By Carol Miller
Green-industry businesses aren't the only ones having trouble finding dependable workers. The problem also affects big-box retailers like Home Depot, fast-food places, even high-tech computer firms.

Here are two ideas that have been implemented by companies outside the world of horticulture. Perhaps you can adapt the concepts to your situation.

Sell jobs like any other product
You've probably noticed the bright-orange booths near the front of the store at your local Wal-Mart. Or the orange-red ones at Target. They look like the library carrels you studied at in college. Inside each desk is a space-age-looking phone that has a typing pad in front. Not your usual product display, so what's for sale?

Jobs! Find out how retailers have resorted to creative means to lure employees.

Set tempting lures to find workers
Like most thriving companies in America, pcOrder.com of Austin, Texas, needs good workers. Lots of them.

What makes pcOrder.com different is how it has and is going about finding the workers.

Learn about a few of the aggressive tactics the company successfully employed to attract about 4,500 resumes and hire 62 new workers.

© 2000 Branch-Smith Publishing