Successful entrepreneurs dedicate time and resources to training. The business world is
changing all the time. Since the advent of the personal computer in the early ‘80s,
business has changed dramatically. The only way to keep up is to try new things. And, a
wise business owner realizes that you don’t want to try and fail. Instead, help
yourself by helping your employees learn new skills, improve existing skills and find
better ways to get the work done, based on life long learning.
Whether your workforce is comprised of high school graduates or college graduates, all
employees need to learn and grow. If you value long term employees, you will invest in
training that keeps them growing within their jobs and helping you grow the business.
In medium and large firms, employee training is usually handled internally. Entry-level
employees are provided with an orientation and receive specific on-the-job-training for
specific job duties. Ongoing employee education is necessary at all levels. In the small
firm, the training function is often neglected, because it adds to overhead expenses.
It’s a cost some find difficult to justify, so the owner becomes trainer. On some
topics, the owner is the best person to relay valuable information. In other cases, the
owner should consider providing funds to send employees to specific college classes,
seminars or workshops, which provide specific information.
People are a key factor in joining the capital and physical resources of the company to
produce profits. Well-trained and motivated employees can prove to be the difference
between success and failure. And even though it’s difficult for the owner to take
time to plan for and conduct training; it is the owner’s responsibility to ensure
that the company’s capabilities remain strong. Training helps the company maintain
its readiness to respond to the marketplace. Trade associations can often help. Trade
magazines, books, seminars and conferences all can provide an avenue for modestly priced
and very focused training for industry members.
If you would like to discuss employee orientations, in-house training or employee
development programs, contact the SCORE Association (Service Corps of Retired Executives).
More than 12,000 volunteer, business counselors donate their time and talent to assist
entrepreneurs. SCORE is a nonprofit organization, which has assisted more than 3.5 million
entrepreneurs. SCORE counseling is offered as a free and confidential service. Call 1
(800) 634-0245, for a referral to the SCORE chapter nearest you.
