Employees Not Feeling Fulfilled At Work? Seven Ways Leaders Can Help Them

Here’s Rachel Beider’s latest advice on this panel in Forbes. Original post published here

While not every day will be perfect in terms of motivation, if you discover your employees generally aren’t finding fulfillment or satisfaction in their work, it’s paramount you find a solution and help get them back to feeling their best as soon as possible. If you don’t, you risk your employees becoming burned out and unhappy, which could lead to them leaving your company in search of something more exciting.

To prevent your staff from reaching that point, you’ll need to take a few key actions both before and after you notice a problem. According to the members of Young Entrepreneur Council, taking the following seven steps could ensure employee morale stays high and your staff feel both motivated and fulfilled on a regular basis.

1. Nurture Open Communication

The best way to help an employee maximize their potential in any company is to have open communication. When an employee feels safe enough to express their concerns, the resolution is always positive. If they feel heard and understood, they will want to perform better and more efficiently. - Micky Klein, Micky Klein Interiors

2. Determine The Root Cause

If an employee is not finding fulfillment in their work, an honest discussion is in order to understand whether the dissatisfaction is related to the people they are working with, the tasks they are in charge of or how their job fits with their life. This conversation is often hard because honesty like that is uncomfortable for most people, but when done with genuine care and interest, the issue can either be resolved or the employee can be helped to move on gracefully to a company where they will be happier. - Vanessa Nornberg, Metal Mafia

3. Discover What Drives Them

As a leader, you must know your employees' satisfaction levels and ensure they find fulfillment in their work. One step to help employees who aren't feeling fulfilled is to talk with them about their goals and ambitions. By taking the time to understand what drives them, you can help them create a plan for achieving their goals, which will give them greater satisfaction in their current role. This approach will benefit the employee and have positive implications for the business, as they will be more motivated and productive. - Kristin Kimberly Marquet, Marquet Media, LLC

4. Check In Frequently

Having a conversation is the best first step; however, the important piece is when this conversation occurs. If the dissatisfaction in their work has gone undetected for a year, then chances are a conversation may not fix the issue. To combat this, I check in with my team quarterly with pointed questions about their workload, their satisfaction in their work and their wants and goals. This helps catch any negative feelings early on, which can typically be resolved with simpler solutions. - Leila Lewis, Be Inspired PR

5. Announce A New Leave Policy

Sometimes, taking a short break from work solves a lot of problems for you; however, most employees are reluctant to ask for leaves. There can be multiple reasons for it, but the one that stands out among them all is that employees don't want their employers to doubt their commitment or dedication to work. So, if you really want to lift up the morale at the workplace and increase employee satisfaction, try announcing a leave policy with no cap. Tell your employees that they are allowed to take as many leaves as they want as long as they're keeping up with the assigned deliverables and helping the company to keep the needle moving. The sense of liberation this kind of policy brings is truly revolutionary and would help you achieve desired employee satisfaction levels in no time. - Stephanie Wells, Formidable Forms

6. Take Their 'Dislikes' Off Their Plate

It's important to get to know your employees and what motivates them in general. Ask them questions about what they think an ideal workplace or role would be. There is an Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) tool that helps you identify what you love to do, what you like to do, what you don’t like to do but that is important to the company and what you just absolutely hate to do. Ideally, you talk to the employee and find out all the things they love to do and have them do more of those things. Anything on their “dislike” or “hate” list, try to delegate to someone at a lower level, automate it or eventually try to get these tasks off the person's plate. Once you find out what motivates them and what keeps them happy in their day-to-day role, it should be easy to keep them retained. - Jennifer A Barnes, Optima Office, Inc.

7. Show You Care About Their Happiness

I start by having an open and honest conversation with them and asking what they are looking for in their role and what kind of work they find most fulfilling and satisfying. This will help me better understand what they need to feel purposeful and motivated in their job. This kind of open dialogue will not only provide the employee with an opportunity to express themselves, but it will also show them that I care about their happiness and well-being. It also allows me to provide the necessary resources, guidance and support to help them feel more fulfilled and satisfied in their work. This could lead to improved morale and productivity, which would benefit the employee and the organization as a whole. - Rachel Beider, PRESS Modern Massage

Is Your Business Legally Protected?

Let’s be honest, there’s often some things that slip through the cracks when we are setting up our small business. The legal stuff can seem scary and overwhelming. Hiring a law firm is always the best way to go, but it might now always be in your budget. Using random internet templates can be pretty sketch. So what’s a girl to do?

That’s where companies like Law is Fun come in. Law is Fun understands the struggles faced by small business owners and provides a user-friendly platform that makes legal processes accessible and enjoyable. Their team of experienced lawyers has crafted a collection of freebie content, including articles, guides, and FAQs, designed to demystify legal jargon and educate entrepreneurs on common legal issues. These resources can be incredibly helpful, especially for those who are just starting out and are unfamiliar with legal terminology.

Moreover, Law is Fun offers affordable bundles that allow you to obtain the necessary legal documents specific to your situation. By selecting the bundle that best suits your needs, you can rest assured that you're getting the essential legal protection without breaking the bank. Whether you require a partnership agreement, terms of service, or a privacy policy, Law is Fun has you covered.

In addition to their comprehensive legal solutions, Law is Fun also offers a vibrant community where entrepreneurs can connect, share experiences, and seek advice from fellow business owners. This community aspect creates a supportive environment that fosters collaboration and empowers entrepreneurs to navigate legal challenges with confidence.

