Is it Time to Hire Your First Employee?
It’s a significant milestone in any company’s development, but how do you know when you’re ready to make that first hire? What kind of person should you look for? And what type of work should they do.?
It’s a Significant Milestone in Any Company’s Development, but How Do You Know When You’re Ready to Make that First Hire?
What kind of person should you look for? And what type of work should they do?
Like any small business owner, you’ve probably struggled to balance today’s workload with the need to bring in tomorrow’s. So, when there’s a rush on, you put in a few evenings and eventually everything settles down.
Or maybe it doesn’t. And, if you’re not careful, something could give – quite possibly your business reputation. So, is it time to make that critical first hire?
Every Hire Should Be Strategic
You may be tempted to bring someone in to sit beside you and help with the workload – but do you really want to share expertise and customer knowledge with a potential competitor? Why not just increase your prices and let go of a few clients? That would ease your workload without hurting your finances..
If You Want to Grow the Business, or You’re Tempted to Take on an Ambitious Project, You Need to Ask Yourself:
- What is it you do specifically that gives your client most value?
- To do more of it, what tasks must you give up doing?
- What kind of person could do some, or all, of those tasks?
- Could those tasks keep someone busy long-term?
Think Flexibly About Who You Need
Your new colleague might be a programmer, an admin person, or new business specialist. They might work full or part-time. They might specialise. Or they might take on a hybrid role with a bit of admin.
Then Work Out How to Measure Their Output
This might involve specific numbers, a set number of projects, or the ability to take on anything that stops you making your most valuable contribution.
But Don’t Forget That This Is a Human Being
Everyone works better when their contribution is acknowledged. Praise for good work, occasional socialising, remembering birthdays and flexibility around personal issues make every employee happier and more productive. Oh, and they’ll also need training, holidays and other statutory benefits.
Like we said, your first hire is a significant step. But if you get it right, you won’t just be sharing your workload; you’ll be sharing your success.
More Small Business Guide
Creating a Happy Workplace
Highly engaged employees are good for business. Take these steps to build a happier work environment.
Expert Advice: Building a Strong Team
Innocent Drinks founder Richard Reed suggests you first consider values and skills, then experience.
Business Networking: Fine-Tune Your Approach
Think of networking events not as one-off sales opportunities but as the foundations for new connections.