August Benefits News and Posts

Guide to Developing a Training Program for New Employees

FROM BUSINESS NEWS DAILY / BY ADAM UZIALKO

Training is necessary for new employees to start off on the right foot. Here's what should go into your new-hire training plan.

A new-hire training plan helps business leaders bring new hires up to speed while helping them feel welcome at the company.
Training is essential for ensuring new hires have the skills and tools they need to do their jobs and for helping them understand how they fit into the larger organization.
An effective new-hire training program prioritizes existing employees’ experience, a new hire’s learning preferences, and constant improvement and refinement.
This article is for small business owners who want to train new hires quickly and efficiently to start them off on the right foot.

Growing companies hire new employees who need onboarding, assimilation and training. Ideally, employers tap new team members with the in-demand skills and talents to perform their duties. An effective training program helps these promising new employees fully integrate with the company and gives them the tools for success and career growth.

We’ll explore what an effective new-hire training program requires and explain how to turn new employees into top-notch members of your team.

Did You Know?

A poor onboarding process can hurt employee morale, engagement and confidence, leading to missed revenue targets.

How To Develop An Effective New-Hire Training Plan

These five tips can help you develop a new-hire training plan that will get employees settled and ready to produce top-quality work.

1. Ask existing employees what you should include in the training.

The best way to develop a new-hire training plan is by consulting with current employees who excel in their roles. For the best results, follow these steps:

Identify key employees. Pinpoint excellent employees who are currently in similar positions as the new hire.
Find out what the job really entails. Ask your current employees what they think the new team member needs to perform their daily tasks. This advice can help you avoid overlooking critical job details, including the tools and setup the new employee will need to succeed.
Have them evaluate their training. Your seasoned employees can help you identify gaps in your current training plan that they experienced firsthand. Ask them what they wish they knew on day one that would have made it easier to begin working.

“Setting up a new-hire training program can be daunting,” said Matthew Dailly, managing director at Tiger Financial. “You need to think about the most important aspects of the job but also the smallest details that they will need to learn to get right. The best way of knowing what new staff need to do is to ask your existing workers. They will make sure you know about everything that goes on in the role and how to set them up for it.”

2. Make training flexible, task-oriented and ongoing.

Create a dynamic process with the following features:

Customized training for each employee. While all new-hire training plans should cover the basics of working at your company, it’s essential to incorporate unique elements for each hire based on their interview and professional background. “Each person will enter training with varying skills and different focuses on what they need to be able to get through the training process successfully, so while the basics are core features, the rest of the training should remain flexible enough to suit each individual based on their personal needs,” said Adam Korbl, founder and CEO of iFax.
Incorporate task-oriented training. “Instead of having a fixed-time training, have a task-oriented training where each training item needs to be completed to a specific standard to move forward to full employment,” Korbl said. “This allows the flexibility to give each person the training experience they actually need, as opposed to the basic requirements.”
Make training an ongoing process. While each new hire should be able to perform their job in a week or two, training should be ongoing, with regular check-ins to ensure new employees have everything they need to excel in their position.

Did You Know?

Effective employee training tactics include customizing training to how an employee learns best, providing incentives for getting up to speed, and offering continual learning opportunities to enhance career growth.

3. Encourage team-level training.

Most companies hire for a cultural fit to ensure new employees align with the company’s mission and vision. However, all too often, training covers only basic expectations and administrative information, like compensation and employee benefits. Incorporating team-based training can help new hires get up to speed faster and assimilate into the company culture better than they would with corporate-level training alone.

“Companies often do onboarding on orientation at the corporate level,” said Mark A. Herschberg, author of The Career Toolkit: Essential Skills for Success That No One Taught You (Conosco Media, 2020). “While useful, orientation is also helped by being done at the team level. Helping the new team member understand team culture is equally important. How does the team operate in terms of conflict versus coalition building, or like to communicate?”

Team-level training can help new hires do the following:

Understand their team’s unique workflow
Recognize the team’s reporting hierarchy
Appreciate the day-to-day expectations for their role
Understand existing processes
Meet other team members
Learn the metrics used to track the team’s productivity

4. Accommodate each new hire’s preferred learning method.

People learn differently, so your new-hire training plan should adapt to various learning styles. Conforming to a new hire’s preferred learning method can help reduce the instruction a new hire needs to perform in their role effectively.

“When training new employees, it is important to engage them in a way that best suits their ability to learn the most,” said Jase Rodley, founder and SEO service provider at Dialed Labs. “People can often differ in how they will best get a handle on something.”

