At a joint luncheon hosted by the Small Business Council and Northshore Young Professionals, attendees learned practical strategies for hiring and retaining top talent in today’s competitive workforce. Don Shea, director of business services at Tri-Parish Works, and Steven Cochran, founder of Impression MGMT, offered actionable insights for small business owners and professionals facing staffing challenges.
Don shared how leveraging workforce development programs and tailored hiring strategies can help employers find the right fit, while Steven emphasized the importance of culture and appreciation, noting that “time is the most valuable thing anybody has.”
Key Insights from the Presentation:
- Leverage workforce programs – Grants and training support can offset the cost of onboarding new hires.
- Soft skills matter – Work ethic, humility and reliability often outweigh technical skills for long-term success.
- Show “specific generosity” – Regularly acknowledge employees’ efforts to boost retention and morale.
- Culture starts at the top – Lead by example and foster a positive workplace environment.
- Feedback builds trust – Praise in public, coach in private and never humiliate employees.
- Expand your talent search – Look beyond traditional job boards to vocational schools and community programs.
This luncheon gave attendees fresh insights on hiring from every angle and practical ways to build stronger teams.
Click here to view a video of the presentation.