With Law is Fun, small business owners no longer have to choose between expensive law firms or unreliable internet templates. They can access high-quality legal content, customize their documents, and connect with a community of like-minded individuals, all in one convenient platform. So, if you're a girl (or anyone!) looking for a cost-effective and enjoyable way to handle legal matters for your small business, Law is Fun is the perfect solution.

The information in this article is meant for entertainment and informational purposes only. I am not a lawyer and this is not legal advice. Please contact a local lawyer for all legal questions.

11 Effective Strategies For Reigniting Motivation In The Workplace

See Rachel Beider’s Latest Advice in Forbes on how to Reignite Motivation in the Workplace: hint - it involves an awful lot of gratitude!

11 Effective Strategies For Reigniting Motivation In The Workplace

1. Talk It Out

My very first instinct is to sit down and talk it out! There are many facets of life that could make an employee lose motivation. I feel that, first and foremost, you need to have a meeting with the employee to find out what’s on their mind via open conversation. As a leader, I ensure that my employees feel comfortable enough to openly express their needs to me. We then discuss the issue and resolutions. - Racquelle Pakutz, Zen Freight Solutions Inc.

2. Listen To Your Employees

Ask your employees what they need, and listen. We recently moved to a four-day workweek, and that decision was the direct result of our employees bringing up the idea. It has already made a huge difference in morale and motivation. We feel closer as a team, and we’re all helping each other succeed so we can take that extra day off each week and rest up properly. - Nathalie Lussier, AccessAlly

3. Provide Both Positive And Negative Feedback

When employees are motivated, they are more likely to be productive and take ownership of their work. One way you can help get your employees back on track is by providing feedback on their work, both positive and negative. Let them know what they did well and what they need to improve upon. Leaders should also encourage team members to push themselves outside their comfort zones to develop new skills. - Kristin Kimberly Marquet, Marquet Media, LLC

4. Reconnect Employees To The ‘Why’

Employees want to feel that their work serves a greater purpose. It’s not just about money; it’s about feeling fulfilled. Refocus on the company vision and help them reconnect with the “why” behind their work. Share with them why what they do matters. People get bored easily in a job that simply pays the bills, but they rally behind a purpose and are motivated by a meaningful career. - Alexis Austin, Right Law Group

5. Appreciate And Recognize Employees

Recognition and appreciation are so important. It’s important to recognize and appreciate the efforts your team puts in and to make sure they know that their efforts are valued. Doing this has helped me to foster a sense of loyalty and commitment among my team members and has helped to reignite their enthusiasm and drive. - Rachel Beider, PRESS Modern Massage

6. Create New Goals

If it feels like your company morale is getting stale, take time to create a new, attainable goal for your company. Maybe it’s breaking a new sales record or reaching a new following on social. Create clear deliverables for every team in your business so they can work together to reach the laid-out goal and feel the impact of their work. Don’t forget to throw a pizza party to celebrate! - Kaitleen Shee, GROW

7. Work To Discover The Reason(s) Behind The Issue

Low morale in the workplace isn’t always a byproduct of a toxic office environment. Sometimes it can be due to other reasons, such as micromanagement, a lack of targets or a poor work-life balance. Reduce micromanagement, trust your employees and give them the freedom to work and perform. Set clear and achievable targets to motivate employees. Offer hybrid work options to aid in improving work-life balance. - Candice Georgiadis, Digital Day

8. Have Hard Conversations

Employees want a job that pays them fairly and in which they have autonomy (like the people they work with and for). They also want to have room for personal and/or professional growth. Low morale is likely tied to one of those issues, so address the elephant in the room with a team meeting or retreat and encourage transparent, meaningful dialogue from the employees who are experiencing it. - Givelle Lamano, Oakland DUI Attorneys

9. Host One-On-Ones

Having a one-on-one meeting with each of your employees is a great way to boost their motivation and help them get back on track. There can be many issues that affect performance or have a negative impact on morale. Talking things out with your team members will help you to get a clear picture of what’s causing the problem and to come up with viable solutions. - Stephanie Wells, Formidable Forms

10. Align Goals To The Mission

Increasing morale is critical to developing a strong team. Aligning our team with the company mission helps us increase morale. Extra coaching meetings to support areas where an employee needs additional help can boost morale as well as build a relationship. As the company leader, it’s important for me to tie back what our team is doing and why with our mission and values, which are emphasized. - Libby Rothschild, Dietitian Boss

11. Provide Tailored Skill Development And Growth Programs

Low motivation often results from facing continued difficulties that cause poor performance and dissatisfaction. High-performing employees who excel at their jobs feel naturally motivated. Accordingly, I have found that an effective step to rekindle employee motivation is to empower them through skill development and growth programs that are in line with their expertise and aspirations. - Kelly Richardson, Infobrandz

Read the Full article on Forbes, HERE

Summer Self-Care Bucket List

We loved this article in Reset Ritual about creating a self-care plan for the summer. The original article is found here on Reset Ritual

Whether you’re traveling or staying home this summer, the season is ripe for rejuvenation, growth and adventure, which makes it the perfect season to revisit your self-care plan. After all, self-care isn’t face masks, baths and mani-pedis, it’s about tending to your emotional, mental and physical wellbeing. Enter: the summer self-care bucket list.

