A big factor in your company’s value is how well it performs without you. To make sure your business thrives, even when you’re not around, you need your team to give their best—just like owners do. Creating a vibrant culture in your company can inspire this level of commitment. Here are three ways to make it happen:
Think of your business as the underdog in a "David vs. Goliath" story. That's what Gavin Hammer did when his company, Sendible, hit a sales plateau due to a big competitor entering the market. Instead of sugar-coating the issue, Hammar rallied his employees, framing their company as the small but mighty contender up against a giant.
He led by example, making the company more personal by starting a podcast, sharing team photos, and sending personalized messages to customers. This approach created a stronger bond between the company and its customers. The team worked harder because they felt like they were part of something bigger. Eventually, the company grew again, and Hammar was able to sell it for a great deal in 2021.
Another way to build a great culture is by offering perks your competitors can't match. Take Natalie and Chris Nagele, founders of Postmark. They wanted their employees to feel happy and motivated, so they researched different workplace models and stumbled upon a study showing the benefits of a four-day workweek.
Because they owned the company without outside investors, they had the freedom to try it. The shorter workweek led to more engaged and satisfied employees, which helped Postmark grow consistently. In 2022, the couple sold the business and made a life-changing exit. By offering a unique perk, they created a healthy and productive workplace that also increased their company’s value.
Turning work into a game can inspire your employees to care more. Josh Davis, founder of Speedee Transport, gamified his business by focusing on gross margin—the difference between what the company charged and how much it cost to get a job done.
Davis created software that showed a virtual scoreboard, allowing employees to track their gross margin performance daily. He even linked their compensation to this score, sparking a healthy competition. As a result, his employees became more engaged, and within two years, the company grew from 2 to 45 employees. This success led to an acquisition offer in 2019.
A key to building a valuable company is to inspire your employees to work as if they own the business. By making them feel part of a larger mission, offering unique perks, or gamifying their work, you can create a culture that brings out the best in your team—and boosts the value of your company.
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