Down Economy At Your Door Step,
Or Is It Opportunity Knocking
By Leanne Crain
We have all heard about the economy these days. Companies are closing, layoffs by the hundred, and budget cutting in every possible way. Top of the list in budget cuts, Training, and Team Development. Makes sense right? If you can't see the direct return on investment from training, it should be top of the list to go!
Before you stroke your pen through the training budget, let's take a moment to think this through. How do you know for sure that training is not what will get you through this economic state? Are you really willing to take that chance?
Right now is the time you should be looking for the competitive advantage. If your products and services are very similar to others, where will that advantage lie? Of course, it lies squarely in the hands of you and your team. Customers will return to you, and deal with you, not solely because of the products you make or the service you provide, but because of the skill of your team and the way they are made to feel.
What's that you say? You know lay-offs are coming soon? What's the point in training people if they aren't going to be here in a year? May I be so bold as to ask . . . why are you thinking that way? Let me turn it around for a second. What if those people will be here in a year? What if those people you didn't train or motivate are still here pulling you through when the economy turns around? Will they be able to provide the consistent level of quality and service you expect them to?
Rather than look at the economy as a negative thing, find the silver lining hiding there. Take this time to invest in your team and give them the power and skills to shine for you. After all, the statistics show that company's who invest in their team from a personal and professional development standpoint will consistently have a highly motivated and satisfied team. We all know a happy team, is a productive team.
Now, I do understand the need for those budget cuts. We all have to do everything we can. Maybe that big corporate getaway can't happen. Perhaps a weekend of team-building is out of the question. However, thanks to the wonderful world of technology, you can still do training and development for your team - even on a tight dollar! Take a few moments and look into e-learning or webinars for your team. They exist all over, and are just waiting to assist you with exactly what you are looking for!
Deal a lot with customers? Take an e-learning course on customer service! Team getting stressed because of the extra pressures they are taking on? Sign them up for a webinar on personal resilience! Still have a small budget to bring in a trainer? Perfect! Why not find someone locally, or within driving distance from you?
Take this chance, while it is here, to develop your team, bring out their hidden talents, and make them the most effective people they are able to be. Give them the skills to face the unique situations they are going to be faced with, and allow them to work on themselves - both as leaders, and as individuals. Not only will you reap the benefits now, when the economy does turn around, you will have a fully charged team ready to take advantage of it!
For more ideas on developing your team, or for e-learning and webinar opportunities, Gary Gzik at ggzik@bizxcel.com.
Leanne Crain is a Marketing Assistant for BizXcel. Her background is marketing and tourism, and she has over 12 years experience in the sales and marketing field.
