Whether it’s one of the sign industry’s largest equipment manufacturers or one of the many small sign-making establishments that are just around the corner, all have had to work with the resources at hand and within their budgets. From the millions lavished to just a few dollars spent, all have seen fruitage from their efforts. The most important thing they did was start. So, how can you benefit from their example?

Start small and start today. Begin an in-house program where seasoned employees show recent hires new skills. This one-on-one interaction builds team spirit as well. Don’t reason that you’ll put off implementing training until things settle down. As you know, they probably never will! Since experienced workers know all the particular quirks of your business, they’re your best teachers.

Use books, tapes, and videos. What an inexpensive educational program! There are training aids that cover everything from selling to organization. In the sign arena, industry-specific media is available that covers a broad range of topics from vinyl installation to sign painting. Why not ask employees to fill out a little questionnaire after they have completed reading or viewing the material to let you know if they understand what they’re learning?

Send them to school. Try some of the seminars and classes offered at industry trade shows or meets. There they can receive hands-on training in focussed areas. It may be a course of continuing education or it may a lesson on a new market opportunity. Either way, the inexpensive investment will pay for itself many times over through increased enlightenment and productivity.

So train your associates well and reap the benefits of a knowledgeable staff. Educational programs are wise ventures that can fortify your business to handle economic fluctuations and increased competition. Start now.