As a small business owner, you wear a lot of hats. But if you try to wear too many at once, you’ll be crushed under a pile of caps.
While it’s tempting to take an “I’ll do it all myself” approach, the reality is that you’re going to need more than one set of hands to keep your small business running. But how do you make sure that those hands belong to capable employees? Here are our tips on hiring small business employees.
1. Set a Budget
We’ve talked about bills and budgets, and the lessons learned in creating your budget carry over to hiring small business employees. Money is an important part of the hiring process, and you need to know what you can afford before you start talking to potential employees.
Whether you’re searching for a new office manager or a freelancer, setting a budget is the first step in getting the help you need. Remember to factor in things like employee benefits packages, job advertising and travel expenses for out-of-town candidates.
2. Choose Your Partners Wisely
The quality and reputation of your small business depends on the people you hire to represent it. From the sales clerk to the assembly-line workers, you’re only as good as your team … so make sure your team is an accurate representation of your small business and its mission.
When conducting interviews, look for someone who can represent your brand, not just perform a basic function. Experience is great, but remember that everyone has to start somewhere. Don’t be afraid to take a chance on a young gun if you feel it’s someone who’s responsible and a good fit for your team.
Also, don’t settle on the first batch of applications if no one stands out of the crowd. Spend some time researching the best interview practices. And above all, know what you’re looking for before you start your search. Creating a picture of your ideal candidate will make him or her easier to recognize.
3. Look for a Proven Track Record
Whether it’s an employee or firm (like a small business marketing guru), you need a partner who can get the job done rather than just give lip service to the task. A proven track record can help sort out the posers from the proficient.
Note that we said “proven.” Talk is incredibly cheap, so when hiring small business employees, ask job candidates for references and actually contact them. Ideally, you want someone who can maintain a pattern of success, not just a one-hit-wonder.
Mischa Communications has a proven track record in partnering with small businesses (like you) to spread the word about how much your company rocks! We tailor our comprehensive suite of marketing services to each of our small business’ needs. And we do it at rate most of our clients call “too cheap.” (We take that as a compliment!)
We can’t wear all of your hats for you, but we’re happy to sport the marketing hard hat! Try us on for size!