 We are almost to the end of first quarter of 2023 and you have created momentum for 2023 goals. Are retaining and recruiting quality employees one of your goals? If yes, this blog post is for you. After hearing the barriers of business owners in my consulting practice the past few years, I made a career change last summer to leverage my team-building and management skills and experience to focus on competitive solutions for retaining and recruiting quality employees. TOP 3 STRATEGIES TO |
 | Employee PerformanceImplement goals, progress and rewards into your company's performance strategies. |
 | Employee BenefitsReview your benefit package to include voluntary health and wellness options. |
 | Employee TrainingEncourage your employees to be driven to learn and grow. Invest in effective learning environments that ensure compliance and safety. |
 |  |
Yesterday Goenner Consulting, LLC had the privilege to host the Princeton Chamber of Commerce morning network event at the PACC office in Princeton, Minnesota.
Over the past year we have been working with business leaders on TO DOs in 2022. We have had so much fun on the projects that business leaders gave us that were stuck on the bottom of their list.
Over the summer our consulting practice’s services expanded when Faith became an agent for Colonial Life. Faith learned a lot about the pressure of business leaders in recruiting and retaining quality employees as many items on the bottom of TO DO lists had to do with recruiting quality employees. The voluntary employee benefits and the education provided to employees from Colonial Life can be a no cost option for business owners to make their business competitive for high-demand employees.
Take some time to reflect on the following three questions from 2022. Find someone to share your answers with or feel free to send us an email at hello@goennerconsulting.com.
- What is something you did that was unexpected?
- What is still on the bottom of your TO DO list?
- What is something you did that changed the direction of your business?
In 2023, lets talk employee. We are going to discuss HOT TOPICS for workplaces and their employees. Faith Goenner will partner with business owners to retain and recruit quality employees.
HOT TOPICS OF THE EMPLOYEE IN 2023 BY GOENNER CONSULTING, LLC
- The return of apprentice training (on-the-job training).
- We have heard a lot of job seekers asking what do they need to know before getting hired and what training will be offered for the position. Make sure to put time into determining your commitment to on-the-job-training to build confidence in quality employees who may be looking for a new career opportunity.
- The reality of employees of what an illness and/or unexpected accident can do on hourly employment where the paycheck isn’t guaranteed.
- The pandemic allowed all employees to know what it looks like when you aren't able to get to work due to illness or a potential of illness. For most of the labor force in the United States they are hourly workers and if they don't work they don't get paid. Do the math, if you are a $15/hr employee and are out unexpectedly for two weeks or longer and don't get paid, this will be a financial burden. Review your employee benefits to see how you are supporting your employees through the unexpected inability to work.
- Flexible work locations (remote vs. in-person).
- Most employees dream of working-from-home. As business leaders you can identify roles that could be done at home, but be cautious, not all employees are quality remote workers. Look for entrepreneurial, taking initiative and self-driven skills for remote workers. Also for any remote position, on-boarding should be done on-site whenever possible and you may consider remote is earned after successful probation.
- Mental health support of employees will be different and become important to ensure a safe and healthy workplace.
- Mental health in the workplace looks different after a pandemic and the increase of violence in our society. As business leaders make sure you are addressing safety and health in your workplace. Some examples are having emergency plans developed; policies that address the importance of employee wellness and offer programs that support safety and wellness. Negotiate employee benefits to offer mental health services without cost.
- Being creative about hiring skills and experience.
- Resumes are a great first round to see an applicants education and work history but don't use this for the only way you engage applicants. Recruiting events are a great way for you to meet the person behind the resume. Through in-person or even phone conversations, you can see their personality and how they present themselves. What are the core values and skills you need? How can you develop employees within your business to engage and grow quality employees with potential?
Start now to think about how you will make 2023 the year of the employee!
We would love an opportunity to talk to you about your business and how we could help. Send us an email at hello@goennerconsulting.com.
Recently I had the opportunity to support the vision of a local retail business owner to expand a ladies shopping event to our city. The Princeton Chamber of Commerce invited me to participate in the discussion. This was a dream come true for me. As a previous retail business owner in Princeton, Minnesota, I knew collaboration of businesses was the only way a small town can bring in customers to spend time shopping, eating and having fun.
