Employees

When you think of the most valuable assets of your business, do you think of your employees? If you do, great; if you don’t, shame on you. Your employees are vital to the success of your business. Doesn’t it make sense to make them feel as appreciated as much as all your customers do?

Employees may be the first contact that a prospect has with your business and can either make or break a successful transition from prospect to customer. Your employees must “buy into” the vision that you have for your business, and they must believe that their part in the operation of your business is important to its continued success. They must know that they are appreciated for their efforts.

Employees should believe that their contributions are welcome, valued, and respected by their superiors. If you are the direct manager of your staff, you must show your appreciation directly to your employees for their work. If there are levels of management between you and your staff, you must still show your appreciation, but you must be sure that your subordinate managers do the same.

Words are very important in this appreciation effort, but they must be matched by actions. You should look for occasions to show appreciation and respect, immediately taking advantage of each occasion. Your subordinate managers should also be rewarded for their efforts in addition to showing that they appreciate their staff also.

The fact that everyone likes to be noticed and thanked for what they do provides opportunity to promote better employee-employer morale and a happier environment for all involved. Environments where everyone is happier and feeling appreciated are where new ideas are born and businesses thrive. Appreciate your employees, and they will go the extra step in being worthwhile assets in your business.

Of course, appreciation for your employees must include the business owner. You must appreciate yourself for what you do and accomplish. Rewarding yourself for your efforts should not take a backseat to the daily workings of your business. You must take a moment and “smell the roses” once in a while, celebrating what you have accomplished.

A business includes a team of personnel, either employees or contractors or associates. No matter what the titles, we do not operate alone. That knowledge allows all of us to continue in the face of adversity and enjoy the benefits of success. Remember that no one operates alone, even the sole proprietor. We all have help from somewhere; sometimes it comes from our customers, but often it is from our networking partners.

Appreciation Marketing applies equally to customers and employees. It is a corporate culture that brings success if practiced throughout the structure of any business. It must be practiced by all levels of management and staff, and rewards all levels with continued success. Remember all your employees as well as your clients. Then, do not forget to appreciate the efforts of yourself and enjoy that appreciation.

Please leave me your comments, or email me at Jim@JimTeasley.com, or call me at 360-314-8691. Appreciation Marketing is a culture that impacts businesses of all sizes and levels of management to achieve success. Employee appreciation, like customer appreciation, can make your business operate like you wanted it to do so. Make it your mantra and your culture. It will pay off for everyone with continued success.