Julia WeeksOnce it is time to start hiring for your startup business, it can feel overwhelming when deciding what to look for in candidates.
In order to ensure a startup is on the right track, there are 3 key things entrepreneurs need to hire for:
1. Hire doers
The last thing entrepreneurs need in their new startup is a bunch of managers or supervisors. When you are hiring, avoid the temptation of hiring a lot of management staff. In the early stages, it’s important that you have a hands-on COO, handling the day to day operations and keeping everyone on track. However, it is not important to have department managers when you can quite often handle multiple department functions across a small and efficient staff of several people.
When you are hiring for your team, make sure that you are hiring go-getters who take action and enjoy being in the thick of the business. For example, perhaps you hire one person to be responsible for your marketing and lead generation. This person could perhaps help out in administrative areas when needed. There is no need to have a Marketing Manager or Office Manager right at the start.
Ask yourself what your business needs in order to function and be successful. Do you really need to pay someone $12 to $15 an hour to man a front desk and answer phones, or can each team member take turns handling this when needed?
In the beginning, hire doers who are not afraid to be jacks (or jills) of all trades.
2. Look for passion
What’s the key thing that has gotten your startup this far? I bet your passion for the business played a huge part in its success.
When entrepreneurs hire for their startup, it is important to bring in people who are passionate about their business and the opportunity for growth. Look beyond years of experience and gauge each candidate’s interest and passion for what they do.
If you are faced with the decision of hiring someone with 15 years of expertise who seems to lack passion and excitement for what you are doing, compared to someone with 3 years of experience who seems to light up when talking about being a part of your team – always go for the candidate with the most passion!
3. Pay attention to cultural fit
What kind of culture do you want your startup to be known for?
Remember that the initial people you hire will more than likely grow with your business, becoming leaders and mentors. Make sure that you are hiring for cultural fit regardless of expertise. If you hire someone early on who doesn’t fit in with the culture you want to create, that person can become the cancer in your startup and affect everyone’s attitude.
What are some other key things to pay attention to as an entrepreneur when hiring? Please share your tips in the comments below.
Image: gstockstudio/BigStock.com
Guest Post
