Finding the right people for your business can feel like an uphill battle. You post job openings, but the applications trickle in slowly, and those that do come in often don’t meet your expectations. We get it. This problem isn’t unique to you. Trouble finding the right people is a problem that many business leaders are struggling with right now.
The Talent Challenge
After years of putting in long hours and dedicating yourself to building a business that sustains your livelihood, supports your employees and their families, and serves your customers, you’d think it would be easier to find the right people to grow your team. Yet, despite your best efforts, you’re still facing high turnover rates, lackluster performance, and a general sense of frustration.
It’s exhausting. And it’s easy to feel like you’re in this fight alone.
Unfortunately, many blue collar business owners are in the same boat, and it’s not because there aren’t good people out there. The real issue is that good people might not want to work for you. This is a hard pill to swallow, but understanding it is the first step toward finding a solution.
Facing Reality
If job posting after job posting, you feel like you can’t attract the right people, it’s probably because they don’t want to work for you. This isn’t meant to be harsh – it’s a reality check.
Good people want more than just a paycheck. They want to feel valued, respected, and be a part of something bigger. They want to work for a company they can be proud of, that aligns with their values, and provides a sense of purpose.
Many small to medium sized blue collar businesses get stuck in the day-to-day operations of keeping their teams running. It’s very possible that you’re exactly the type of company the right people want to work for, you’re just not sharing it!
So, how do you become the company that the best people want to work for? It starts with clearly communicating:
- Who you are
- What you do
- Why you do it
- Where you’re going
Attracting the top talent in your industry is about defining your company culture, your mission, and your vision in a way that resonates with the right people.
Communicate Your “Why”
There’s a point at which you can bribe people to take the crummy job. They’ll make enough money that they’re willing to overlook how bad things are – the money numbs the pain. But if you’re only competing on pay and benefits, you’ll never find the right people. – Ryan Englin, CEO of Core Matters
Do you still believe the myth that people just want to make more money? The reason job seekers make career decisions based on pay and benefits is because if they’re sacrificing time away from the people and activities they love, it has to be worth it. But if you make working with you another great part of their week, suddenly the priorities shift.
People make decisions based on emotion. Start by getting really clear on who you are as a company. If you’re not sure what to say, ask yourself:
- What are your Core Values?
- What drives your company?
- Why did you start this business in the first place?
- What keeps you going?
When you share these things clearly and passionately, you’ll start to attract people with similar values and vision.
Put It Out There
Once you’re clear on who you are, you have to get it in front of the right people. Use your job postings, social media, and website to communicate your values and your vision. Be transparent about what you stand for and where you’re headed. Show potential employees that working for you isn’t just a job; it’s an opportunity to be part of something meaningful.
Remember, if you’re competing on pay and benefits alone, you’ll never find the right people. Good employees want to feel like they belong, like their work matters, and like they’re a part of a community. If you can create that environment, the right people will want to work for you.
Align With the Right People
The final piece of the puzzle is understanding who the right people are for your business. This goes beyond just looking at resumes and qualifications. It means understanding what motivates your ideal employees, what they value, and what they’re looking for in an employer. When you know who they are and they know who you are, you can create a connection that goes beyond a short employment contract.
When you know who you are and you know where to find the right people, you’ll not only attract the right candidates, you’ll keep them. And in the end, that’s what every business owner wants: a team of dedicated, passionate, and loyal employees who believe in what they do and why they’re doing it.
So, take a step back and reflect on your company. Be honest about where you are and where you want to go. Then start communicating that vision to the world. The right people are out there, waiting for the right opportunity. Make sure that opportunity is with you.