How to Make Time for Your Self Care Plan

Do you ever feel pressured to do everything under the sun come summer time? (I’m just going to leave that pun right there.) The season begs to be savored slowly, yet summer calendars and to-do lists fill up pretty fast. If you tend to find yourself donning sweaters and sweeping autumn leaves while wondering where the summer went, it may be time to add some intentional self-care to your summer agenda.

But how to find the time? Try blocking off time in your calendar and then finding people in your life who can help hold that space for you. Maybe it’s a partner who watches the kids or a co-worker who’ll cover your duties or a neighbor who can run a few errands for you. People want to help; don’t be afraid to ask for it.

Self Care Bucket List for Summer

Ready to add some relaxation, mindfulness and inspired energy to your summer bucket list? These summer self-care ideas will help you slow down, be present and fully enjoy the season.

Try forest bathing | Take a mindful walk in nature and closely notice your surroundings with all of your senses.

Recreate your favorite vacation vibes at home | Make a local dish, light a candle with a scent that reminds you of your destination, plan a few similar activities.

Stargaze in silence | There’s nothing like watching the stars on a clear night to remind you of how small your problems are.

Meditate by a campfire | The crackle of the wood, the flicker of the flames, the scent wafting in the breeze, what a great meditative moment.

Enjoy a rainy day with a book | Savor the opportunity to have some downtime inside with a good book and a window seat.

Be a tourist in your own town | You don’t have to travel to bring adventure into your life. Visit a new place in your hometown.

Related: 8 Ways to Make Your Daily Routine Feel More Like a Vacation

Make something with your hands | Do something crafty that you’ve never tried before. Go to a local class or watch a tutorial on YouTube.

Try a new-to-you cuisine | Experience an international cuisine by going to a restaurant you’ve never tried or cooking an authentic dish at home.

Plan a trip | Travel fuels personal growth, self-discovery and adventure…it’s the ultimate self-care.

Related: 5 Steps to Achieving Your Travel Goals

Watch the sunrise | Sunsets are lovely and all, but the energy that comes from watching the sunrise is a powerful boost of energy for your whole day.

Have a dance party (alone or with friends) | Make a playlist of your favorite party tunes and dance it out. Dancing is good for the soul and the body.

Declutter your space | Why leave spring cleaning to spring. Every season is a chance to take stock of your stuff and re-energize your space.

Related: Self Care Retreat Essentials to Turn Any Space into a Sanctuary

Try a new fruit | When better than summer to experience a new fruity flavor? Try looking for an exotic tropical fruit.

Create a journaling routine | Journaling is a powerful way to set intentions, cultivate gratitude and find some mindfulness in your day.

Curate an inspiring podcast playlist | Find a couple of self-development or wellbeing-focused podcasts to motivate you all summer long.

Related: My favorite resources, included podcasts, playlists, books, and more.

Have a mid-year goals check-in | Remember those intentions you set at the beginning of the year? Summer’s a great time to take stock.

Read a personal development book | Feeling stuck in an area of your life? Dive into a book to help you overcome it.

Related: 9 Books for Self-Discovery

Read a fiction book | On the flip side, reading a great piece of fiction is the perfect escape without going anywhere.

Do a digital detox | Carve out a set period of time when you’ll stop the scroll and refocus on real life and the people who matter.

Green your beauty routine (self-care for you and the planet) | One of the easiest things you can do to care for your body and the earth.

Learn to garden or tend to indoor plants | Get your hands in some dirt and watch a plant grow— such a fulfilling item to add to your self-care list.

Take one small step toward a lifelong dream | What’s been holding you back from pursuing a passion or dream? Commit to taking one small action that will bring you closer. Repeat.

Have a picnic | Get outside with a good meal, a good book and some good company (yourself counts as good company).

Go on one-on-one friend dates | Spend some time connecting on a deeper level than when you hang out in a group.

Shop at the farmers market | ‘Tis the season to feast on fresh, local produce and support farmers near you.

Swim in the ocean or a lake | Maybe skinny dipping is in order? Clothed or not, embrace your inner child and splash around a bit.

Take a road trip | Roll down the window, turn on the tunes and hit the open road. Destination, optional.

Volunteer for a cause | Donate your time to a local cause you love because giving back is the best way to give to ourselves.

Integrate a few of these summer self-care bucket list ideas into your routine and you’re bound to feel more rested, rejuvenated and inspired come autumn. How about you? What’s your summer self-care plan?

The original article is found here on Reset Ritual

Rachel Beider in Forbes: 12 Smart Strategies For Navigating The Challenges Entrepreneurs Face

1. Connect With Aspiring Entrepreneurs Online

You’re not the only one constantly facing rejection while trying to make it there. There are many others like you who are striving to achieve their goals. And sometimes, all you need is a little push from positive people around you to make it through. So, interacting with like-minded people who walk the same path and sharing your experiences can help. - Stephanie Wells, Formidable Forms

2. Learn From Rejection

If you look at any of the wealthiest business owners in the world, they all faced rejection, adversity and doubts throughout their careers. Despite these setbacks, they still managed to find success. The lesson here is that you can’t avoid rejection. The best thing you can do is accept feedback (both negative and positive!) and work toward understanding the difference between fair criticism and noise. - Daman Jeet Singh, FunnelKit

