Award Ideas that Work

I had an old friend tell me once that a consultant was nothing more then someone who was unemployed at the moment, knew a little something about something and was looking for a paycheck.  I guess in a way you could say that somewhat sums up the definition and role of a consultant (in times past). Today I think there is a little more to it though.  A good consultant will gather an enormous amount of data, and after extensive research will provide you with a business projection of what you should or should not be doing.  Sounds simple enough, on the surface.

I have always taken the stand that I believe it to be kind of crazy to pay someone to tell me what I should be doing with a business he or she knows absolutely nothing about.¬† If it is my business and I built it from the ground up, doesn’t it just make good sense to assume I may be the best consultant available to offer advice? Well not always. There are many facets to a successful business and as time goes, some of these facets get more of your attention than other. Besides that there are simply not enough hours in a day these days to be an expert in everything that pertains to your business. As an employer, before you go the route of retaining a business consultant, you may want to check out your own backyard and as an employee you may want to expose on occasion your special talents or knowledge if any.

So there is another source for business advice however and you are already largely paying for it, all you need to do is ask for it.  Where do you find this advice you ask?  Look no further then your current employees.  So many times I have seen business owners struggle with trying to develop new solutions to problems when all they needed to do, was simply ask their employees what they thought.

I believe that an employer should hold a meeting on a regular bases with his employees and present them with any problems and ask them for their thoughts.¬† It might just shock you to find that the answer you may be looking for right was right in front of you all the time.¬† Don’t be afraid that you may be viewed as weak or giving up your management skills; you just need to think of how to present the company’s dilemma in a positive way.¬† Let your employees know you value their dedication to the company and their opinions.¬† You may have hit two home runs, one by solving a problem and the other for instilling a sense of pride in your employee that will do nothing but cause them to feel appreciated and want to work a little harder for the company.¬† Give it a shot, you may find there is a lot of value in those punching your time clock.

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