Congratulations to our local Coffs Coast businesses who took out their categories at the recent NSW Business Chamber Awards, held Friday 16 September at Rydges in Port Macquarie. Congratulations to Becky Cole, CHYFM taking out Young Business Executive, Community Care Options for Employer of Choice and Handybin Waste Services – taking out Excellence in Sustainability and the big one – Regional Business of The Year. The Chamber congratulates you all on your wins and wish you the very best at the State Awards.
All the winners of the Regional Awards will now go through as finalists to the NSW Business Chamber State Awards in Sydney on 25 November 2016 at Luna Park representing the Mid North Coast.
Christmas casuals
Have you given thought yet to your staffing needs for the Christmas rush? I have noticed many stores have placed signs in their windows advertising for positions, but have you given thought to the actual recruitment and training process?
Coffs Harbour is fortunate to be a destination for many visitors over the Christmas holiday period; and a large number of them stay for several nights spending their hard earned dollars in our local economy. Customer service is the critical point; we need to welcome our visitors with a smile and acknowledge them.
Hiring the right employee starts with a job analysis. The job analysis enables you to collect information about the duties, responsibilities, necessary skills, outcomes, and work environment of a particular job.
The information from the job analysis is fundamental to developing the job description for the new employee. The job description assists you to plan your recruiting strategy for hiring the right applicant.
When you interview applicants it’s important to reference check your preferred candidates. Ask the referee were they punctual, courteous and have a willing attitude. Screen all applicants against your list of qualifications, skills, experience, and characteristics that you are seeking. The more you know, the better your outcome.
Your successful applicant should be well trained before the busy period. Provide them with a detailed job description, a good understanding of their role and teaming them with one of your staff as a “buddy”, will ensure they are properly able to meet your service expectations.
Visitors often ask for some local knowledge as to what they should see, where the shopping centres are or what restaurants could be recommended. Including these types of points of interest in your training would impress your customers, your business at the forefront of their mind and they will leave your premises with a very positive outcome.
Please contact us with any feedback and suggestions on 02 6651 4101 or for more information on becoming a member of the Coffs Harbour Chamber of Commerce, simply email info@coffschamber.com.au or visit www.coffschamber.com.au