Tips from November 20, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss how to hire employees for sales.
Know the environments your candidates have worked in previously. Try to choose the candidates that have been in an environment that is similar to yours to adapt quickly to the culture.
Previous work in sales is extremely important, especially if you are hiring for a higher level position. Check their references for sales positions to ensure they are not exaggerating on their resume.
Inside sales and outsides sales are completely different. Know what you need to hire, and hire specifically for the position. Generally, the two sales positions don't cross. If you come across a candidate who has both, be sure to look into it.
Have a trial session with candidates during the interview. Ask them to role play and deliver a pitch to you. Analyze their tone of voice, body language, and their wording of the pitch. This will help you determin...
By Cheryl Sowa · November 20 2009
small business tips, sales, human resources, hire
Tips from November 19, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss how to conduct performance reviews.
Apply performance reviews to everyone in the office. Be fair and consistent with all reviews. The easiest way to do this is to create a template criteria sheet for every performance review.
Conduct your review first, and before revealing it to the employee, ask them to evaluate themselves. The two should match fairly closely. If not, it's a red flag that something is not right. Talk the evaluation out and clarify expectations of their role.
Although it is hard, you need to indicate poor performance. Be honest and straightforward about it, but don't be brutal or harsh. If you have any examples of the poor performance, document the behavior as it is happening.
A performance review is not just to point out what the employee has been doing wrong. Use it to show what they're doing right as well. It's just as important since positive...
By Cheryl Sowa · November 19 2009
small business tips, small business, human resources, performance reviews
Tips from November 18, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss how to ensure you hire quality people.
Take a good look at your employees, and at yourself. Look at the skills, quality of work, and value that each person brings to your business. Look for someone to compliment your skills.
During the interview, note the habits of your candidates. Were they on time? Prepared? Well groomed? Respectable? Actions speak louder than words.
Keep your interviews structured. Ask the same questions in each, and follow the same procedures. Go off on some tangents, but keep the interview objective.
Ask for references. Even if you don't actually contact these people, it is a way to get a sense of the applicant's relationships with others.
Daily Overview: Look at your candidate's resume, as well as their character. A quality candidate is excellent in both categories.
By Cheryl Sowa · November 18 2009
small business tips, small business, employees, interviews
Tips from November 17, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss publicizing job openings.
Knowing where to place your ads is crucial. Only a handful look in newspapers nowadays, the majority of people look online. Place ads on various job sites, such as SimplyHired or Craigslist. A simple "Help Wanted" ad in your window or on your website will help too.
Make your ad informative first, creative second. You are looking to hire those who are serious about a job, not necessarily those who are attracted simply by the uniqueness and how catchy the job post is.
Talk to local colleges. Many graduates, or students who are looking for a part time job, have their ears and eyes open for job opportunities. Have your job requirements ready.
Job advertising through the media is a good way to go big. Try the radio first, then the TV. Be sure to include your phone number and/or website multiple times.
Daily Overview: Post your...
By Cheryl Sowa · November 17 2009
small business tips, small business, online, human resources
It's the second week of November, and the local mall has Christmas trees up, lights strung through landscaping, wreaths hung on doors and parking garages, and holiday music on the radio. The holiday commercials are out in full force, with family in sweaters sharing smiles and love, extraordinary deals on popular gifts, and children that can't wait to gather around the tree to open presents on Christmas morning. Whether you like it or not, the holiday season is here. Retailers, in essence, control the start of the holiday season. Typically, the "official start" to the holiday shopping season is the day after Thanksgiving, commonly known as Black Friday. Some stores have even had their holiday displays up since November first! Black Friday is a holiday all by itself, as stores have outrageousdoorbusters , ginormous savings on popular items, and deals you can only get once a year. In recent years, the holiday shopping season has been pushed back, leaving retailers and consumers adjusting...
By Cheryl Sowa · November 17 2009
marketing, small business, consumer, holidays
Government, Politics, and the Economy
U.S. Stocks Extend Global Rally on Retail Sales, APEC Pledge U.S. stocks added to a global rally, sending the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index to a 13-month high, after retail sales increased more than forecast and Asian government leaders pledged to maintain economic stimulus spending. Bloomberg.comThe Economy6 Steps for Surviving the RecessionThe news today just is not very good. Every time we think we are on the upside of the downturn, we get thrown for another loop, hit with another tax, told it will be just a few more months before all this turns around. BusinessKnowHow.com...
By Cheryl Sowa · November 17 2009
small business brief, small business, economy, economy
Tips from November 16, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss proper hiring practices.
Take time to hire, if you need to hire immediately. Plan for at least 2-4 weeks for the hiring process. Taking your time ensures you have hired the right candidate for the position and didn't hire without much thought.
Know what YOUR business needs. Someone with an impeccable resume and work history who does not fit the criteria you have for yourself for the position won't work for what you need for your business. Think and choose carefully.
Take into account your company's culture. Make sure they will be a fit for your workplace skill-wise, as well as with the employees. Camaraderie is important, especially if they are going to be part of your business team.
Take at least a two step process to eliminate candidates. Do phone interviews with 5 candidates, and narrow it down to 2 or 3 for the final face-to-face interview. ...
By Cheryl Sowa · November 16 2009
small business tips, small business, business, hiring
Tips from November 13, 2009 The Small Business tips today discuss the importance of customer service in your holiday marketing.
Hire additional help if you know you are going to be busy. Many students are looking for seasonal work; attempt to reach out to them.
Make sure you've updated your voicemail to include any special holiday hours. Consider adding weekly promotions to the recording!
Reiterate the importance of great customer service, especially the holidays. SMILE! It's the simplest way to bring cheer and joy to customers.
Have a holiday meeting with your staff. Go over the holiday promotions and what they'll need to know to help customers more efficiently.
Daily Overview: Boost your customer service during the holidays: hire extra help if you need it, smile a lot and make sure all of your staff is on the same page and are aware of your holiday promotions.
By Cheryl Sowa · November 13 2009
small business tips, small business, customer service, how to