3. Let Adversity Motivate You Internally

I found a mentor who recommended books that fired my dreams and helped me understand internal motivation. When you are open to adversity and rejection as means of motivation, you can be internally motivated to succeed. External motivation increases negative emotions that arise from rejection. When you are internally motivated, you feel worthy and are better equipped to handle perceived rejection. - Matthew Capala, Alphametic

4. Take Care Of Yourself

Running a business can be stressful and demanding, so it’s important to take care of yourself physically, mentally and emotionally. Make time for exercise, relaxation and hobbies that bring you joy. Find hobbies and experiences that alleviate stress and increase joy. By taking care of yourself, you’ll be better equipped to handle the challenges of entrepreneurship. - Eddie Lou, CodaPet

5. Surround Yourself With The Right People

Make sure you keep your circle small and made up of individuals who are making plans, making moves and pursuing a growth mindset. It’s also important to seek out a mentor. Find someone who understands your industry really well or has been a part of it for years. Their experiences, failures, successes and insights will prove to be invaluable on your journey. - Blair Thomas, eMerchantBroker

6. Keep Your Opportunity Pipeline Full

Failure, rejection and adversity represent the cost of entry when starting and running a business. It’s critically important to stay focused on the activity that keeps your opportunity pipeline full. A full pipeline of revenue opportunities makes rejection and failure a whole lot easier while at the same time strengthening the mental muscle required to be able to perform at the highest level. - Drew Gurley, Redbird Advisors

7. Find A Mentor

If you want to succeed, find a mentor. Right now, a business owner can face a lot of rejection, adversity and doubts on their journey. There are many lessons to be learned from a mentor when going through these challenging times. - Kristin Kimberly Marquet, Marquet Media, LLC

8. Ask For Help And Support

Remember what got you started and look at the big picture to rekindle your passion. Talk to other experienced entrepreneurs who have been in your shoes to find innovative solutions to your challenges. Conversing with knowledgeable and experienced people always helped me when I felt down and out during my business’s growth stage, and there’s no shame in asking for a little help where you need it! - Vikas Agrawal, Infobrandz

9. Look For The Lesson In Failure

First of all, you have to acknowledge that you’re going to feel some kind of disappointment when faced with rejection or failure. No one starts a business or launches a product intending to fail. However, I find that the most important thing in such cases is to look for the lesson. There’s always something to be learned that I can apply to my next effort, whether it’s in the product or the messaging. - Kalin Kassabov, ProTexting

10. Stay Focused On Your ‘Why’

Stay focused on your goals and the “why” behind your business. Remind yourself of why you started your business in the first place and keep that motivation alive. Remember that you have the power to take charge of your own destiny and make it happen. Surround yourself with people who will support and encourage you, and don’t forget to practice self-care. - Rachel Beider, PRESS Modern Massage

11. Cherish Small Victories

Starting my first business, I faced countless rejections for over a year and was barely generating enough revenue to get by. Doubts crept in as I heard “no” echoed repeatedly, and I began to question everything. Yet, it was the rare “yes” that fueled my perseverance. Remember to cherish small victories and amplify the strategies that secure them, paving the way for substantial success. - Frank B. Mengert, ebm

12. Focus On Your Customers

Block out the noise and focus on your customers. If you are delivering a product or service that the market has a real need for, you’ll have some early-adopter customers. Leverage them, pay special attention to them and continue to provide value to them. If you can grow your customer set, you are on your way to having a successful business. Nothing else really matters. - David Boehl, TravelSite.io

Full article here

Today in Forbes: Becoming a More Engaging Public Speaker

Whether you are delivering a keynote speech, presenting a sales pitch or just leading a team meeting, effective communication is key to getting your message across and inspiring action. As a business leader, your ability to communicate effectively can make or break your career, as being an engaging speaker is not only essential for motivating your employees but also for pitching your ideas to potential investors, clients or partners.

Below, the members of Young Entrepreneur Council recommend nine tips that can help you improve your public speaking skills and reap the benefits of becoming an engaging speaker.

1. Speak Out Of Love, Not Fear

As a "recovering introvert," I used the "love, not fear" mantra to switch my fear of public speaking into something I love because I realized it was a way I could provide more value to people's lives. When you speak to an audience driven by love and the desire to serve them, it shows, and they can feel it no matter how skilled you are at public speaking. - David Henzel, TaskDrive

2. Hire A Speaking Coach

This might sound like a simple solution for a complex skill to master, but coaches have exercises and techniques for speaking that make an impact. Another advantage of retaining a speaking coach is the personalized attention to your particular speaking challenges. Building this skill has been one of my tools for building my brand as an entrepreneur, and it has led to great opportunities. - Matthew Capala, Alphametic

3. Join A Club

The best tip is to join a club that helps people build speaking skills. Many local nonprofit organizations provide public speaking opportunities and teach effective communication skills. Joining one of these clubs will give you the opportunity to learn from more experienced speakers, practice your message and receive feedback. Plus, they'll help you build confidence in yourself and your message. - Blair Williams, MemberPress

4. Make Use Of Strategic Pauses

One tip for becoming an engaging speaker is to use strategic pauses in your speech. Pausing allows you to create emphasis, control the pace and give your audience sufficient time to absorb information. This, in turn, helps maintain listener interest, improves understandability and projects confidence in your delivery. - Vikas Agrawal, Infobrandz

