and feel like they are truly part of a team. Quarterly outings are manageable and give employees something to look forward to. You may also consider inviting some of your best clients to stop by and mingle with your staff. This will allow them to get to know your team better and help build stronger relationships.

Gift cards

While getting to know your staff and clients, you have an opportunity to learn their favorite places to eat, their favorite activities and even their favorite sports teams. Giving them gift cards to their favorite restaurant, spa or tickets to see their favorite sports team or musician, show that you know them outside of your work relationship. It shows that you listen and that you care.

Hand written notes

We may think our staff and our clients know how much we appreciate them, but maybe they don’t! Rather than just saying “thank you for your business” or “I appreciate you working late last week” why not give them a hand written thank you note? This simple gesture will go a long way, showing that you took the time to personalize a message for them and it will show up as a surprise when they may least expect it. A hand written note is much more memorable than a simple “thank you”, and after all our staff and clients deserve it.

Learning Opportunities

While thanking our staff for a job well done is often appreciated, they may also be looking for opportunities to learn and grow within the organization. Set aside learning opportunities for them, where they can research a topic that interests them, or look into certification opportunities that they can study for at work. Showing that you care about them expanding their knowledge is both in their best interest and yours. You can also show them ways to move up within the organization by hitting specific milestones and goals, again reinforcing your commitment to their growth.

As a business owner, we should be incorporating these strategies throughout the year, and not just around the holiday season, but this is as good of a time to start as any!

Gil Lantini

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