Nov 19, 2020
Welcome back to the Scale your Small Business Podcast with your host, Jillian Flodstrom! Today’s topic is hiring. How do you know when it’s time to bring someone on? How do you navigate the budget around that? What roles would you hire for? All of these questions can be overwhelming, but in today’s episode, Jill is breaking down the basics.
Jill’s first tip when it comes to hiring new team members is to start with an extensive list. On this list, you’re going to want to include everything that a hire would be doing. Consider what their job is going to look like, but also consider the core reason behind your need to hire them. Is it because you’re disorganized? Will this person save you time on projects that usually take longer for you to complete? If someone can complete a task for you in half the time, is it worth it to include them in the work you’re doing? Your list should have the answer to all of these things. Your future self will thank you when you are able to train your new hire more efficiently. By knowing the in’s and out’s of what you want their position to look like, you can more effectively communicate their responsibilities.
While you’re making this list, keep in mind what your budget looks like. Jill suggests setting aside what you would normally pay this person before you hire them to ensure you can afford the next step. Think about the sustainability of it, and if you can explore subcontracting options or only need them for a brief period of time.
Moving forward in the process, it can be a daunting task to actually FIND someone who fits your needs. Jill’s primary resource is through warm referrals. If someone knows your personality, knows the type of work that you do, and they know someone that thinks could be a good fit for them, it's probably going to work for you too. Other options include your own network or bringing on a part-time contractor to full time and include what benefits you can. You can also check out job boards, Fiverr, or Upwork to find someone who knows the ropes and gets your vibe.
Jill has found great success with Virtual Staff Finder. That is an organization that helps you find people overseas to do amazing work. It's amazing when you can find someone that is in a completely different country, in a completely different time zone, but they totally get you and they want to see you succeed as much as you want to succeed.
Before you think about hiring someone, make sure you have your interview process is clearly defined. Have your questions lined up beforehand so you can weed through applicants that don’t fit your needs. This allows you to see if the potential new hire is aligned and flexible to what your needs are. Often, things can be automated, which may not be ideal for the industry you’re in. At the very least, it allows you to convey your needs clearly so you can sift through applicants. Additionally, it makes sure that you can clearly offer the position, as to not squelch any enthusiasm or lose an awesome employee.
Key Takeaways:
- Start with an extensive list. On this list, you’re going to want to include everything that a hire would be doing. Consider what their job is going to look like, but also consider the core reason behind your need to hire them. Your future self will thank you when you are able to train your new hire more efficiently. By knowing the in’s and out’s of what you want their position to look like, you can more effectively communicate their responsibilities.
- Be intentional with where you look. It can be a daunting task to actually FIND someone who fits your needs. If someone knows your personality, knows the type of work that you do, and they know someone that thinks could be a good fit for them, it's probably going to work for you too. Other options include your own network or bringing on a part-time contractor to full time and include what benefits you can.
- Have your interview process is clearly defined. Have your questions lined up beforehand so you can weed through applicants that don’t fit your needs. This allows you to see if the potential new hire is aligned and flexible to what your needs are.