A few businesses who had networked at chamber events met together. We were all thought-partners and were able to come up with how we would manage the membership of this Ladies Local - Enjoy Princeton to ensure consistency during the event, purchase marketing materials and what would be the measurement of our success.
Our first Ladies Local Shop Small Spring Crawl is this Saturday, May 14, 2022 from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm and we welcome you. Last weekend I visited each business (and yes purchased a few items). Grab your friends and family for a fun day of shopping, eating and having fun.
PUNCH CARDS can be picked up on Saturday 5/14/22 and dropped off at all locations. You are going to want to get a stamp from all the shops because the GIVEAWAYS are fantastic!
COFFEE CORNER: Start your shopping experience with a latte of the day, breakfast sandwich and roasted coffee for at home.
THE MARK: The buyers at The Mark are up-to-date on trends coming for summer. You are going to want to check out the latest fashions to feel great at parties and weddings this summer.
HIERLINGER's SHOES: You will find comfortable and stylish shoes for all your summer activities. There is a great selection of hiking and tennis shoes.
JODIE's ANTIQUES and TREASURES: Do you have special occasions with people who are difficult to buy gifts for? Jodie's has a variety of unique items that will be a special gift for your special occasions.
PRINCETON BOOK & BIBLE: More than books and Bibles, this shop has home decor that will make your family encouraged and hopeful. There are special gifts for confirmations, graduations and weddings.
NORTHERN NUTRITION: Try the best wellness shake or tea that are delicious and will give you energy for more shopping. Make sure to check our their fun mugs and other wellness items you can purchase.
PRAIRIE RESTORATION - RETAIL: More than seeds, this retail shop will make you feel like you are in a prairie full of flowers and plants. From note cards to home decor, you will enjoy shopping for yourself.
MARV's TRUE VALUE: Find all you need for your summer garden, camping and home renovation projects. Other home decor items are also available.
Get ready for a mini-road trip to your final shopping destination and hopefully you still have room in your car.
RUSTIC DEPOT: A one-of-a-kind shop that will WOW you with products to make you smile, laugh and want them in your home.
All this shopping will make you hungry and thirsty. We have selected three restaurants located near the shopping.
PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS
Pizza Barn - Princeton: A local favorite with special recipes that make their pizza delicious. You may want to even purchase their fun branded clothing as a souvenir.
Foreseasons Clubhouse Restaurant: The patio on the golf course is awesome! A great place to reflect on your shopping with drinks, appetizers and dinner.
Pine Brook Restaurant: Located by Rustic Depot, this is a great restaurant for lunch or dinner. Delicious homemade recipes that you will want to return for more.
Thank you for planning to make a trip to visit Princeton, Minnesota and enjoy your day!
A few businesses who had networked at chamber events met together. We were all thought-partners and were able to come up with how we would manage the membership of this Ladies Local - Enjoy Princeton to ensure consistency during the event, purchase marketing materials and what would be the measurement of our success.
Our first Ladies Local Shop Small Spring Crawl is this Saturday, May 14, 2022 from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm and we welcome you. Last weekend I visited each business (and yes purchased a few items). Grab your friends and family for a fun day of shopping, eating and having fun.
PUNCH CARDS can be picked up on Saturday 5/14/22 and dropped off at all locations. You are going to want to get a stamp from all the shops because the GIVEAWAYS are fantastic!
COFFEE CORNER: Start your shopping experience with a latte of the day, breakfast sandwich and roasted coffee for at home.
THE MARK: The buyers at The Mark are up-to-date on trends coming for summer. You are going to want to check out the latest fashions to feel great at parties and weddings this summer.
HIERLINGER's SHOES: You will find comfortable and stylish shoes for all your summer activities. There is a great selection of hiking and tennis shoes.
JODIE's ANTIQUES and TREASURES: Do you have special occasions with people who are difficult to buy gifts for? Jodie's has a variety of unique items that will be a special gift for your special occasions.
PRINCETON BOOK & BIBLE: More than books and Bibles, this shop has home decor that will make your family encouraged and hopeful. There are special gifts for confirmations, graduations and weddings.
