Employee Relations: June 2010 Archives

In the past, I have discussed the importance of hiring events and running them properly.  It goes without saying that hiring events can be hit or miss for both employers and potential employees.  Very often, companies look only at the results of the hour or of the day and don't look at the potential of the "be back" as it is called in sales.

The "be back" sometimes has the greatest potential for selling products; the "be back" is the customer who is unsure if they want to purchase today, but more often than not is just looking around to make an informed decision.  Very often when I was doing sales, the biggest and most successful sales were those that took 2-3 or more visits to convince it was time to buy and that our solution was best.

To use the "be back" approach at a hiring event, you should use the hiring event as an employer to sell yourself and your company, and offer resources for more information.  Too often I have seen companies try to sell too much information at the table rather than selling the heart and soul of the company. 

As a potential employee, having a sharp 1 page resume with a link to a more detailed portfolio or resume can get you in with the company while leaving them wanting to find out more about you.

I've found so much value in being involved with the Saratoga Mentoring program.  I was inspired to enter this program by my first boss, Tom Kelly, who mentored me unofficially from the time I was about 9/10.  He took me to my first Yankee game, gave me my first job, and to this day still gives me calls every month or so to check up on me.

These kind of relationships endure, and give all parties the kind of support and confidence to face challenges that life brings our way.  Because mentors are typically outside the family, they give people a more open and honest feedback system free of fear or judgment that may or may not come from the family.

Be a mentor!  Check out a local mentoring program, or take someone under your wing at work.  The benefits last a life time and are paid forward.

Sometimes getting out of the office is enough to take the stress out of the organization.  Some of my favorite events in Florida were simple, natural events that helped everyone get along better.  Others, well...

One of my favorite answers to "Do you have an incentive program?" came in the early 90's when I asked one of my former bosses.  He said "Yeah, if you work here 10 years, you get a 12 ounce soda, if you work here 15 years, you get a 16 ounce."  (at least he was honest!)

One of the challenges of entrepreneurship is knowing when to bring others on board to assist.  Over the 5 years I've been doing consulting, I've always been a one-man show and have used contractors to assist with web development and the like when necessary.

I had an interview today with Word of Mobile for their podcast, and one of the discussions we had was around the concept of the change in education.