Workforce Corner: Small business tips for success

Ever wonder what makes a business successful? Whether it’s a company’s core values or realizing your company’s most significant resources, it is important to understand what can make your business run as efficiently as possible. To get a better picture of what it takes, the Northwest Wisconsin Workforce Investment Board, Inc. asked regional business owners and operators for tips and advice on how to achieve success.

DairiConcepts, located in Bruce, WI, is a dry ingredient manufacturer of dairy based powders, such as cheese seasoning. DairiConcepts nine U. S. manufacturing facilities supply dairy-based ingredients to some of the most well-known names in the food industry.

“Our employees are our biggest asset,” said Stacy VanHeesch, Plant Controller at DairiConcepts. “They are the ones that have ensured our livelihood. You have to listen to your employees and take into consideration what they are saying. This is our home, we’re all a family.”

When it comes to productivity and general cooperation in the work place it is important to consider employee morale. However, finding creative ways to boost morale to keep employees feeling appreciated and needed can be challenging. One way to foster positive attitudes is by taking the time to celebrate accomplishments and reflect on achievements. Rather than only focusing on what needs to get done, reinforcing “jobs well done” can help workers understand their part in the whole picture. Another way to improve morale is trying to instill in them the idea that work is more than “just a job.”

“Depend upon the people that make it happen daily,” said VanHeesch. “Trust in their ability to perform. As employers, our responsibility is to provide them tools to ensure that they are prepared to succeed.”

Cody Rabska, Master Electrician, started Gold Buckle Electric in the midst of the recession. Gold Buckle Electric, based out of Medford, WI, specializes in residential, commercial, and industrial projects. Since the company’s start in 2010, Rabska has had to hire two employees.

“Be the best at what you do,” said Cody Rabska. “Quality, quality, quality is what it’s about and treating your customers and employees fairly. Doing that and sacrificing time to go out of my way to be there for people is what has made me successful.”

Providing good customer service is critical in almost every industry. Taking evaluation from your customers’ needs and expectations is one way to discover how your services are being perceived. There are many different ways to receive feedback about your business depending on what industry you are in. One option is attending trades and/or home shows to give you and your customers the opportunity to have a face-to-face conservation. Another way to learn what you are excelling in or what you may need to improve is by simply asking customers to fill out a survey either online or via mail.

For more small business advice, check out helpful links on our website, www.nwwib.com, under the News and Events page.

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