This website uses cookies (the non-yummy kind)

Cookies are used to make my website work. They keep it safe, secure and accessible. You can disable these by changing your browser settings, but this may affect how the website functions.

I'd also like to set optional analytics cookies to help me make improvements by collecting and reporting information on how you use it. I won't set optional cookies unless you enable them.

For more detailed information about the cookies I use, read my policy.

Skip to main content

You should get on board with onboarding

Published on:

The familiar rhythm of early Bank Holidays definitely feels different this year, but the blue skies and blooming gardens are still signalling the start of spring. Spring feels optimistic and positive, much like the start of a new project or relationship in your business.

Have you considered your onboarding experience?

Onboarding is just a fancy term for the process of integrating someone new into your world. That could be your latest hire who you want to hit the ground running, or how you welcome the client you’ve just won.

Companies with structured onboarding see 60% year-over-year improvement in revenue and 63% year-over-year improvement in customer satisfaction. (Aberdeen Group research, 2012)

A great onboarding process not only sets the tone for your relationship moving forward. It can save time, make money and reduce stress for both you and your new business friend. 

Having consistent and on-brand onboarding means…

For your newbie, or newbies

⛵They feel included on day one. LinkedIn might be full of expensive swag bags for new interns in Silicon Valley, but even a simple PDF guide to your business and a handwritten card can show a new starter you care

⛵They know it’s safe to share in your organisation. By being upfront with details about your business, you are encouraging them to do the same with you

⛵They don’t have to worry about asking awkward questions about the WiFi password or what time they can call your office

⛵They can make their contribution to your working relationship sooner. If they have a clear understanding of what you need from them, as a boss, partner, supplier or agency, everyone can start getting down to “real work” ASAP

For you

⛵You can set clear expectations and boundaries about how you work and what’s important from the very beginning

⛵You aren’t fielding the same questions time and time again. The time it takes to document the basics you will gain back very quickly, we promise

⛵You can avoid new starters inventing new ways of working, duplicating efforts or using their own tools when you’ve already got them in place. They mean well, but it quickly becomes confusing for everyone involved

⛵You don’t need to remember who you’ve told what. This is a mental load you then don’t need to carry, or you can delegate to others

Most honest humans aren’t too keen on uncertainty, and we have plenty enough of that going around right now. So if you can reduce the uncertainty at the start of your new relationships, you’ll all be setting off with a spring in your step.

As always, my diary is open if you want to book a free of charge 15-minute call if you fancy talking more about onboarding.