As I understand you, Heather, it's key that you are in a position to cherry pick potential employees and clients. I think that addresses my last question -- the one about what things can be done to ameliorate or eliminate the possible need to be cautious when exercising compassion, etc. Thanks for that! I think you're onto something there.
I know that not all businesses are in a position to do what you do. I guess ideally they would be, but most businesses in my experience, must take what they can get. Which in some ways is kind of sad, because, as you point out, it might often be better for everyone if they could pick and choose employees and clients who were an excellent fit for them.
That is sad. I offer something that hopefully doesn't sound snarky, though (bear with me). I hire workers who show that they can add onto what I do, not replace me. I once was criticized harshly by a local business owner who said that I was approaching my business as if I was just self-employed, and not looking to find a way to NOT be at my business, which was the mark of a "true" entrepreneur.
But then, she is also a business owner who has been struggling with staff turnover, numerous customer complaints, and low quality service. I think she is the one who is in error by trying to build a business based on being able to escape the responsibilities of the jobs there.
My hopefully un-snarky reply is that I think many business owners struggle when they would prefer to not take actual ownership and responsibility for their business. Whatever happens at the studio is under my watch, whether I'm there physically or not. I need to be aware of all departments, not to micromanage, but to simply be present and available. So, say for instance in my earlier example of releasing the student because of her mothers bullying toward a teacher, doesn't matter that I wasn't there, it's my job to take care of the situation and find a way to solve it, and to make a decision based on what is best for the business.
I don't have to step into every situation, but I do need to be present. The business I think requires me to be an example of what is expected. When I have put a bigger priority on meeting possible vendors during a time when it was better that I be present during a seminar, the impact is apparent. Sure, someone may say that the vendor is more important, but we're not at a stage right now to justify employing a CFO of sorts to handle these matters while I'm at the studio, or vice versa employing a studio director while I handle off-site matters. I need to make the decisions based on our budget limitations, time limitations, and revenue projections. In any case, I feel an obligation to be present for the business and the people who are a part of it.
I'm curious, though. You've mentioned just one incidence in which you had to tell a client you'd already taken on to leave. But if anything else comes up where there is a conflict between the needs of a client or employee and the needs of your business, please post it, if you don't mind.
The work never ends, does it!
No, it never does. I will post any other conflicts if they do come up.
Oh, I was once counseled by a successful dance studio owner who told me for him there are 6 important things that will determine the measure of success for my dance studio. The least 3 important things out of these 6 (though they are important, but are ancillary and supportive) are Accounting, Infrastructure, and Marketing.
However, he also mentioned the top 3 aspects of a dance studio business are:
- Operations
- Sales
- People
And he stressed that out of everything, the NUMBER ONE ASSET is the people. Invest in your people. Never invest in anything more than your people. Develop your staff. Be available on occasion for counsel or advice or just to be an ear. Never place marketing, the floor or sound system, your accounting, or even your sales above the people who contribute to the business. He also owned several other successful businesses, and said this was his secret to success, and he learned it many years ago from another successful business owner.
I have found this formula to be sound. So I've also been applying it to the dance studio. I only assume that it can be successfully applied to other businesses, and I've heard some feedback regarding the success of long standing businesses like Trader Joes and Costco as opposed to Walmart when it comes to how they invest in their employees.
I guess we'll see. So far so good.