Comments on Getting down to it: New Staff More Problems

Thanks Sharanya: I see you are a believer in the s...

2010-02-26T10:19:34.365+05:30

Thanks Sharanya: I see you are a believer in the secret- putting it out there in the universe :)

Hi Rupa: The whole problem with my staffing issue ...

2010-02-26T10:18:48.295+05:30

Hi Rupa: The whole problem with my staffing issue is that they leave after 6 months or a year. If I had a store manager who didn't mind training and re-training new staff, it wouldn't be such a big issue (except that it's harder to build a relationship with your customers if your sales staff keep changing). But since I have to wear many hats, it's exhausting to keep re-training my staff. And "training" isn't a one day thing, it's kind of ongoing- the maximum required training is in the beginning but it requires constant feedback, supervision, revision, etc.
I have thought about a partner for the store- but partnerships are scary and risk. For someone to be a true partner, they must be willing to risk something (so they would need to put down some investment -otherwise how are they different from any employee) and it must be someone I trust. Not easy to find people like that but I am searching.

Hi Robyn: Thank you! Just thinking about my vacation right now makes it hard to work....I keep picturing myself swimming and sleeping in the sun, taking breaks to drink and eat!

This sounds so frustrating! As you say, 3 days vac...

2010-02-25T17:48:12.283+05:30

This sounds so frustrating! As you say, 3 days vacation a year is not too much to ask for. I hope you come back feeling rejuvenated.

Maybe out of the box thinking may be required here...

2010-02-24T11:59:17.668+05:30

Maybe out of the box thinking may be required here.

To arrest the retention problem immediately, how about offering a pay raise after 6 months (providing they do not miss more than 10 working days during that period) and a generous bonus if they complete 1 year of service.

Another option would be to sign up with vocational training schools and have them send trainees for a period of 6 months at a stretch.

I vaguely remember that one of the churches on Santhome Road had/have an orphanage, maybe you can offer to train the girls for a career in retailing? Since they are associated with the church, and live with the nuns... they may(should) not play hooky often!

Since yours is a one man show, it seems to be taking a toll on you.....have you thought about taking on a partner? Maybe offer someone who has similar visions a kind of a deal where they do not have to be involved with the creative part, but work on the retail/marketing end? Maybe a relative or a recently graduated fashion student (NIFT)?

Good luck with the interviews and have a relaxing vacation.

I hope you manage to sort this out and enjoy your ...

2010-02-22T12:20:24.791+05:30

I hope you manage to sort this out and enjoy your vacation! Brass Tacks is a labour of love and it shows in your clothes - hopefully now that you've spoken up about your staff issues, help and resources of the right kind will come pouring in. Sometimes, I feel like the universe is just waiting for us to ask out loud. :)