5. Rehearse Your Presentation

My tip for becoming an engaging speaker is to practice, practice, practice! Preparation is key to becoming a confident and effective speaker. By rehearsing your presentation and getting comfortable with the material, you'll be able to better connect with your audience and deliver a compelling message. - Rachel Beider, PRESS Modern Massage

6. Be Truthful And Authentic

Don't fake it—say it as it is. Try not to fabricate information when motivating employees, pitching a solution or engaging your audience because it's a recipe for disaster. You might get away with it at first and intrigue your listeners. But when the truth unfolds, it'll shatter your reputation for good. So, be authentic and truthful to ensure lasting relationships with your audience. - Stephanie Wells, Formidable Forms

7. Watch The Way Others Speak

Watch other great speakers over and over again on YouTube. You'll start to subconsciously pick up the way they speak, including their tone of voice and the way they use nonverbal communication. If you'd like, it's good to get in the zone by watching a great speech before you give yours. - Andy Karuza, NachoNacho

8. Prioritize The Message Over The Words

Getting organized and “knowing your stuff” makes it much easier to be an engaging speaker. Rather than trying to memorize pitches or motivational words, knowing the general theme of what you want to say gives you more confidence when you’re speaking. Instead of focusing on the perfect words or phrasing, it’s better to prioritize the message and key points to resonate with your audience. - Ian Blair, BuildFire

9. Know Your Audience

Research your audience to understand their interests, needs and expectations. This will help you tailor your message and delivery style to resonate with them. For example, if you're speaking to an investor, you may want to focus on growth strategies and financial metrics, whereas if you're speaking to employees, you may want to focus on company culture and mission. - Eddie Lou, CodaPet

Full article posted HERE in Forbes

Rachel Beider in Forbes: "Training A New Employee? Nine Key Lessons On How To Do It Right"

When it comes to training employees, there’s no one way to do it right—but there are a few ways you might be doing it wrong. Using outdated materials or failing to check in enough may not be intentional blunders, but they could prevent your employee from succeeding as quickly as you’d like them to in their role.

1. Leverage Updated SOPs

Use and refresh your standard operating procedure documents (SOPs). The easiest way to stay consistent with your onboarding and training processes is with thorough documentation that your new hires (and their managers) can follow. This minimizes the risk of deviation from what's needed for that particular role and allows the new employee to learn at their own pace. Additionally, it provides confirmation and reinforcement in case anyone forgets. - Firas Kittaneh, Amerisleep Mattress

2. Put Yourself In Their Shoes

Think back to your training experiences as a more junior employee in your industry, or even way back to your days working in really thankless jobs in high school or college. You almost certainly had bad training experiences (or just bad managers in general). Get back there, if you can, and learn from your ex-bosses' mistakes. On a related note, don't try to hit a home run the first time out. Teaching is a skill that anyone can learn, but it takes time and failure to get it right. - Andrew Schrage, Money Crashers Personal Finance

3. Be Patient And Understanding

When it comes to training new employees, one of the most important lessons I've learned is to be patient and understanding. Every person learns differently and at their own pace, so it's crucial to tailor your training approach to their individual needs. I would recommend breaking down the training into manageable chunks and providing hands-on experience whenever possible. This helps the employee to better understand the material and feel more comfortable in their new role. - Rachel Beider, PRESS Modern Massage

4. Pair The New Hire With An Experienced Employee

In the hustle and bustle of running a business, it’s easy for managers and owners to assume that new employees have caught on to processes and operations faster than they really have. You explain it once, maybe twice, and then get back to business—but a lot of information has fallen through the cracks. This can lead to frustration on your part and other team members’ when the new employee makes mistakes you thought were covered. It also leads to frustration for the new employee who is genuinely trying to do their best but wasn’t given enough information and tools at the start. The best way around this is to pair them with a more experienced team member whom they can watch and ask questions. Give them the tools, resources and the time it takes to be productive and a valuable member of the team. - Blair Thomas, eMerchantBroker

5. Create A Clear, Concise Outline Of Tasks

Being extremely meticulous in outlining what tasks they’re going to be delegated before they’ve started not only helps the new hire, but it also helps other team members understand what role they’re going to be fulfilling in a clearer capacity. Level-setting coupled with transparency is also very important in building a clear communication channel with the employee. - Jordan Edelson, Appetizer Mobile LLC

6. Give Them The Context Behind Their Work

One of the biggest lessons I've learned when it comes to training new employees is to make sure that they understand not just what to do but why it is important. For this purpose, you need to give them context and explain the company's values and how their role fits into the company's overall mission. Moreover, you must be supportive and patient and make sure they understand how every task in their job contributes to the success of the entire business. Remember that investing in your employees' success will surely pay off with a team that is motivated and committed to ensuring the success of your business. - Kelly Richardson, Infobrandz

7. Utilize Training For Relationship-Building Too

After years of training new employees, one lesson I have learned about how to do it right is that you need to utilize this time not only to train them but also to build a relationship of trust and mutual understanding. Create an environment for them in which they can come to you with their thoughts, queries and doubts without fear of being judged or criticized. Offer them the resources to learn and grow and set realistic goals. This will help them grow into a solid team member in the long run. - Josh Kohlbach, Wholesale Suite

