It's no secret that this year has been one of the most unconventional in many ways. From the pandemic to the nationwide labor shortage, businesses everywhere have had to adapt more than ever before.
Employees are at the heart of your business's operations. That's why there's been such a strong emphasis on not just finding employees but finding the right ones.
Take A Closer Look At Your Resale Franchise
The first step to choosing the best employees for your business is to take a closer look at your brand and its values. Not only are employees more likely to stay at a job where they share similar values, but it also allows you to build a strong relationship with them – an integral part of operating your business.
Another option is to speak with other franchisees in your system or with the corporate team. One of the many benefits of owning a franchise instead of a standalone business is that you have access to so many resources. Our Winmark® brands Play It Again Sports®, Plato's Closet®, Once Upon A Child®, Music Go Round® and Style Encore® are over 1,200 locations strong, with many franchisees owning multiple stores.
Having been around for over 30 years, we understand what works and what doesn't when it comes to building your team.
Utilize Online Resources
Of course, living in a time when all the information you can imagine is accessible from just a few taps on your smartphone has its advantages. Online research and outreach are crucial to hiring top-quality employees.
Websites like Indeed and LinkedIn can help you find candidates that align well with your mission and the type of talent you are seeking. You can even filter your search results to those with similar retail experience.
Indeed not only allows you to post job openings and collect applications but you can also view the thousands of resumes in their database. This provides you with the ability to find employees with the skills and experience you are looking for and reach out to them directly to introduce yourself and the job opportunity.
Turn To Your Network
When it comes to owning any business, networking is vital. A strong community of professional peers can help you navigate your business needs. You can go a long way simply by "asking around" for recommendations.
You should never underestimate the power of building connections, both in person and online. One way to do so within your community is by hosting or participating in a local job fair. You can even expand your network and discover more events and opportunities by joining your local chamber of commerce or retail association.
Research, Recruit, Hire.
By taking a closer look at your franchise, values and what others are doing to combat the labor shortage, you can discover new ways to do so yourself. Not only should you research what your competitors are doing to recruit employees during this time, but you can also take notes about what sets your opportunity apart from others. You want to use your research to answer the question, “Why would someone want to work for me and for my brand?”
Once you’ve done your research, use online tools and your network to recruit quality candidates. Don’t be afraid to take a direct approach to recruiting by reaching out to qualified candidates and introducing yourself on LinkedIn. Networking is the key to luring top quality job searchers in. When you truly take the time to go over your needs and goals and put yourself out there, there's no telling how many long-term employees you may recruit.
Finally, make sure you hire people who share your vision. Think about what your business goals are. You want to hire someone who cares about your mission as much as you do. For instance, our Music Go Round franchisees should not only look for individuals who are excited about the retail environment, but also passionate about music itself. It may be someone who plays an instrument or who is eager to learn more about the industry and help serve others with similar interests.
Our corporate team is here to help you build a strong team and an even stronger business. Contact us today to learn more about our resale franchise opportunities!
