I was enraged when I read today’s WSJ article on Help Wanted: Small Firms Seek Skilled Workers But Can’t Find Any. This kind of nonsense just fuels the fires and gives small business owners yet another excuse for their inability to pull in talent.
Here is what I wrote in response to this piece:
I’m tired of hearing how small business owners can’t find the talent they need to support their business as most are unwilling to invest in what it takes to attract people to their organizations. You can’t just hang a sign out your door saying “Help Wanted” these days and expect people to walk by. There are too many other forces competing for their attention.
What is required today is that businesses create what I call a magnetic workplace. This is they type of place that attracts talent that will stick around. There are plenty of ways to do this that don”t require business owners to dig deeply into their pockets. Here are but a few examples of what I mean.
Most businesses have websites, yet many fail to post their job openings on their site. How are people supposed to know you have an opening if you don’t tell them? When people come to your site, does it pull them in or does it cause them to move along with just a click? We call this employment branding. Making a personal connection with those you are trying to attract, so they will stick around to learn more.
You say you want to hire people, yet you fail to respond to applicants in a timely manner or in some cases, at all. How’s that working out for you?
The business owner fails to acquire the necessary skills to surround herself with good people. Saying that you stink at interviewing and doing nothing about it is just crazy. Find a coach who can help you master this skill, as it’s a skill you will need throughout your entrepreneurial life.
I’m curious about what you think are the real reasons why small business owners can’t find skilled workers and welcome your comments.
