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3 Things You Should Know About Small Business: April 30

Written by: Laurie Kulikowski 04/30/12 - 11:24 AM EDT

2. Build employee morale. Among the many hats that entrepreneurs need to wear is also a manager of employees. And as that leader, ensuring employees are motivated and happy in they work they do and the work environment is paramount to retaining employees. If your business environment needs some improving, there are plenty of things you can do to change that, according to Strategy Plan One, a business blog offering tips and resources to entrepreneurs.

Strategy Plan One has a few inexpensive ideas that will make big impacts on employee morale.

  • One option is carving out a few minutes of each week to recognize team members or units for their achievements.

    • "Even the small successes should be recognized," the article says. "With recognition, staff will feel valued and morale in the organization will pick up."

  • Make an effort to listen more to your employees.

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    By listening more you will not only gain respect from your staff but it will give you a better understanding of any operational issues in your business.

  • Another suggestion is to include creating a paid volunteer day for employees.

    • Many people would like to be engaged in more volunteer activities. You can include a special perk in your benefits packages to include a paid volunteer day so they can participate and allow employees to promote causes in the workplace. "Not only is this a good notion for employees and for the community, but it also builds solid relationship for your business with the community and organizations in need," the article says.

    3. Pinterest-based startup attacking bridal gown consignment industry. Online startup Nearly Newlywed is looking to shake up the resale market for designer bridal gowns by emphasizing services it offers via Pinterest, according to Mashable.

    The dresses are touted as "nearly new" and Nearly Newlywed will buy the dress back after the wedding, the article says. But owner Jacqueline Courtney is doing something different: she offers personal shopping consultations with brides via the social media site. By getting to know her clients through their wedding inspiration boards, she will offer recommendations based on their tastes.