NORTHERN NUTRITION: Try the best wellness shake or tea that are delicious and will give you energy for more shopping. Make sure to check our their fun mugs and other wellness items you can purchase.
PRAIRIE RESTORATION - RETAIL: More than seeds, this retail shop will make you feel like you are in a prairie full of flowers and plants. From note cards to home decor, you will enjoy shopping for yourself.
MARV's TRUE VALUE: Find all you need for your summer garden, camping and home renovation projects. Other home decor items are also available.
Get ready for a mini-road trip to your final shopping destination and hopefully you still have room in your car.
RUSTIC DEPOT: A one-of-a-kind shop that will WOW you with products to make you smile, laugh and want them in your home.
All this shopping will make you hungry and thirsty. We have selected three restaurants located near the shopping.
PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS
Pizza Barn - Princeton: A local favorite with special recipes that make their pizza delicious. You may want to even purchase their fun branded clothing as a souvenir.
Foreseasons Clubhouse Restaurant: The patio on the golf course is awesome! A great place to reflect on your shopping with drinks, appetizers and dinner.
Pine Brook Restaurant: Located by Rustic Depot, this is a great restaurant for lunch or dinner. Delicious homemade recipes that you will want to return for more.
Thank you for planning to make a trip to visit Princeton, Minnesota and enjoy your day!
A Virtual Business Officer (VBO) is a new role to add to your office directory. If you haven't heard about this concept yet, it is because we just invented it!
A VBO is a highly-skilled contractor who can partner with business owners and leaders to take on some of the work on their TO DO LISTs. This contractor operates behind the scenes on behalf of the business owner/leader in order to meet deadlines, keep operations going through turnover and/or support growth and innovation.
Here are five reasons you should hire a Virtual Business Officer (VBO) from Goenner Consulting, LLC.
1. We understand the demands of being a business owner and leader.
From creating, implementing and selling a one-of-a-kind retail business and leading a large organization with 500 employees through a pandemic, we have the skills and experiences (Administration, Contract Management, Finance, Grants Management, Human Resources, Marketing, Operations and Strategic Planning) to transfer to your business. We know what items get stuck at the bottom of the TO DO LIST and we want to help you get them accomplished.
2. We are nimble with learning technology.
You shouldn't worry that we don't know your business' technology. We have expertise with Google, MS Teams, ZOOM, Trello, Asana, PeopleSoft, Workday, QuickBooks, Lawson and are able to learn your home-grown systems. We will leverage online trainings at no cost to ensure you aren't stuck training on technology that is new to us.
3. We can have continuity of projects across your organization.
Because of the breadth of business skills we have, you can hire us to cover financial projects one month and marketing the next month. If we aren't able to cover what you need, we know many experts in a variety of business operations to connect you with someone who can complete the task.
4. We operate from the values of trust, confidentiality, accountability and commitment to complete your project.
Our values start with trust because we know that you need to trust that we have the same interest in your business as you do. We do. Confidentiality is next because we know that there are proprietary items that may need to be disclosed and we are comfortable signing NDAs, when needed. We will be accountable to our services and ensure that you are satisfied with the results. Lastly, we are committed to complete all projects that we take on.
5. We know how to lead a team.
We have experience leading small and large teams (remote and in-person) through employee engagement, change management and day-to-day operations. The Virtual Business Officer (VBO) could be a great way to back-fill leadership openings or develop new teams.
While writing this blog post we have been inspired by the projects you have for us. For a limited time, we are offering a monthly investment of up to 10 hours for $500 (REG: $1,000). Maybe you want to test us out with a 1-hour project, this investment will be $150/hour. Maybe you have determined you need VBO services for more than 10 hours, we will negotiate the rate.
Thank you for your time, please check out our website to learn more about what to expect with the VBO service.
PLEASE NOTE: Services can be W2 or 1099.
A VBO is a highly-skilled contractor who can partner with business owners and leaders to take on some of the work on their TO DO LISTs. This contractor operates behind the scenes on behalf of the business owner/leader in order to meet deadlines, keep operations going through turnover and/or support growth and innovation.
