G: ii) Training

It may be necessary for some or all of your staff to undertake some form of training for the general health of the business, to encourage better teamwork, or to comply with health & safety requirements. 

Training can promote a good bonding effect with staff, and if all have attended the same training, they will know the required standards and service of the business.  If training is properly conducted, it can result in staff being more motivated and will promote better working unity.

Before opening it make sense to hold training days where you might cover some of these areas:

• Health & Safety
• First Aid
• Retail skills
• Phone and equipment training
• Specialist training
• Grants and funding is available for certin types of training.

As an example of training, if you run a restaurant, prior to opening, it may be a good idea to invite family, friends and staff to a complimentary meal.  This way you can get feedback, iron out any snags, give the staff confidence and give everyone involved a “dry run” before the main opening.