In today’s episode, guest and friend Alana Elston joins the conversation to talk all things relating to HR strategies for small businesses. You won’t want to miss it!

Shawn asks Alana to provide a brief introduction to who she is and what she does before jumping into the strategies. Being in the field of HR for many years, Alana shares about her interest in the synergies between business and psychology. Listen as she discusses the shift that has happened in Human Resources, allowing this role to grow into something integral to any business. Alana shares the importance of honing-in on strategy, culture, and creating dynamic employee experiences, on top of the traditional role Human Resources has usually played.

Shifting to Alana’s “sweet spot” in working with small businesses, she says the number one priority is to focus on their people—employees are both the biggest asset and expense for a business, so their growth and development are crucial. This conversation sheds light on how to take your biggest asset and give them [employees] the best experience. Everyone wants to be part of something bigger than themselves. Alana encourages listeners to strive to grow a business that will outlive you. Learn from the examples Alana shares about those in small businesses and what “experience” looks like. Of primary importance is solidifying one’s mission, vision, and core values. Listen in on why these 3 components are crucial in order to build an employee base that believes in what you’re doing, so everyone can work for something bigger than themselves.

After setting the mission and foundation, Alana tells listeners to ask questions about how to move forward with their employees. She talks about creating a process of growth and development for both individuals and the company as a whole. At the onset of employees, keeping alignment is key.

As the episode draws to a close, Alana offers a third and final tip—focus on employee experience and creating environments through solid culture and culture points. She talks about the virtual retreat they did and how it was an amazing success. Solidifying the connection and reminding employees why they are at your company can make a huge difference. Make your employees understand they are in an amazing environment at your company, and if they move on some day, then they can take what they have learned on to their next big thing. Shawn and Alana finish the conversation with a quick chat about resilience, rigor, grit, and the Obama’s. Don’t forget to build relationships before you need them!

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Links:

Connect with Alana on LinkedIn.

Learn more about Shawn’s company Fortis Mortgage.