Training – a must?
A significant business strategy that is often ignored by start-ups is Training. Businesses are becoming more service-oriented than ever before and are paying a high premium on training. Hence the need to be specially equipped for the challenges it imposes becomes a necessity. Operating in a knowledge economy, start-ups need to realise that the “grey capital” and the skills of the employees are valuable assets. It is thus essential for training to be included in the short and long term plans of an organisation in order to keep in touch with the changing market scenario.

If need be
Most entrepreneurs are faced with financial restrictions, which do not allow them to invest a lot in training. In such situations, entrepreneurs need to use their discretion. They should provide training only if there is an ample need for it, and it should be restricted to the employees who need it the most. The contents of this article could also be included in the training package.

On-the-job
Some start-ups just do not have the infrastructure to train employees. This leads them to adopt a system of on the job training. This is not the easiest way to learn, but it is a cost-effective one.

On the flip side it could be time-consuming, and learning on a ‘trial and error’ basis could have disastrous effects Therefore it might be a good idea to opt for a combination of in-house and on-the-job training module. Temple Health Service started a help line, which provided a half-day workshop for sales executives and arranged for senior staff to mentor them for the first three months. So if an entrepreneur can get help from an experienced personality in that industry for free there would be nothing like it. You can remind him of his corporate social responsibilities which he can fulfil by supporting the budding future of this country. Believe me it works!!

HR picks
People managers match the training requirements with the skill sets of the employees. Employees can also be given the chance to volunteer or recommend subordinates for specific training programmes. Sometimes the HR Managers make it a point to keep tabs on the training programmes being conducted and keeps the employees posted. If the infrastructure needed for the training does not exist, the HR department needs to make the required arrangements to provide the necessary training to the team

Go quest
Small establishments encourage their employees to attend seminars, conferences and workshops to keep them contemporary. Such efforts are often partially sponsored by the company.

Outsourcing
Corporate trainers share their knowledge- albeit at a high price. This however is worth the investment if the trainer is chosen with utmost care. Corporate trainers should be able to understand and meet the needs of the entrepreneurial manpower. Successful entrepreneurs are the ones who realised the need for effective training at the stage of inception itself, and that training can’t always be reactionary!

You want to be successful … you have got to train that brain.