| During the last year, we have seen some businesses in
our area relocate or close completely due to economic factors. The brief tourist
season offers us respite, but it doesn't provide the lasting relief we need to be
successful year-round. As winter approaches, we have a perfect opportunity to take
inventory of our strengths and weaknesses and develop a game plan that focuses on
filling those gaps with training or branching out with a refreshed business plan.
Generally we think of business and personal growth in the scope of large
corporations, but never fear - the process doesn't require a team of HR reps!
Consider these three steps to bring renewed focus to your organization. |
| Article author, Kim Bird, brings to the table 17 years in the
hospitality industry with a focus on education and team development. Currently, she
is the General Manager of The Blue Rooster Saloon with locations in Walsenburg and La
Veta, Colorado.
Email at: 4dabirds@
blueroostersaloon.com |
Photo courtesy Kim Bird |
|
• Become vested - both internally and externally. While putting together a
comprehensive training plan for your organization requires commitment, the increased
knowledge and morale of your staff has far-reaching benefits that make it all
worthwhile. Stepping out of our bubble and focusing on the needs of others recharges
our batteries and allows us to build the deep connections that convey lasting
loyalty.
• Revisit your business plan - look for concrete areas that could benefit from
development within your organization. Work on the list collaboratively for objective
insight. The Trinidad State Junior College Community Development Resource Center
offers free networking group sessions from 5 to 6 p.m. every Thursday. Brainstorming
and sharing ideas with other business owners and TSJC business experts can be just
what the doctor ordered – and it's free!
• Utilize Your Resources - where corporations look within for their training
needs, smaller organizations are able to utilize an entire world of options. Free to
low-cost training, business review, and benefit options are available right in your
own back yard.
Where to start?
• Agencies - Trinidad State Junior College Community Development Resource
Center at 136 West Main Street #205, Trinidad, (719) 846-5920. It's a "one-stop-shop"
for individuals interested in starting a business/non-profit, creating a business
plan or grant, receiving business counseling, and attending workshops.• Vendors
- Sysco Food Services offers complimentary business reviews that encompass costing
and efficiency as well as free/low-cost training services in food cost, menu
development, up-selling, and Serv-Safe certification. Visit
www.syscodenver.com or call
(303)585-2000. Other vendors provide similar services within the scope of their
industry (i.e. Budweiser has a low-cost alcohol awareness program, which trains staff
and reduces insurance costs).
• Additional Resources - Agencies such as Council of Governments, Chamber of
Commerce, Workforce Center, Economic Development, various business leaders / workers,
and libraries can offer a myriad of resources. Trinidad State Junior College and New
Mexico Highlands University in Raton have coursework and workshops available, as well
as online/distance education.
Remember, you are the cornerstones of your community - the health of your business
signifies the underlying health of our future. Together, utilizing the tools and
resources available, we can make it the best it can be! |
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