Here are five reasons you should hire a Virtual Business Officer (VBO) from Goenner Consulting, LLC.
1. We understand the demands of being a business owner and leader.
From creating, implementing and selling a one-of-a-kind retail business and leading a large organization with 500 employees through a pandemic, we have the skills and experiences (Administration, Contract Management, Finance, Grants Management, Human Resources, Marketing, Operations and Strategic Planning) to transfer to your business. We know what items get stuck at the bottom of the TO DO LIST and we want to help you get them accomplished.
2. We are nimble with learning technology.
You shouldn't worry that we don't know your business' technology. We have expertise with Google, MS Teams, ZOOM, Trello, Asana, PeopleSoft, Workday, QuickBooks, Lawson and are able to learn your home-grown systems. We will leverage online trainings at no cost to ensure you aren't stuck training on technology that is new to us.
3. We can have continuity of projects across your organization.
Because of the breadth of business skills we have, you can hire us to cover financial projects one month and marketing the next month. If we aren't able to cover what you need, we know many experts in a variety of business operations to connect you with someone who can complete the task.
4. We operate from the values of trust, confidentiality, accountability and commitment to complete your project.
Our values start with trust because we know that you need to trust that we have the same interest in your business as you do. We do. Confidentiality is next because we know that there are proprietary items that may need to be disclosed and we are comfortable signing NDAs, when needed. We will be accountable to our services and ensure that you are satisfied with the results. Lastly, we are committed to complete all projects that we take on.
5. We know how to lead a team.
We have experience leading small and large teams (remote and in-person) through employee engagement, change management and day-to-day operations. The Virtual Business Officer (VBO) could be a great way to back-fill leadership openings or develop new teams.
While writing this blog post we have been inspired by the projects you have for us. For a limited time, we are offering a monthly investment of up to 10 hours for $500 (REG: $1,000). Maybe you want to test us out with a 1-hour project, this investment will be $150/hour. Maybe you have determined you need VBO services for more than 10 hours, we will negotiate the rate.
Thank you for your time, please check out our website to learn more about what to expect with the VBO service.
PLEASE NOTE: Services can be W2 or 1099.
You aren't alone if your TO DO LIST seems to be getting longer than shorter. Recently I have been focused on the TO DOs that were stuck on the bottom of my list. Our consulting services are focused on helping business owners and leaders check off and complete TO DOs.
Here are some tips and tricks we recommend to help you check off a TO DO today.
Here are some tips and tricks we recommend to help you check off a TO DO today.
- Are you starting the day with no plan? Start the day focused on what needs to get done today and what can wait. Yes, your favorite tasks may not be what you need to do today.
- Are you stuck due to barriers? Acknowledge barriers you are having to completing TO DOs. Is it information you need from someone else? Is it a supply or equipment that is needed? Are there skills you need to learn? Do you need a new staff person or even a temporary assistant?
- Are you being resistant to change? Change is hard, but it can also hinder TO DOs that will leverage your business towards innovation and/or a product/service relevance to your customer and/or vendor needs. Get ready to be open to taking some risk and try something new.
- Are you forgetting about follow up? Follow up will bottle-neck progress. Today is the day to follow up on the TO DOs that you are waiting for information to complete your TO DOs.
- Are your TO DOs in your head? We highly recommend you grab a notebook and dump your head to paper. The act of writing down your list will help you prioritize and strategize and most importantly help you sleep. You don't have to worry about forgetting anything.
Start 2022 with a branded customer feedback survey for your business.
Goenner Consulting, LLC will lead and support the:
Customer feedback benefits your business by providing:
SPECIAL: $100 (regular $250)
Goenner Consulting, LLC will lead and support the:
- Development of the survey.
- Marketing of the survey.
- Reporting of the survey responses.
Customer feedback benefits your business by providing:
- Knowledge of customer’s likes and dislikes.
- Providing input to opportunities for innovation.
- Identifying blind spots to business operations.
SPECIAL: $100 (regular $250)
The question "What projects are at the bottom of my TO DO list?" is a question that I asked myself many times both leading a growing department in a research (R1) higher education institution and also as a small business owner and they remained the same month after month. What were the reasons these projects couldn't get completed?
