Performance enhancers

     Free daily tips, information and advice for people in small business
     from personal experience starting up and running small businesses--been there, done that.

     Every business, large and small, needs to optimize the performance of employees. No whips and chains. Just positive stuff.

     People appreciate being appreciated. Deep down, all of us crave acceptance. And we want recognition. That's why a simple "Thank you" goes a long way toward enhancing performance. 

     Many other ways are effective as well. Here's a laundry list--food for thought.

     1. In very small businesses, handing out a $20 bill now and then for extraordinary effort can spur even greater effort and creativity in an employee. 

     2. Call everyone together and recognize superior performance in front of the group. If you have weekly or monthly gatherings of employees, do it then.

     3. Set up a bonus system to reward superior performance with bonuses. See one of my previous blogs on variations you might consider--it's titled "Bonuses".

     4. Set up an employee of the month program. Don't let it become routine--make it part of the monthly meeting. Use a plaque on which names can be added--inscribed on metal plates.

     5. Make up company T-shirts and hand them out at company picnics or other get-togethers. These can be for a good reason--or no reason at all.

     6. Go the extra mile: If your business is incorporated, consider giving stock certificates out to your best employees. If parking is a problem at your place, consider putting employee names on parking places--yours should be at the end of the line, not closest to the door. If you don't already offer a retirement plan, consider setting up one--you'll need professional help with this.

     Other options can be effective. Put on your thinking cap and get creative. Little things that show your thoughtfulness and appreciation for the person are often more effective than big splashes.

     Whatever you do, do it by saying "Thank you" to the employee. Even by itself, a simple "Thank you" goes far in enhancing performance. Make it part of your routine management style.

     Running your own business is stressful and frustrating. You need input that is useful and spot on. And that's why I write this blog every day. I know the acid burn when cash flow is not flowing. Been there, done that in several small businesses myself.