There was once a time where people were employed to do a specific task and that was that. They knew what was expected of them and they knew how to deliver exactly that. They had a role to play. They were a very specific cog that helped a very specific machine operate. However, these lines have been blurred because business leaders are no longer content in having employees that just do their job. Oh no. These days, employers expect their staff to be stray well beyond the boundaries of what is expected of them. It is all about maximising the value they get for paying them a salary.
Of course, wanting this and achieving this are two entirely different beasts, which leaves the gaping question of, “how can you better take advantage of your employees by turning them into brand ambassadors and not just job doers?”
Well, to help you get started, we have pulled together a few ideas for your eyes only. Enjoy.
Get Them Using Social Media
Most employees these days are afraid of using social media in case their employer disagrees with something or judges them for going out on a Friday night. That is why you need to change this by creating a culture that supports social media activity. From here, you can encourage your employees to start engaging more, spreading the joys of your brand and watch as they start to value their positions within your business a lot more.
Encourage Them To Create A Bond
If you want your employees to be brand ambassadors then you need to empower them, allow them a certain amount of freedom in which to play the role and create a bond with potential and existing customers. Let them dress according to your brand image; if you offer a professional service then have them dress appropriately, but if you are a cool independent retail store, then let that show in their attire. It is also important to encourage engagement, in which understanding the power a person’s name has over them is key. As such, have your staff wear name badges with your company logo on so that they aren’t just an employee but a person with a personality. Continuing on, encourage them to learn and use the name of any customers they have contact with. Like we said, a name has power.
Communication Is Absolutely Crucial
The number one way to create brand ambassadors is for you to regularly communicate with your employees. You may be thinking that you already do this with your weekly email that gets sent to everyone in the company. However, you may be shocked to know that, not everyone will read this email. That is why you should cover all the bases you can by communicating across multiple channels. Send an email, set up a company-wide meeting (whether in person or via Skype), send a tweet, or put a post up on LinkedIn. This will ensure your message gets read in some form or another, while also creating a sense of trust. Employees that are in the know are going to celebrate that and become brand ambassadors.
