SPONSORED: Training Your Team

Do you know what the single most effective thing you can do to have a positive long-term impact on the success of your business? The answer may surprise you and it is the same regardless of where you are located, who your customers are or what your inventory mix looks like: Train your employees. Not only do well-trained employees deliver better customer service, they also help you sell more product, earn higher margins and as studies have shown, well-trained employees are more likely to be loyal and committed to your business.

“Knowledgeable employees drive just about every aspect of a business,” says Adrienne Richardson, Orgill’s retail services manager. “Well-trained employees are more productive, deliver better service and help build a positive image for a store overall.”

Richardson goes on to say that employee training is a win-win situation. “Retailers get more effective and efficient employees, meanwhile minimizing turnover. While employees are more motivated and have increased job satisfaction,” she says. “Not to mention that customers’ perception of your store is strengthened because you have knowledgeable employees providing excellent customer service.”

Tips for a Successful Training Program

Set a budget: It doesn’t have to be a large amount of money, but once you set up a training budget you will want to see results. Start with a team: Enlist the help of senior employees to plan and implement a training program. Sometimes they have the best ideas. Set aside the time: Whether it is at store meetings, when employees are hired or part of their regular shift, give employees the time they need to absorb the training. Measure your results: Ask for feedback from your employees on the training they have received. Conduct periodic spot checks on how well they understand the training. Stay committed: Training isn’t an overnight thing, it is an ongoing process and it really starts to pay dividends once it is in full swing.