8. Communicate (Even If You Think It's Too Much)

One lesson I've learned over the years is that you can never communicate too much when onboarding a new team member. So, when training an employee for the first time, my advice would be to prioritize clear communication, be patient and give frequent feedback. Start by setting clear expectations and goals for the new employee, and provide them with the necessary resources and training to achieve those goals. Throughout the training process, be supportive and provide constructive feedback to help them learn and improve. Also encourage them to ask questions. The more questions they ask, the faster they will pick up all the internal processes. - Solomon Thimothy, OneIMS

9. Remember To Be Human

You can talk all you want about expectations and road maps, but really, you just need to be nice. Be human and not give automated responses. Sure, you should have a checklist of things to go over and hit, but don't be robotic about the training. Have fun with the training. Get to know the person you are going to be spending 30 to 40 hours a week with. See if you think they will be a good fit for your company long term. What do they like to do? Can they adapt? Do they have career goals? Overall, a road map and expectations are helpful, but be nice and have fun with the training. - Peter Boyd, PaperStreet Web Design

Original post here in Forbes

Eight Ways Companies Can Adopt More Eco-Friendly Practices: Rachel Beider's latest advice in Forbes

1. Start Thinking Cyclically

Companies can think cyclically as opposed to linearly when it comes to their own production processes. A manufacturing company can take an honest look at the waste created in their production and think of ways to minimize or reuse that waste. If done effectively, the company can increase productivity while saving money. Given the increased consumer education in sustainability and its importance to our planet moving forward, as long as efforts are genuine and consistent, a company pursuing sustainable goals will create strong bonds with employees, customers and the surrounding community. - Charles Bogoian, Kenai Sports

2. Go Fully Digital

If we start paying attention, we will notice that companies are still doing a lot of printing, even today during the digital era. However, that's not at all needed. Going fully digital is a win-win solution for both the planet and the company, as fully digital processes contribute to better organization, more transparency, faster transactions and better work while contributing to reducing a highly consumed product for which a great amount of natural resources is being extracted each year. Even if you use recyclable paper, you will have a higher impact when going fully digital. - Riccardo Conte, Virtus Flow

3. Identify A Greener Main Offering

Every business is different, so identify ways to go green within your operations. For example, in the junk removal industry, we're able to donate and recycle items as opposed to dropping them off at the dump. We're also able to go paperless and have everything signed in an app. If your business model has to do with driving around (e.g., pizza delivery), consider investing in electric vehicles. If you're selling physical products, use recycled packing material. If you're a real estate agent, gift your clients with a plant for their new home so that every home sold allows you to plant a new tree. Find the sole offering of your business and turn that thing green. Not only is it great for the environment, but it's also a marketing benefit! - Nick Friedman, College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving

4. Get Your Supply Chain Partners On Board

Companies need to be willing to invest in new technologies and processes and work closely with their supply chain partners to ensure that sustainability is a shared priority. You should carefully evaluate your supply chain partners and select those who prioritize sustainability in their operations, such as using renewable energy, minimizing waste and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Ultimately, the benefits of adopting more eco-friendly business practices can have a positive impact on a company's success, both in terms of financial performance and brand reputation. - Rachel Beider, PRESS Modern Massage

5. Implement A Takeback Program

Companies can reduce their carbon footprint and improve their eco-friendly practices by starting a takeback program. This allows customers to return used products to the company instead of throwing them away, which can help to conserve raw materials and reduce environmental damage. This will also help companies improve their reputation and attract environmentally conscious customers. Moreover, the company may offer incentives for customers to increase their participation and brand loyalty, ultimately leading to increased sales and customer satisfaction. As a result, a takeback program will have a positive impact on the environment, offer incentives to the customers and also help the company achieve success. Everybody wins! - Vikas Agrawal, Infobrandz

6. Switch To Renewable Energy

More and more people are becoming increasingly aware of sustainability and are choosing to buy from brands that are eco-friendly and contribute positively toward shaping the environment. For businesses that still haven’t adopted sustainable processes, this means taking a step back and measuring your company's carbon footprint. Then, the next likely recommended switch is to switch to using renewable energy to run the company. If your current provider doesn’t offer renewable energy, then it may be time to consider choosing a new provider who can guarantee that their power comes only from renewable sources. Think creatively and find areas of your business—office supplies, processes and packaging—where you can reduce, reuse and recycle. - Candice Georgiadis, Digital Day

7. Go Fully Remote

Move to—or return to—a default remote work situation for all employees who don't need to be on site. Remote work has advocates and detractors, but few would argue with the premise that it's better for the environment. After all, depending on where you live, even electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in EVs draw power from a "dirty" grid, and even public transportation is not zero-carbon in the vast majority of cases. So the less you ask your people to move around on weekdays, the smaller your carbon footprint should be, all else being equal. - Andrew Schrage, Money Crashers Personal Finance

8. Partner With Eco-Friendly Nonprofits

I find that a good way to start being more eco-friendly is to work with nonprofit organizations that are dedicated to promoting sustainability. Companies can partner with these organizations to learn more about the best practices for reducing their carbon footprint and adopting sustainable business practices. In many cases, such nonprofits can find alternative supply materials, products and services that are better for the environment. One positive impact is that a company can leverage the reputation of the nonprofit by partnering with them. But you'll also find it faster to implement eco-friendly solutions and practices with the help of a partner. This, in turn, has a positive effect on the customer experience. - Blair Williams, MemberPress

Article published in Forbes, HERE

Rachel Beider in Forbes: Eight Ways Brick-And-Mortar Stores Can Create The Ultimate Personalized Experience

While personalization may be easier to accomplish in the e-commerce space, that doesn’t mean brick-and-mortar stores are out of luck when it comes to personalizing the customer experience. With face-to-face interactions acting as a strong advantage, brick-and-mortar retail stores can create unique, custom experiences tailored to individual customers’ needs.

