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... learn. Also look into these options: Employees with excellent performance records often have friends and relatives with similar traits. Laid-off workers are often experienced, hard working, and grateful for a new opportunity. A staffing firm that screens candidates can be a valuable source for temporary or permanent workers. Cities and local communities may be potential recruiting sources through their workforce and economic development efforts. The Internet has become an increasingly valuable resource for recruiting skilled workers. DETAILED EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS One of the most important hiring tools is a careful review of ... universities for recent graduates who are highly motivated and willing to learn. Also look into these options: Employees with excellent performance records often have friends and relatives with similar traits. Laid-off workers are often experienced, hard working, and grateful for a new opportunity. A staffing firm that screens candidates can be a valuable source for temporary or permanent workers. Cities and local communities may be potential recruiting sources through their workforce and economic development efforts. The Internet has become an increasingly valuable resource for recruiting skilled workers. DETAILED EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS One ... the most important hiring tools is a careful review of the applicant's background. It's important to use an application with detailed questions. Also, be sure to: Require candidates to answer all questions completely. An applicant who leaves blanks usually has information they don't want to disclose. Ask an applicant why they wrote see resume' on the employment background section of the application. Were they trying to avoid answering any of the questions or just offering supplemental information? Pay close attention to the applicant's reasons for leaving a job. Applicants who ...

...is due to nervousness or another temporary cause, or is a permanent condition.... You seem to have a good sense of staffing, based on the rapport you describ...

... more important. Not only do you need well-trained staff, but they might require additional training to handle the new challenges. Be prepared to add to your staff as needed. If you succeed in retaining clients, your revenues will support additions. Think about part-time or temporary positions to start. With the right kind of planning for training and allocation of duties, this can be a cost-effective way to build for the future. PREPARE YOUR CUSTOMERS One of the most important roles you play is to educate the insurance buyer. Make sure ... the planning process. Analyze your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Identify important accounts or books of business that might be problematic this year. List companies that are restricting availability in classes of business important to you. Look at likely pricing problems. Review staffing issues and training needs. Involve your employees. They have valuable input, and they'll be the ones on the front line. Communicate your concerns and your optimism for the future. Enlist their enthusiastic support. The more your organization is involved in implementation, the ... , and share the results! Adjust your plan as needed, building on successes, and making changes when what you're doing isn't working as well as you'd hoped. Diane Herbert and Pamela Millard are partners in Transformation Advisors, a client-focused management consulting firm. You can contact Herbert at (239) 948-6888, Millard at (530) 295-1083, or either of them at www.transformationadvisors.com . Login or Register (for FREE) to gain access to thousands of other great articles. Need more reasons to join? Need ...