Managing Your Time and Resources Presented by: Anita Khayat With the Westlake Library Objectives of the workshop You will learn • How to manage your time more effectively • Assess when to hire outside professionals • The best hiring practices • Ideas for training employees • Strategies for managing employees Manage your time Where does your time go? • Assess how you are using your time Keep a time log for 2 weeks Evaluate the results Reprioritize Managing Your Time 1. Group tasks into similar categories • • • Organize files along same lines Create a task list Schedule dedicated time to complete 2. Set up an organizing system • Folders (computer and hard copy) • Organize with future in mind • Get help if you need it Managing Your Time 3. Eliminate tasks that waste time • Delegate tasks you don’t have to do • Learn to say “No” 4. Use technology when appropriate • On line tools, automated interfaces 5. Prioritize, and be realistic about time it takes to make changes 6. Think continuous quality improvement Managing Your Time Learn to delegate • Frees your time • Gives employees confidence , builds skills • Creates culture of accountability Successful delegation • • • • Identify tasks to delegate Identify employees to take on duties Train employees/provide feedback Focus on results Using Outside Resources What missing skills do you need on your team? • • • • • • • Accounting Legal advice Insurance IT services Marketing and PR Board of advisors Mentors Which Vendors to Use? 1. Find professionals by referral • from colleagues, professional associations, industry associations 2. Evaluate experience by • Business size, industry, areas of concern 3. Check references Questions to Ask • • • • • • • Small business experience? Industry experience? Contract/relationship Billing Specialties Availability References Hiring Employees You’ve decided it’s time to hire an employee What are the steps needed to assure that you • • Define the job correctly Hire the right individual Hiring Practices First step: Write a job description • Duties • Job requirements • Experience, skills needed • Methods and equipment available to support • Compensation Full-time vs Part-time Full-time Pros • More committed • Longer hours • Long-term development Full-time Cons • Cost of Benefits • Legal issues Full-time vs Part-time Part-time Pros • Lower cost • More flexible scheduling Part-time Cons • Less committed • May not fill needs Temporary Workers Pros • • • • Agency assistance Flexibility Cost savings Simplified payment Cons • Less reliable/committed • No long-term development Interns Pros • Low or no cost • Flexible scheduling • New ideas/energy Cons • • • • Need supervision Restrictions/legal issues Scheduling issues Reliability Independent Contractors Pros • Cost savings • Specialized skills • Flexibility Cons • • • • Communication Accountability Not sole client Legal issues Remote Workers Pros • • • • Cost savings Desirable perk Access to specialized talent Dedication Cons • • • • Accountability Communication Teamwork Legal issues Legal and Tax Issues Make sure you understand • • • • Contracts Non-compete agreements Non-disclosure agreements Independent contractor vs employee You’re Ready to Hire • • • • • Employment agency Employee referrals Classified ads Social networking Craigslist/job boards HR Administration • • • • • HR Manager Designated employee HR consultant Human resource outsourcer Professional employer organization The Interview Process • • • • • Pre-screen: Resume/Application Test: Pre-screen tests/real world tests Interviews: Phone/Skype/In-person Referrals: Check references Interview Questions • • • • • • What you can (and can’t ask) Be prepared Job description/evaluation Open-ended questions Things to note Candidate questions Legal Issues • • • • • Check references Background check Maintain records Employee agreement Employee handbook Bringing New Hire On Board Complete employment agreement Payroll/tax paperwork Employee handbook Tour facility Introduce to staff Identify a mentor Employee Training/Development Assess skill requirements • What new skills are needed for the current job? • What skills are needed for new growth of the company? • What are they interested in learning? Employee Training/Development Internal Training Benefits • • • • Enhance employee skills Employees share knowledge Do more with less Uninterrupted workflow Methods • Rotation • Job shadowing • Group training sessions Employee Training/Development Outside Programs • • • • • • • Online Professional associations Colleges and universities Adult education Training companies/consultants Chamber of Commerce SCORE Keeping Your Employees Why do you want to keep employees? • Save money • Save time • Keep skilled workers • Stay competitive • Keep business running smoothly • Continuity of knowledge Employee Retention Employee Benefits Low Cost-Benefits • Flextime • Remote work • Wellness program • Day care • Pets at work • Casual/fun days Employee Benefits Paid Benefits • Health insurance • Life insurance • Retirement plans • • • 401K SEP Simple IRA • Profit sharing Managing Employees • • • • • • Create a culture of accountability Define goals and performance measures Set objective targets Provide adequate training and time for tasks Assign responsibility for results, not just tasks Use best practice methods Managing Employees Performance Reviews • Regular (quarterly is best) • Objective performance standards • Processes and results • Involve managers • Employee feedback • 360-degree feedback • Pay increases/bonuses Employee Progression Performs tasks Follows work processes Develops work processes Manage divisions/company Promotion Policies • • • • • • Opportunities for promotion Promote from within Clear promotion policies Nondiscrimination Communicate standards Consider skills and fit Problem Employees • Understand the legal issues • Grounds for dismissal • Progressive discipline policy • • • • Verbal warning Written warning Written suspension/final written warning Termination Dismissing Employees • • • • • • • • Prepare Document Include a witness Be brief but clear Obtain signatures Collect property Final payout Communicate to employees and partners SCORE Contacts SCORE Office: 1350 Euclid Avenue Suite 216 Cleveland, OH 44115 216-522-4194 www.Cleveland.SCORE.org Take advantage of tools and templates on the SCORE website, there are many available.