To do so, however, they’ll want to follow the recommendations made by the members of Young Entrepreneur Council. Below, they share eight ways brick-and-mortar stores can offer customized, personalized experiences to their customers and how doing so can help separate them from their competition.

1. Lean Into The Technology

One way brick-and-mortar stores can offer customized, personalized experiences to their customers is by leveraging technology such as mobile apps or in-store beacons that can track a customer's location and purchase history, which would allow them to offer personalized recommendations and promotions. By offering these personalized experiences, brick-and-mortar stores can differentiate themselves from their competition and provide a unique value proposition to their customers. Personalization creates a more engaging and memorable shopping experience that can lead to increased loyalty and repeat business. It also allows brick-and-mortar stores to compete more effectively with online retailers, who often have an advantage in terms of convenience and product selection. - Andrew Saladino, Kitchen Cabinet Kings

PROMOTED

2. Engage With Customers At The Door

Brick-and-mortar-business owners can add a layer of personalization to their company by training team members to stop and talk to customers as they walk in the door. If your team can spark a conversation and build rapport with potential customers, they can help them find the product or service that matches their needs. - John Turner, SeedProd LLC

3. Identify Customers' Needs And Cater To Them

The first step is to identify who your core customers are and then cater to that audience. A dance studio I go to is an all-women space, and they offer child care during the hour of dance class for mothers who need it. In our law firm, our clients are facing criminal charges, so we set up our office like a spa where you enter and automatically feel at ease. We have a Buddha water fountain that makes you feel like you're in a temple, plants to make you feel like you're in nature and a diffuser that mists eucalyptus and lavender essential oils for a calming ambience. Rather than find a library of books that feels corporate, we make it feel like a lounge and offer a menu of beverages and snacks while you wait. Know who your audience is and then cater to what that audience needs. - Givelle Lamano, Lamano Law Office

4. Implement A Digital Rewards Program

One way for brick-and-mortar stores to offer customers more personal and custom-tailored experiences is by emulating online strategies. You can still create a digital rewards program even if you're not selling online. Something as simple as a digital punch card or program that rewards spending will encourage customers to shop more frequently and spend more money each time they visit. If a customer is deciding whether to buy from one of two stores, they’ll be more likely to buy from the store that rewards them for their loyalty. - Ian Blair, BuildFire

5. Add More Value To The Buyer's Journey

One of the best ways to offer a more personalized brick-and-mortar experience is to start with your team. Teach them how to involve your customers in the buying process to create a more personalized experience. This starts with engagement. Get your whole team the experience, knowledge and tools they need to confidently interact with customers. Train them and show them how to cross-sell and upsell your products to add more value to the buyer’s journey. This also gives your team members the opportunity to provide tips, tricks and offers—a much more personalized experience overall. - Blair Thomas, eMerchantBroker

Skip in 2s

6. Offer Customized Products And In-Store Trials

Brick-and-mortar stores can offer customized and personalized experiences to their customers by allowing product customization and in-store trials. By enabling interested customers to personalize their purchases or try products before making a purchase, retailers can create a more immersive and engaging shopping experience that sets them apart from traditional competitors. For example, instead of just having a customer select a standard size and style, a shoe store can customize the color and material and even add personal touches like the customer's initials. The customer can then try on the shoes in the store and have adjustments made to ensure a perfect fit. Such a high level of personalization and engagement ultimately raises customer satisfaction and loyalty, resulting in increased sales and revenue. - Vikas Agrawal, Infobrandz

7. Promote In-Store Experiences That Can't Be Replicated Online

One way to offer personalized experiences is by training sales associates to provide exceptional customer service. By taking the time to get to know their customers and their needs, sales associates can offer personalized recommendations based on their individual interests and preferences. This can help to build trust and loyalty among customers, who will appreciate the extra attention and care. Stores can also offer unique in-store experiences that cannot be replicated online. For example, events like workshops, product demos or tastings can create a sense of community and engagement. By offering these experiences, brick-and-mortar stores can differentiate themselves from their competition and create a loyal customer base that values the personalized touch. - Rachel Beider, PRESS Modern Massage

8. Create A Full Sensory Experience

Unlike online markets, brick-and-mortar stores can engage all the customer's senses. They can appeal to their audience's sense of sound, touch, smell and taste. Such a multisensory experience offers a personalized "shoppers high" that can lead to increased in-store spending. That emotional and memorable interaction creates a more loyal connection to the brand, which increases the likelihood that the customer will return. Specific tips include: 1. making sure the store "looks'' inviting and eye-catching, 2. using a signature scent that consumers can connect to your brand, 3. offering free samples or small refreshments, 4. including displays customers can easily touch and 5. thinking about what music goes along well with your brand. - Shu Saito, SpiroPure

Original post seen HERE in Forbes

Forbes Expert Panel: Nine Ways These Entrepreneurs Work On Their Weaknesses (And How You Can Too)

Everyone has a blend of strengths and weaknesses; fortunately, with work, it’s possible to improve both the strong and the weak points. To be an entrepreneur and an effective leader, it’s important to recognize areas where you may need help or improvement and to actively work on those areas so that you—and your business—can continue to grow.