You’re likely to see three main learning styles among new hires:

Visual. Some new hires prefer to learn processes by watching someone actively perform tasks.
Hands-on. Other employees like to take a hands-on approach to learning by performing the task themselves several times before they can commit it to memory.
Reading. Some employees prefer to read a packet of written instructions and keep it on hand in their first few weeks on the job.

“While not all aspects of training are made to move between [these three learning styles] … it is good practice to give the new employee the best chance of success that you can by providing the method that most inspires them,” Rodley said.

5. Promote good leaders and involve them in the training process.

Without good leaders, your staff will have a hard time succeeding. This is especially true for new hires. When promoting or hiring for managerial positions, carefully consider which candidates could best guide and coach other employees. Then, involve them in developing and executing your new-hire training plan.

“The leadership ability of the manager is the No. 1 determining factor of whether a new hire will have a positive or negative employee experience over the long haul,” said Jessica Donahue, owner of Adjunct Leadership Consulting. “Employee engagement, retention and turnover can all be predicted by the quality of leader an employee works for. In this way, providing an exceptional onboarding experience is the first step for a leader looking to retain and engage a high-performing team for years to come.”

Tip

Solicit feedback from onboarded and trained new hires to refine and improve your hiring process. As your company grows and evolves, so should your new-hire training plan.

What is a new-hire training plan?

A new-hire training plan is a company’s well-defined process for onboarding new team members and bringing them up to speed. It should do the following:

Cover administrative concerns. Make sure new team members complete any necessary administrative paperwork.
Introduce new hires to their teams. Introduce your new hires to team members, and share processes for communicating with colleagues and leadership.
Teach critical tools. Train new hires on software and other tools they’ll need to do their jobs effectively.
Share the company vision. Introduce new hires to core concepts, like the company mission, organizational structure and company culture.

Why is new-hire training important?

A comprehensive new-hire training program can help your company in the following ways:

Ensures a strong start. A strong training plan can prevent misunderstandings or a sluggish start, thereby helping the company reap the benefits of filling a vacant position as soon as a week after the new hire begins in their role.
Helps employees feel welcome. A comprehensive new-hire training plan helps make new employees feel like members of the team. They’ll meet key organization members, learn about job perks, and identify sources of support within the company.
Makes employees feel confident. Training makes new team members feel comfortable in their positions while giving them the knowledge, tools and skills they need to become successful and productive members of your company.
Improves morale and reduces turnover. Training can also boost morale because it helps new hires feel like they are welcome, competent members of the team, and high employee morale decreases turnover. In contrast, new employees without proper training may get frustrated and leave their jobs soon after getting hired.

Tip

Keep your employee handbook updated so new hires understand their job functions along with the company’s mission, vision, policies, dress code, and code of conduct.

Training mistakes to avoid

Avoid these common training program mistakes to help create the best onboarding program possible:

Not giving new hires a warm welcome. How you greet your new hires on their first day will color their impression of the company. It can even affect how productive they’ll be in the long term. You’ll seem callous and uncaring if you show them to their desk, give them an assignment, and let them figure out the company on their own. Instead, your hiring manager or a senior employee should greet them at the door. A tour of your facilities and team member introductions can help new employees feel more connected.
Using too much technical jargon. Many industries have developed their own shorthand, but you shouldn’t assume a new employee speaks the lingo. Take your time introducing new hires to the industry lexicon, and give them resources to learn it at their own pace. Give them a cheat sheet with common acronyms and phrases, or connect them with an in-house mentor who can explain any unfamiliar terms.
Failing to nurture their interests. Many new hires are excited to start the job, and it’s possible to harness that energy to kick-start a solid connection to the company. However, just because that connection exists doesn’t mean it will last. Without guidance, a new employee’s passion for their role can fade, and their productivity will vanish along with it. Communication is crucial for maintaining a new hire’s excitement. An HR representative or manager should check in regularly with the new hire to ensure they haven’t run into trouble. Make sure they understand their responsibilities, and share exciting plans.
Turn your new hires into top-quality employees
Many of the best employees in any industry are made, not found. But turning an untested new hire into an employee who reliably provides excellent results requires serious work and dedication. With this guide to training programs, all that work can be much easier – and your team can be better, too.

Todd BellistriApril 11, 2023August Benefits

Why not start off this selling season leading into the holidays on the right foot? One way to do that is to finally give some thinking to smart marketing. We don’t need to be the ones to tell you it’s very competitive out there (but we will), what with tons of start ups and side hustles all over the landscape. By developing a legit marketing program you are giving yourself a true foot up on the competition. So read on, you’ll see that its not as daunting as you think and the upside is well worth it.

