I consult with several businesses each week, and a recent conversation with a client in California really stood out. He’s passionate about selling health products, and his customers love him for it. However, he’s exhausted from working long hours and frustrated with his employees, who he feels don’t share his passion. He’s paying them well but isn’t seeing the results he wants. I’ve heard similar complaints from other entrepreneurs, especially in the black business community.
Here’s the thing: employees will never be as passionate about your business as you are. They have their own lives, problems, and passions. Instead of getting frustrated, I suggested he take a different approach. Why not hire a manager who can duplicate his efforts? By combining the salaries of those two employees and paying a single manager 70% of that amount, he could find someone more invested in the business. This manager could shadow him for a few weeks to learn the ropes. It’s better to have one reliable person than two who aren’t fully engaged.
Another crucial step is documenting everything you teach new employees. This is often overlooked, leading to frustration and wasted time. By creating a manual, you can ensure that new hires have a clear guide to refer to before coming to you with questions. This not only saves time but also helps prevent the same mistakes from happening over and over.
My client was also working 16-hour days and decided to open another store, which only increased his workload. Sometimes, instead of expanding, it’s better to streamline and make drastic changes. He’s now training a new manager and has put his employees on notice. So far, he’s happy with the results, and his employees are working harder and paying more attention.
In today’s fast-paced business environment, where AI and automation are increasingly prevalent, it’s more important than ever to focus on what truly motivates employees. This includes offering competitive compensation packages, providing growth opportunities, and fostering a positive work culture. Recognizing employee efforts and giving them autonomy can also significantly boost morale and productivity. By embracing these strategies, entrepreneurs can create a more engaged and motivated workforce, even in the face of challenges like burnout and disengagement.
For instance, implementing employee recognition programs, such as “Employee of the Month” awards or peer-to-peer recognition tools, can be highly effective. Additionally, providing flexibility in work arrangements, like remote work options or flexible schedules, can improve work-life balance and increase job satisfaction. In the creator economy, where personal connections and community engagement are key, building strong interpersonal relationships with your team can be a game-changer. By focusing on these modern strategies, businesses can thrive in 2025 and beyond.
Kevin "KevRoss" Ross is a music and radio industry expert. He is a 20 -plus year entrepreneur with the leading most successful industry trade publication and site Radio Facts (www.radiofacts.com). He has also published various books, magazines, performed marketing and promotions for major corporations and recording artists and he is on the advisory board of several industry organizations. This year Ross introduced his non profit organization LOMARI (Leaders of the Music and Recording Industry) to help teach young minority students how to market and manage their music and products.
