Earlier today I was privileged to share a seminar about how motivated employees improve a store's bottom line. This was the first time that I have shared on this topic since the current economic challenges have become so pronounced. While the current economic issues that we are dealing with weren't a focal point of the presentation, it seems that they are a backdrop, or an element of flavoring and seasoning, it just about every business conversation these days.

Getting caught up on some e-mail and reading some journals after this presentation - with its content still on my mind, I came across the following from the Forbes website:

www.forbes.com/entrepreneursmanagement/2008/08/28/small-business-morale-ent-hr-cx_ja_0828boostmorale_slide.html

The link opens a small slide show with some ideas, all low or no cost, designed to help improve employee morale when cash is tight.

You may not find that all of them would work with your staff and store. (In fact, I'd be surprised if you did!) But - I do think that they show us that we can do positive things to provide motivation and to improve the morale of those around us, without spending a lot of money in the process.

The first one is to Give Thanks. To take time and thank people for their work and their contributions. How basic - and how inexpensive - and how underutilized. A sincere "thank you" can go a long way!

You'll have to click on the link to read the other 9!