By Peter Wasmer, Founder & CEO of ProValet
It’s no secret that small businesses need to work harder to compete against larger businesses. One area where small businesses can level the playing field is by developing a strong company culture. Whether you own a pool service software company, a home watch services company, lawn care services software company, or a similar type of business, developing and maintaining a strong company culture is critical to success.
The importance of company culture is even more vital in today’s work-from-home era. Forbes reports that, “To maintain productivity when working from home, small businesses must reinforce company camaraderie. Good leaders ensure that no one gets lost in the shuffle. Over the past few months, I saw many different ways teams got creative with methods to keep everyone engaged, ranging from virtual happy hours to team book clubs. During difficult times and when working from home, small business culture can actually prove to be a savior to many who feel alone.”
A strong company culture can help small businesses attract and retain talent, boost employee morale, improve customer satisfaction, and even increase profits. But what exactly is company culture? And how can small businesses create a strong company culture?
Company culture is the set of shared values, beliefs, and behaviors that define a business. It’s what sets your business apart from other businesses in your industry. Creating a strong company culture starts with articulating your core values and then embedding those values into all aspects of your business, from your hiring process to the way you treat customers.
Here are a few tips to help you develop a strong company culture for your small business:
- Define your core values.
What does your small business stand for? What are your core values? Answering these questions is the first step to creating a strong company culture. Your core values should guide everything you do, from the way you treat employees to the way you interact with customers.
- Hire based on cultural fit.
One of the best ways to ensure that your employees buy into your company culture is to hire based on cultural fit. When interviewing candidates, look for people who share your company’s values and who will be a good fit with your existing team.
- Train employees on your company culture.
Once you’ve hired employees who buy into your company culture, it’s important to train them on what that culture entails. New employees should be given a thorough onboarding experience that includes an overview of your company’s history, values, and expectations.
- Live your values every day.
Your company culture should be more than just words on a piece of paper; it should be something that you and your employees live and breathe every day. Encourage employees to live your company’s values both inside and outside of work, and make sure that you’re living those values yourself.
- Reward positive behavior.
Recognizing and rewarding employees who exemplify your company culture is a great way to reinforce the behavior you want to see. Consider giving small awards or bonuses to employees who go above and beyond in living your company’s values.
Developing a strong company culture can be a challenge, but it’s well worth the effort. A strong company culture can help small businesses level the playing field against larger businesses, and it can have a positive impact on all aspects of your business. By articulating your core values and embedding them into your business, you can create a strong company culture that will set your small business apart from the rest.