Why You NEED to Invest in Your Team

So you've assembled your marketing dream team.  They're working out fabulously and getting shit done.  Ready to pat yourself on the back?  DON'T.  Even if you have the world's best marketing team (like I do!), you aren't done yet.   You've got to invest in their success - here are five reasons why training your team is mission critical.

1. It Grows Their Skill Set
Okay, this one's pretty obvious but sometimes we all forget about it.  My team is great at what they do, they're getting things done and we're all hunky-dory.  Then I asked myself "Could we be doing this better, more efficiently, etc?" Sending the team to workshops, even if they're the best in the business, sparks new ideologies and methods that can greatly benefit us.

2. It Makes Your Staff Happy
When's the last time you asked your team what they WANT to do?  Asking around has led me to discover our assistant has a strong interest in graphic design and she's pretty darn good at it!  When budget time came around, I let her choose several graphic design classes to take in 2017.  She's pleased because she's learning a new skill that she chose to develop.  A happy employee is a productive employee.

3. It Bonds Employees to Your Company
Employees who are free to attend training sessions and learn new skills develop an affliction for their companies.  They know the company is investing in their progress and wants them to advance.  They begin to see a future with the company and start planning their long-term career path with you.

4. It Boosts Your Reputation
Want to impress customers, potential employees AND worry your competitors?  Than double-down on that training budget.  When you continually invest in your personnel, it shows.  Your team comes out on top as the best and brightest...and people tend to take notice of it.  

5. It Helps with Succession Planning
Let's face it - you're not going to be in your current position forever.  One day, you're going to move onward and upward.  That's going to leave a big vacancy on your team.  Are you preparing your team to fill that spot?  Offering on-going training increases the number of experienced employees in your department.  When you're ready to move, there should be someone right behind you with the right skills to take your place.  And, hey, selfishly, it's going to make you look even better!

Remember, your people are your greatest asset and if you don't invest in them, somebody else will.

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