The author shares lessons learned from growing their small business from 3 staff to 15 staff over 4 years. Initially, the author worked closely with staff which motivated them and the business grew 50% in the first year. As more staff were added, the author continued working closely with all to pass on their passion which led to continued growth. However, as the author spent more time on the road, staff began losing passion and the business plateaued. The key lesson is the importance of the owner continuing to motivate staff as the business scales up.

1. Author Stephen Bones
Running a business with staff
digitalbloggers.com/business/How-staff-can-cause-negative-in-your-business
Jun 10, 2018 - 10:45 4 views
Written by Stephen Bones
Articles written:
20
Joined:
11 May 2018
Niche:
Pets Recreation and Sports Travel and Leisure
At 59 years old I have had 25 years plus in the small business environment, I have been
successful in building from a start up and also buying a going concern and developing the
business to succesful profitable levels. These tips are based on my own journey between
the age of 40-50. My aim in choosing this subject will hopefully help any small business to
succeed and miss the pit falls of failure.
1/3

2. I was about 42 when I purchased a going
concern. Turnover was about 650,000 with
three staff the business was receding due to
no activity on sales, however it had a solid
base of customers which meant the
business was profitable enough to enable a
turnaround. The interesting analysis when I
look back is the growth factor in the first two
years.
Why was growth so fast
The business grew 50% in the first year, even though my product knowledge was nil. When
I analyse the matrix we had 3 staff I worked in production distribution and sales every day
and the staff that had been there years suddenly got highly motivated . Why ?
The staff got highly motivated because I worked closely with them. So why
would this happen?
I was passionate about the business
I arrived and left before anyone else
I was working closely with them and they felt special
The business had an re-newed energy, Every one pulled together and was enthusiastic
about growing the company. I had given them a vision of what my goals were for the
company and that eventually rewards would follow. The business in year two went from
950,000 turnover to 1,300,000 we had to take more staff on.
Some of the staff that I worked closely with in year one became
supervisors and as we grew we had to take more staff on we still grew why
?
The supervisors still carried the passion to grow
This was passed on to the new members of staff
I was still able to work closely with all the staff
2/3

3. 1,300,000 to 2,000,000 we achieved this in year 4 however we were now 15 staff. This is
where we stagnated I made an error. I decided to keep going out on the road travelling to
see customers I should have invested in a Field Sales Manager.
This caused the business to plateau
Staff lost their passion
Staff lost their discipline
The staff lost their passion and enthusiasm very slowly , it was a little each day, it was slow
slight I didn't notice was was happening. Due to my passion, goals and desires for the
business, what I had not realised my philosophy was passed on to all daily as we all
worked together. BUT as new people joined they did what human nature does. Accepted
their pay each week, did what was asked but they were moaning about small issues,
grumpling that it was too hot to work in the summer and too cold in the winter. Small and
insignificant you would think, beware this caused a negative attitude to spread through to
the old loyal passionate enthusiastic staff. You have heard the saying " one bad
apple......." well its true so if you are in a similar position look below the surface listen to the
whispers are they positive or negative !!
I will be posting further blogs to follow on with this information to look at where we
go from the questions posed today. Blogging is my new passion, I have fun coupled
with happiness and fulfilment.
I want to thank you for reading my blog, would you please share like and comment.
3/3