We expect things from the organizations that employ us. If we interview to work for one, we want to know how well the enterprise supports its people. A strong candidate gets to the matter by learning the answers to questions such as these.
- How are job roles defined?
- What are the functions of each department?
- How do you ensure that employees are fully trained to handle the responsibilities that are theirs?
- What happens in the case of a major skills deficit?
- How are employees kept up with changes in the industry, technology, and business practices?
- Does the organization offer tuition reimbursement or continuing education?
A organization that doesn’t stack up in answering those questions would be considered unfavorably in a job search. Yet as entrepreneurs, we often fail to define our own job roles further than “jack of all trade.” Many of us don’t take time to delineate the functions and roles that we need to fulfill or seek out the training that we need to do them. The pressure of time and lack of funds to invest often make us short-sighted about gaining the skills to keep up with changes in the industry and technology.
From this perspective in many cases, the standards we hold for work-alone businesses are lower than those we hold for an organization that might hire us. This irony is detrimental to success and unnecessary.
Every job function that a small business needs is available for hire. Most can be learned and incorporated into the work plan of an owner. Training is a value that might require a paradigm shift for some, but it’s not unrealistic to think that they’ll soon see it as an investment in their future.
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, over 50% of small businesses fail in the first year and 95% fail within the first five years.
Being unprepared, remaining untrained, and confronting unexpected needs are key reasons these failures occur.
There ia an answer in a thorough and cohesive business plan that includes training A plan doesn’t need to be complicated or overwhelming. Yet, a simplified, but solid, business plan can make the difference between a small business that fails or succeeds.
Behind every Successful small business is an Outstanding Manager. — Perfect Virtual Manager
Liz Strauss
