Talent Magnet: How SMEs Can Build and Keep a Dream Team

How can I get great people to work for me and actually stick around?

Picture this: You're Ade, the proud owner of Ade's Awesome Cakes, a small bakery in the heart of Lagos. Business is booming, your velvet cake is the talk of the town, and you're living your entrepreneurial dream. But there's a fly in your icing that's giving you headaches - your staff turnover rate is high.

Just when Blessing, an apprentice working with you, masters the art of crafting those intricate fondant flowers for wedding cakes, poof! She's gone. And don't even get me started on Emeka, whose croissants were so good they made French tourists weep with joy. Last week, he traded his apron for a corporate suit. 

Every night, you toss and turn in bed, wondering, "How can I get great people to work for me and actually stick around?" 

Now, I know what you're thinking. "I'm just a small bakery, not some fancy tech startup. Can't I just hire whoever walks in and hope they don't burn down the kitchen?" That's like trying to win the Lagos Marathon in bathroom slippers. Your team is the secret ingredient in your recipe for success. They're the difference between being the go-to spot for every celebration in Lagos and being just another forgotten corner shop.

First up, we need to create a strong employer brand. Your bakery isn't just about what you sell; it's about who you are. Are you the cool, innovative spot experimenting with fusion flavors? Or are you the warm, family-like business where every customer feels like they're picking up treats from their favorite aunty? Figure out your vibe and shout it from the rooftops louder than those street vendors hawking plantain chips in traffic.

Next, let's talk perks. Sure, a fat paycheck is nice, but the best talent wants more than just naira in their account. How about flexible hours so your night owl baker can create midnight masterpieces? Or a "bring your kid to work" day where little ones can decorate cookies (and make a glorious mess)? Get creative! The goal is to make your bakery a place where people actually want to come to work, even on Mondays.

Once you've attracted some amazing talent, it's time to focus on keeping them around longer. Foster a kick-ass culture. Recognize good work publicly and often. Did Chioma's new recipe for pineapple upside-down cake sell out in record time? Shout her praises louder than a Lagos traffic jam! And hey, the occasional bonus or extra day off won't hurt either.

Invest in their growth as you invest in the finest ingredients. Offer training, send them to workshops, or even sponsor online courses. Show them you're invested in their future, not just in how many meat pies they can churn out in an hour. Give them meaningful projects that let them see the impact of their work. Let Quadri spearhead that new line of healthy, low-sugar treats you've been thinking about.

Now, let's talk about turning your good employees into a dream team of culinary superheroes. Sit down with each employee and map out their career goals. Does Amina dream of becoming a master chocolatier? Work with her to create a plan to get there. Offer cross-training opportunities. Let your cake decorator try their hand at bread-making, or your accountant experiment with cupcake designs. You never know where the next great idea will come from.

Remember, as an SME, you've got superpowers that big corporations can only dream of. You're more agile. While big companies are still scheduling meetings, you can implement changes faster. You offer a personal touch that makes employees feel like family, not just another name on a payroll list. In your bakery, everyone's work has a direct, visible impact. That's hugely motivating!

Now, I won't sugarcoat it: managing talent in an SME isn't always easy. You'll face challenges. As the owner, you're probably wearing more hats than a milliner's shop—CEO, HR manager, head baker, and chief taste-tester all rolled into one. It's tough, but with good time management and a dash of creativity, it's doable.

Yes, sometimes you'll lose talent to bigger companies. But remember, for every person attracted to corporate life, there's another who'd choose the warm, fragrant embrace of a family-owned bakery any day. Your job is to find those people, nurture them, and create an environment so fantastic they wouldn't dream of leaving.

So, Ade, it's time to turn that revolving door into a talent magnet. Craft your unique employer brand, offer creative perks, invest in your people, and leverage your SME superpowers. Before you know it, you'll have a team so loyal and talented that they'll stick to you like flour on a baker's hands. Now, go forth and conquer, you culinary captain! 

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Regards,

Ayo Bankole Akintujoye

Convener & Co-Founder