But determining how to improve oneself isn’t always easy, so to help, nine members of Young Entrepreneur Council discuss some of the ways in which they actively work on their weaknesses in order to grow as leaders and business owners.

1. By Seeking Out Opportunities To Practice

I struggled with public speaking and presenting in front of a large audience. I knew that if I wanted to grow as a leader I'd have to work on this weakness and improve my public speaking skills. To work on this, I sought feedback from my team and I worked with a coach. I made efforts to improve my public speaking skills by practicing daily in front of the mirror. I actively looked for opportunities to speak in front of a small crowd. This helped me get more comfortable with public speaking. A good leader should always demonstrate self-awareness and a growth mindset. Just by acknowledging your weakness you can become a better leader for your business. - Benjamin Rojas, All in One SEO

2. By Embracing New Experiences

Stepping outside our comfort zones is essential for growth and development, not just as leaders but as individuals. I believe that embracing new experiences and continuously pushing ourselves to try new things can help us build on our strengths while improving our weaknesses. One practical example of this in my life is my recent decision to incorporate exercise into my daily routine, despite my initial hesitation and lack of prior experience in sports. I recognize the vital role physical activity plays in maintaining both physical and mental well-being, and I am eager to see how this small step toward embracing new challenges can positively impact my overall growth and leadership abilities. - Miles Jennings, Recruiter.com

3. By Recognizing My Limitations

My biggest weakness is that I overextend myself and rarely say “no” when someone asks me to do something. To combat this, I've been working on ways to get better at delegating my tasks and day-to-day responsibilities. Because I’m a leader, it's important to recognize my limitations and trust others to help carry some of the workload. By delegating tasks, I can free up time and energy to focus on what's truly important and lead my team effectively. Not everything that I do needs my immediate attention, and I have to trust that other people can help me. I constantly remind myself to be patient and to celebrate my progress along the way. - Andrew Saladino, Kitchen Cabinet Kings

4. By Surrounding Myself With Those I Admire

I surround myself with peers whom I admire. No matter what field you’re in, it can be so easy to get jealous of your peers’ accomplishments. "They got a promotion after being at a job for less time than me? Where’s my promotion?" or "They have a new office? Should I get a new office?" There comes a point where you have to say goodbye to the id and recognize that your peers have a lot to teach you. If they’re killing the game, learn from it. One of my favorite ways I’ve incorporated this into my life has been by starting a content creation channel with my sister. I trust her completely to tell me when my content isn’t hitting its mark or when something needs improvement. Having that honest feedback from someone I admire has been a huge factor in my growth. - Isabelle Shee, GROW

5. By Taking My Education Into My Own Hands

I started exploring search engine optimization in 2013 as part of growing our business. At the time, I had no idea how SEO worked, despite having some knowledge about search algorithms as a software engineer. However, I was determined to learn and improve in this area. I started by reading books, watching numerous Google office-hours videos and experimenting with different methods. Through a continuous learning process, my team and I mastered SEO, and we continue to engage in continuous learning today to stay up to date with the constant changes of search engines. This experience highlights the importance of continuous learning in addressing weaknesses and growing as a leader, especially in areas where formal education may not be readily available. - Kazi Mamun, CANSOFT

6. By Leveraging Self-Accountability Check-Ins

I use self-accountability check-ins to actively work on myself. I ask myself—and my team—the following questions: "What am I tolerating?" As in, what am I tolerating from myself, my clients, my team, my career? The next question is "What am I avoiding?" Is there anything I'm scared of, or that keeps me up at night or that I'm dreading? I find that when you tolerate things, it breeds resentment and poor boundaries. When you avoid something, it typically means you need additional support in that area. These self-accountability check-ins are massively valuable. - Rachel Beider, PRESS Modern Massage

7. By Asking For Feedback

We all have a blend of strengths and weaknesses; what matters is our pursuit of continued growth. One way I actively work on my weaknesses is by asking people close to me what leadership elements I could improve on. As humans, we rarely accurately assess our strengths and weaknesses, and I’ve found it incredibly useful and humbling to hear what I could do better from the people I trust. Of course, the most important thing is to implement what you have learned in a meaningful way. It’s one thing to know what to improve, and it’s another to put it into actionable steps. For example, if you struggle with delegating responsibility, you may find it helpful to use the Delegate and Elevate tool by EOS Worldwide. I am constantly reading books and using resources like this to grow as a leader. - Ryan Meghdies, Tastic Marketing Inc.

8. By Learning From Others

One effective way I work on my weaknesses is by learning from others who have achieved success in leadership and trying to incorporate a similar approach. This never-ending process brings forth my weaknesses and provides me with a guide on how to overcome them. I found that the key to improvement is to keep building a better version of yourself by learning from successful people without complacence. You cannot be perfect, but you can always improve and achieve better results in life. - Kelly Richardson, Infobrandz

9. By Having Advisors To Lean On

As a leader, it's so important to have advisors and mentors to lean on. I've found that this is the only way to continually get feedback on your strengths and weaknesses on a regular basis. Beyond building your advisory board, it's important to schedule regular check-ins so that both your advisors and you can develop a cadence of accountability. Without experienced people in your corner constantly giving you feedback, there's no way to learn and grow as a leader. - Arian Radmand, IgnitePost