FROM FORBES / BY DOMINIQUE HARROCH

In today's digital landscape the right approach to small business marketing combines advanced technology, data-driven insights, and effective digital platforms. Here’s a comprehensive guide to small business marketing to companies navigate the current marketing trends and tools that can drive business success.

Key marketing tools for small businesses

Following is a summary of 11 key marketing tools that small and growing businesses should consider when leveraging owned, earned and paid media:

1. An optimized small business website

A high-performing website is crucial for marketing today. An optimized site increases your page rank on Google and other search engines, and in today's world, fewer than 1% of searches go to the second page of a search. Key elements of an effective small business site include:

Memorable domain name: Choose a name that reflects your business and is easy to recall.
User-friendly design: Ensure your site is visually appealing and intuitive. Sites should have a clear structure, intuitive navigation and information that is easy to access.
Search engine optimization (SEO): Implement SEO best practices to rank higher in search engine results.
Mobile optimization: Since over 55% of global web traffic comes from mobile devices, you’ll want to ensure your site is mobile-friendly.
Valuable content: Regularly update your site with engaging content like blogs and articles that address your audience's interests and needs.
Fast loading times: Optimize page speeds to improve user experience and SEO rankings.
Secure hosting: Use reputable hosting services to protect your site’s data and performance.

Additionally, integrating tools like Google Analytics (now called GA4) and Google Search Console (GSC) can provide valuable insights into your site's performance and user behavior.

2. Paid search engine marketing (SEM)

Paid search engine marketing, in which you pay if a keyword is clicked on that drives traffic to your website, remains a powerful tool for driving targeted traffic. Platforms like Google Ads and Bing Ads allow you to:

Bid on keywords: Use tools like Google keyword planner to select high-value keywords relevant to your business.
Control costs: Set daily and monthly budgets, and adjust bids based on performance.
Analyze performance: Track key metrics to assess and refine your campaigns.

3. Paid listings and display ads

Paid listings on platforms like Yelp, Facebook, and Pinterest can boost visibility. Use Google’s Display Network to target ads based on user interests and behavior. This approach allows you to:

Choose ad formats: Use banners, text ads, or video ads to capture attention.
Track return on investment (ROI): Monitor clicks and conversions to measure effectiveness. Track your costs, record and monitor revenue, and record all expenses. Make sure to measure lead generation numbers, customer acquisition, and sales metrics as valuable insights into your marketing effectiveness.
Testing: By experimenting with different ad copy, targeting options, and formats, businesses can identify what resonates most with their audience, refine their strategies, and ultimately improve click-through rates and conversions. This can include A/B testing, target audience variations, ad copy variations, call-to-action (CTA) testing or visual elements where you test different images or videos to determine which visual elements attract more attention and engagement.

4. Content marketing

Content marketing remains a cornerstone of effective digital strategies. Key tactics include:

Blogging: Regularly post optimized content to drive organic traffic. Nine out of ten marketers use blogs as part of their content strategy.
Guest posting: Publish articles on popular platforms such as Medium and AllBusiness.com to enhance your reach and SEO. Strive to create “evergreen” articles, which are designed to remain relevant and valuable over a long period of time, regardless of current events or trends. Unlike timely articles that focus on current news or trends, evergreen content addresses topics that have enduring interest and utility.
Video content: In 2023, individuals spent an average of 17 hours a week watching videos online. Utilize platforms like YouTube and TikTok to engage your audience.
Content platforms: Leverage content recommendation platforms like Outbrain to expand your content’s reach.

5. Social media marketing

Social media is a powerful tool for engaging with your audience. Focus on platforms such as:

Facebook: Effective for broad audience reach and targeted ads.
Instagram: Ideal for visual content and influencer partnerships.
LinkedIn: Best for B2B marketing and professional networking.
TikTok: Useful for viral video content and younger demographics.

With over 5 billion global social media users and growing, effective social media marketing can significantly enhance your brand’s visibility and engagement. To be effective, you must regularly post interesting content to obtain and keep followers.

6. Influencer marketing

Influencer marketing involves collaborating with individuals who have a significant and engaged following on social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok and Instagram to promote products or services. These influencers, who can range from celebrities to niche content creators, leverage their credibility and relationship with their audience to drive brand awareness and influence purchasing decisions.

The impact of influencer marketing on broader marketing efforts can be profound, as it allows brands to tap into authentic, targeted communities that are often more receptive to recommendations from trusted (or at least known) voices.

