Finally being able to employ for your startup is a sure sign that your business is finally well-established. It indicates that your profits are at an all-time high and about to get better. All around, it’s the dream, and it’s becoming a reality for you.
Whatever you do, though, it’s vital that you remember how important this initial employment drive is. Too often, entrepreneurs make the mistake of assuming that this is a test run. It’s the first time, after all, and you might assume that you can just try again if it doesn’t work out.
In reality, though, the people you employ at this stage are the most important members you’ll ever have on your team. Your business is so small at this stage, after all, that even one terrible team member could undo the efforts you’ve put in thus far. As we’re going to consider here, your initial employees will also largely form the mentoring basis for anyone you hire in the future. You could say, then, that getting initial employment right dictates the quality of staff you can expect from here on out.
With that in mind, it’s vital that you start employment as you mean to go on. But how can you do that?
Take time choosing
Later in your employment journey, there will be a need for speed as you replace existing team members you can’t do without. But, at this stage, time is on your side. Though your business is growing, there’s no set date by which you need to guarantee an employee. Use that gift to take time finding the right members for your team. Interview every applicant if you’re able or get friends on board to help. Never compromise on someone you don’t click with, or who doesn’t have the experience you’d like. Just take your time, and don’t employ until you find that one unique applicant who ticks all the boxes and forms the best basis for your team.
Offer a full training package
While things like health and safety training should be standard for everyone you employ, other options like customer service or product training aren’t compulsory. You might find, then, that investing in them while your team is small can see initial employees passing that knowledge everyone else you hire. This mentoring attitude can work wonders for creating the most knowledgeable team possible without your having to spend a fortune on excess training for everyone.
Get to know each personality
Knowing your staff personally gets harder the more employees you take on, but it’s worth doing when your team is small. This can help with the mentoring mentioned above, as it allows you to pair future employees with the right people. It’s also ensures your team can see that you care and tell prospective employees as much, even when it becomes impossible for you to have the sit-down conversations you might like with everyone. That, in turn, can earn you the respect you need to handle even a large team with ease.