Entrepreneurs may learn their best lessons from the errors of companies larger than their own. The larger companies pave the path by teaching what not to do as well as what to do.
Ensuring teamwork in every aspect of your company is one of the best lessons to take to heart and incorporate from the beginning. The stories we hear of greed and under-valuing employees is the perfect example of what not to do.
One example of poor teamwork is the way in which some companies treat their salesforce. Salespeople are hired to contact more prospective clients than would otherwise be possible. Those who excel in their sales ability do very well monetarily. It’s a known fact that while the company is excited to have the increased revenue flowing in, they find devious ways to reduce the compensation owed to the salespeople. Some companies go as far as risking high turnover and possibility of litigation just to save a few dollars. Everyone suffers for this type of thinking.
The better approach is to develop teamwork and a satisfied team:
As you hire employees, explain how you operate, expectations of their work, and explain the “why” behind it. The greater understanding behind the work leads to improved quality of work. Upon adding new employees, make introductions. Establish monthly meetings where everyone has an opportunity to highlight the projects on which they are working, what’s going well and where help is needed.
Encourage collaboration. When your team collaborates, additional ideas develop that would not otherwise have come to mind. This enables you to attract a wider prospective clientele plus create new revenue streams.
Your benefit to all of the extra measures put into place is the subliminal marketing message that you have developed a smart organization that includes satisfied employees. Those who are contacted by your employees will read and hear the enthusiasm in their communication. It is the enthusiasm expressed in product and services that sells.
Sales grow larger with the careful planning for and growing of teamwork within your organization. As others witness the growth and hear positive commentary about it, they will knock on your door to be hired and volunteer to help spread word about your offerings. This is the springboard from playing small to launching into something bigger than just you, the solo entrepreneur.
In short, by developing teamwork around you, your personal brand builds into a recognizable force. The success that is yours will encourage new offers to combine forces on larger projects. Building team is one of the best strategies for developing business.
As you experience the ups and downs of the economy through the years, remember the basics of teamwork that got you to the point of where you are. Should cutting back be required, do that. But all the while motivate those employees, who mirror your philosophy of teamwork, with continued training and praise. As markets shift upward again, your team will remain with you enabling a quick return to where you previously were quick movement far beyond.
Teamwork and sound reputation will lead you to the Smooth Sale!