We want to ask you the same question "What projects are at the bottom of your TO DO list?".
If you are like most people who we have asked this question to, they pause (they know what the projects are but they are shy to say them) and so we probe them with the following three questions and then the flood gates open of projects.
1. What project(s) do you know you need to do but don't have the capacity to do them and also keep the day-to-day business going?
2. What project(s) requires expertise you don't have and either you don't have time and/or an interest to learn?
3. What project(s) requires research that you don't have staff and/or the capacity yourself to gather so you can analyze and make decisions?
We have discovered the secret sauce to get the bottom-of-the-list projects completed is to have someone focus 100% on the project and move it to completion. Remember some of the bottom of the TO DO list projects are catalysts for customer growth and/or being able to scale the business. Can you afford not to work on them?
We have the skills and expertise* to evaluate your project and prepare a work scope and tasks to have your project "get legs" and move off your TO DO list. We look forward to learning about your organization and how we can help you.
We have put together three monthly project scope levels to help us scope out your needs and help you get your projects completed within your budget.
Contact us today to let us know how we can help you at hello@goennerconsulting.com or 612-819-7441.
*We have skills and expertise in project management, human resources, financial operations, grants management, strategic planning, developing training materials, change management, technology implementations, communications, marketing and content development. Resume and references available upon request.
We want to ask you the same question "What projects are at the bottom of your TO DO list?".
If you are like most people who we have asked this question to, they pause (they know what the projects are but they are shy to say them) and so we probe them with the following three questions and then the flood gates open of projects.
1. What project(s) do you know you need to do but don't have the capacity to do them and also keep the day-to-day business going?
2. What project(s) requires expertise you don't have and either you don't have time and/or an interest to learn?
3. What project(s) requires research that you don't have staff and/or the capacity yourself to gather so you can analyze and make decisions?
We have discovered the secret sauce to get the bottom-of-the-list projects completed is to have someone focus 100% on the project and move it to completion. Remember some of the bottom of the TO DO list projects are catalysts for customer growth and/or being able to scale the business. Can you afford not to work on them?
We have the skills and expertise* to evaluate your project and prepare a work scope and tasks to have your project "get legs" and move off your TO DO list. We look forward to learning about your organization and how we can help you.
We have put together three monthly project scope levels to help us scope out your needs and help you get your projects completed within your budget.
- Virtual Monthly Business Support - Small Project Scope = $300 1 hour 1:1 consultant time + up to 5 hours of project work.
- Virtual Monthly Business Support - Medium Project Scope = $600 2 hours 1:1 consultant time + up to 10 hours of project work.
- Virtual Monthly Business Support - Large Project Scope = $900 3 hours 1:1 consultant time + up to 15 hours of project work.
Contact us today to let us know how we can help you at hello@goennerconsulting.com or 612-819-7441.
*We have skills and expertise in project management, human resources, financial operations, grants management, strategic planning, developing training materials, change management, technology implementations, communications, marketing and content development. Resume and references available upon request.
With our entrepreneurial spirit and passion to see businesses and organizations successful, we are ready to work for you. For leadership positions you need to have back-filled, teams you need to get engaged, complex problems you need to solve and innovative solutions to be implemented, let’s get started. #yourvisionpossible
Contact us today at faithgoenner@gmail.com or 612-819-7441
Contact us today at faithgoenner@gmail.com or 612-819-7441
We are inviting you to show your support for a one-of-a-kind virtual marketspace for Handmade in Minnesota with Love products and services.
Would you please register at this link to let vendors know you would like to meet them and purchase handmade Minnesota products and services on Saturday, March 20, 2021.
Please share this event and invite your favorite Minnesota entrepreneurs.
Would you please register at this link to let vendors know you would like to meet them and purchase handmade Minnesota products and services on Saturday, March 20, 2021.
Please share this event and invite your favorite Minnesota entrepreneurs.
Author
Written by Faith Goenner, Goenner Consulting, LLC
Goenner Consulting, LLC Providing business consulting for competitive strategies for retaining and recruiting quality employees.
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