One of the most vital ingredients for a successful small business is a team that wholeheartedly backs it. Your team profoundly influences the face, culture, and trajectory of your business. So a motivated, supportive, and united team makes all the difference in achieving your business goals. This blog will explore key steps to building a strong and supportive team to help your business succeed.
1. Embrace Your Company's Core Values:
A united team is built on understanding and embracing your company's values. The first step to reaching this ideal is to clearly define your guiding principles and mission. This is something you can establish as early as your initial draft of your Business Plan. Writing a vision statement helps you stay on track by clearly defining your goals. While a mission statement should explain what you do, why you exist, and the values by which you operate. Once established, your vision, mission, and values should be the foundation of your business. Integrating these fundamental values into all aspects of your business, including hiring and daily operations, ensures a strong and unified team with a common purpose.
2. Hire the Right People
Once you’ve established and embraced your company’s core values, it is paramount to communicate these values during the hiring process. The success of your small business depends heavily on the people you hire. Look for candidates who not only possess the necessary skills and qualifications but who also align with your company's values and culture.
During the hiring process, assess a candidate's ability to work in your team and willingness to grow and learn. Make sure to emphasize the importance of your company’s values in its day-to-date operations. Remember, a small business with a strong identity will more easily attract like-minded people. Equally important is retaining the right people once you’ve found them. To do this, offer competitive compensation packages, provide opportunities for growth and advancement, acknowledge and reward outstanding performance, and cultivate a strong work culture.
3. Cultivate a Strong Work Culture:
A positive work culture is the foundation on which a supportive team is built. It sets the tone for how team members interact with each other, approach challenges, and treat customers. As a small business owner, you can create a positive work culture that fosters a sense of belonging by emphasizing your values, being mindful of who you bring onto your team, encouraging open communication, and celebrating both individual and team achievements.
Celebrate team members who embody your business’ values and acknowledge their contributions. When team members feel valued, supported, and connected by your company's purpose, they will go above and beyond to support your small business. By prioritizing a positive work culture and cultivating a sense of belonging, small business owners can inspire their team members to wholeheartedly support the company's goals and success.
4. Encourage Mentorship & Team Building:
Mentorship is a powerful tool for fostering a supportive team environment. Encourage experienced team members to mentor new hires, share knowledge, and provide guidance. Mentorship not only helps new employees acclimate to the company but also creates a sense of camaraderie and fosters a culture of continuous learning.
Whether your small business team is made of two people or fifty, it is helpful to regularly host team-building events, training sessions, and socials to facilitate collaboration and relationship-building. Team building activities can play a vital role in strengthening bonds among team members which can lead to a strong team that supports your business.
5. Lead by Example:
When building a team for your business, it is important to remember that you are a key member of that team! As a small business owner, you are the guiding force behind your team's success. Lead by example and demonstrate the qualities you wish to cultivate within your team. Be approachable, communicate clearly, and be open to feedback. Show appreciation for your team's efforts, and be willing to roll up your sleeves and work alongside them during challenging times.
Your leadership style and attitude will set the tone for your entire team. Demonstrate your unwavering faith in the company's values and mission through your actions and decisions. Be transparent and authentic, and encourage your team to do the same. Your passion and dedication will inspire your team to work with the same enthusiasm and commitment.
6. Find and Create Allies
So far we've focused on establishing an internal team for your business. However, it is essential to recognize that your team can extend beyond your direct employees. Engaging with external partners who align with your company's values holds significant potential for nurturing a robust and mutually supportive business ecosystem. Whether it involves your wholesale suppliers or fellow local businesses, forging connections within this network can foster a sense of community. By seeing other local businesses as potential allies, you create a culture of collaboration instead of competition. Embracing this expansive perspective on team-building can elevate and strengthen not only your business but the entire community it serves.
In conclusion, building a supportive team is crucial for the success of your small business. Cultivating a strong work culture, hiring and retaining the right people, encouraging mentorship, and promoting team-building activities are vital to creating a cohesive and motivated team. Most importantly, as a small business owner, leading by example is paramount. Show your team that you believe in your business and them, and watch as they reciprocate with dedication, passion, and support. With a supportive team behind you, your small business can overcome challenges and achieve greatness.
You can count Community Futures as part of your team. Our mission is to empower entrepreneurs and small business owners by providing the tools, resources, and guidance needed for success. Contact us for a complimentary consultation today!
