At the heart of your office is an administration hub. Make sure it is well resourced. There is nothing more likely to crush staff morale and thus affect business than an unhappy working environment.
It's not difficult to build confidence amongst your staff which will lead to them being great ambassadors for your company. If they can take 'ownership' of their workplace and believe in the products and services you are selling, your marketing strategy will be enhanced no end by 'natural' promotional growth triggered by your own staff.
Of course, communication is one of the keys to good staff relations and if they have a say in the way their working environment is set up, you will get the best out fo them. This will definitely affect the company's bottom line profits margins.
Here are a few suggestions of essential building blocks which will make a world of difference to the way your company operates.
1. You need an efficient computer database system that is networked to give easy access to all personnel dealing with sales, marketing and business development. This should include the estimating department. Information should include client management and department structure showing names, titles, and relationships and a record of all contacts made. This ensures that everyone is reading off the same page and can see at a glance at what stage each project proposal has reached. There are a variety of databases available on the open market, some of which are specifically tailored for the construction industry. Most computers these days come with a database system already installed as part of a software package. You need time to learn the programe but once mastered you can build your own database for a fraction of the price of the 'off the shelf' systems. Depends how far your budget stretches!
2. Management at the highest level of your company should have a public face and they should be available internally to create a catalyst that will envision and motivate staff. Accompanying hands on participation in the running of the office and client relations strategy alleviate the 'siege mentality' that can cripple the smooth running of your company, especially when staff feel that they have no voice.
3. If you haven't got one yet, get a refrigerator! It'll do wonders for staff morale when they know they can bring food and drink and keep it fresh. Some offices do not have air conditioning. It's worth considering if you are working in a warm climate. Around 3.00pm is not a good time for most office staff! To prevent drowsiness and low work output, keep them cool!
4. Make sure you have a good photo copier at hand. It's surprising how cost effective and time saving a piece of equipment like this can be. Printing costs can be horrendous. So having a better quality color copier can save a lot of money in the long term. Even better if you have your own inhouse designers. It's not difficult to put together high quality promotional material these days with the amount of creative software out there.
5. Have some form of display board system, so that everyone can see the proposals and contracts that are in the pipeline, those that have been won and the projects now on site. Especially good if you have a reception area where potential clients wait. Remember, first impressions count.
6. Have regular team meetings which will be a motivational time to encourage your staff and workforce to deliver for the company. Reward them appropriately.
Steve Flashman is a Marketing Consultant with a unique edge! He is a public speaker published author, recording artist, media broadcaster and communications expert. by Steve Flashman |
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