Successful entrepreneurs dedicate time and resources to training. The business world is changing all the time. Since the advent of the personal computer in the early ‘80s, business has changed dramatically. The only way to keep up is to try new things. And, a wise business owner realizes that you don’t want to try and fail. Instead, help yourself by helping your employees learn new skills, improve existing skills and find better ways to get the work done, based on life long learning.

Whether your workforce is comprised of high school graduates or college graduates, all employees need to learn and grow. If you value long term employees, you will invest in training that keeps them growing within their jobs and helping you grow the business.

In medium and large firms, employee training is usually handled internally. Entry-level employees are provided with an orientation and receive specific on-the-job-training for specific job duties. Ongoing employee education is necessary at all levels. In the small firm, the training function is often neglected, because it adds to overhead expenses. It’s a cost some find difficult to justify, so the owner becomes trainer. On some topics, the owner is the best person to relay valuable information. In other cases, the owner should consider providing funds to send employees to specific college classes, seminars or workshops, which provide specific information.

People are a key factor in joining the capital and physical resources of the company to produce profits. Well-trained and motivated employees can prove to be the difference between success and failure. And even though it’s difficult for the owner to take time to plan for and conduct training; it is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that the company’s capabilities remain strong. Training helps the company maintain its readiness to respond to the marketplace. Trade associations can often help. Trade magazines, books, seminars and conferences all can provide an avenue for modestly priced and very focused training for industry members.

If you would like to discuss employee orientations, in-house training or employee development programs, contact the SCORE® Association (Service Corps of Retired Executives). More than 12,000 volunteer, business counselors donate their time and talent to assist entrepreneurs. SCORE® is a nonprofit organization, which has assisted more than 3.5 million entrepreneurs. SCORE® counseling is offered as a free and confidential service. Call 1 (800) 634-0245, for a referral to the SCORE® chapter nearest you.