This form of marketing can enhance brand credibility, expand reach, and generate higher engagement rates compared to traditional advertising. As consumers increasingly seek personalized and relatable content, influencer marketing has become a powerful tool for connecting with audiences in a meaningful way.

7. Online business directories

It’s important for business owners to list their companies in prominent and reputable business directories. Often these listings are free, but even if you must pay a small fee, it can be worth it.

The benefits include

Exposure to potential clients and customers.
Boosted SEO through backlinks.
Improved online presence and brand awareness.
Increased credibility for your business.
Low-cost or free marketing.

The following is a list of top business directories to consider listing your business:

AllBusiness.com
Better Business Bureau
Facebook Page
Google Business Profile
LinkedIn
Superpages
Bing Places for Business

8. Radio marketing

While less prominent today, radio can still be effective. Many people are in their cars during peak commute hours. To maximize radio advertising:

Targeted placement: Choose stations and time slots that align with your target audience.
Engaging content: Create memorable and concise ads.
Consider your market: Are you a B2C company (business to consumer) or B2B company (business to business)? Is your market local (like a neighborhood restaurant), national (such as selling payroll services), or international (such as selling unique clothing to multiple markets)?

The cost-effectiveness of radio compared to TV makes it a viable option for more localized campaigns.

9. Press releases

Press releases are valuable for announcing significant business updates. Ensure your release is:

Newsworthy: Focus on unique and timely information.
Well-structured: Include a strong headline, key details, and contact information.
Multimedia: Incorporate multimedia elements like images and videos to increase engagement.

10. Email marketing

Email marketing remains effective when executed correctly. Best practices include:

Segmenting: Personalize content based on customer preferences and behavior. Use data to segment your lists and target markets.
Offering engaging content: Provide valuable information, special offers, and updates.
Optimization: Use A/B testing to refine subject lines and content.
Using AI-driven tools: These can help automate and personalize email campaigns, improving engagement rates.

11. Direct mail marketing

Despite the digital age, direct mail still works for certain audiences. To optimize direct mail:

Use targeted lists: Use well-researched mailing lists to improve ROI.
Implement creative designs: Ensure your mail piece stands out and is easy to read.
Track mailings: Monitor responses and effectiveness.

More tips to enhance your marketing campaigns

Here are some additional tips to optimize your marketing campaigns:

Segment: Segment your target market to a specific audience. Segmentation can be done with respect to age, gender, income level, education, geography, purchase stage or brand loyalty, and more.
Business lists: Consider using high quality business lists such as Dun and Bradstreet, Experian Business, ZoomInfo or InfoUSA. These lists can be used in multiple channels as well, maximizing the value of the lists.
Track real time: Track your marketing campaigns in real-time to get immediate insights, make quick adjustments, and understand what is working or not.
Key metrics: Track the key metrics in your campaigns, such as click-through rate, engagement rate, conversion rate, sales, revenue, customer acquisition cost, market share, and churn rate.
Software and AI: Use software and artificial intelligence (AI) tools for social media management, content creation and testing of alternative ads.
Budget: Allocate your budget wisely. Assess the performance of different marketing channels and allocate your budget to the ones that deliver the highest ROI. Continuously review and adjust your spending to focus on the most effective strategies.
Keep current: Stay updated with trends. Keep up with the latest marketing trends and technologies. Experiment with new platforms, tools, or strategies to stay ahead of the competition and reach your audience in innovative ways. Keep up to date with experts by seeking articles from reputable business sources such as AllBusiness.com.
Promote across channels: Share earned media coverage on your website, social media platforms, and email newsletters. For instance, if a major publication writes about your product, feature this article prominently on your homepage or social media profiles.
Showcase social proof: Use earned media as a form of social proof by highlighting positive reviews, testimonials, or features from reputable sources. This can build credibility and trust with potential customers.
Strengthen relationships with media: Build and maintain good relationships with journalists and influencers. This can lead to more favorable coverage in the future and expand your media network.
Repurpose content: Convert mentions and reviews into additional content, such as blog posts, case studies, and infographics. For example, if your company was featured in a popular tech blog, you could create a detailed blog post about the experience and its impact.

Ready to enhance your small business marketing strategy?

Developing a comprehensive and modern small business marketing strategy requires leveraging a mix of traditional and digital techniques. By integrating artificial intelligence tools, optimizing SEO, utilizing effective SEM strategies, and harnessing the power of social media, you can create a dynamic and effective marketing approach. Start by experimenting with different strategies, tracking your results, and refining your approach based on performance data.