Nov 21 2008
Small Business: Employees can be the greatest asset
For most small businesses an employee is a huge asset. Great hope is expended on both sides each time a person applies for a position and then accepts a job offer. Sometimes things work out and sometimes they don’t.
Working for a small business offers benefits that you will not receive from a large company. You will be the big fish in a small pond and you will probably learn the business inside and out. You will have access to the boss and the owner (usually the same person). Your ideas will have a better chance to see the light of day and you will get the credit. I promise you – be a good employee and you will be rewarded.
What makes a good employee? I am glad to say that I have two. They get along with each other, with the customers and with the management (me). They have learned to give great customer service because they care about the customer.
As far as the work goes they paid attention during their training. I do not have to micromanage during the workday because they know what to do and the do it. Of course there are things everyday that I need to correct. Once we discuss what went wrong I rest assured that there will not be a next time. Questions are abundant and we work out the solutions.
There are days that we are not busy and there are days that we are so busy that it is hard to look up. I give the employees the opportunity to work at their own pace and talking is OK. On the busy days they know that we all have to hit it hard and they pick up the pace (without complaint).
Time off is given without having to ask twice. However, time off is only taken when it will not interfere with another employee or the business. In return they can work without supervision while I take a little time off.
Pay is important no matter what the circumstance. It is true that a small business employee seldom gets paid as much as an employee of a large company but as mentioned above other perks help even things out. It is also true that a small business employee is less likely to get a pink slip in their next paycheck.
A small business is always on the lookout for the next great employee. In my case, much like most small business owners, time away from the business is welcomed. Be the employee that makes that possible and you will be appreciated. Be that employee and things will work out.
