So you’re opening a new business? Congratulations! At this stage, the new business owner needs to enlist people who will serve as an extension of the brand. He or she will want people who, when others see them, will see the business at a glance.
When hiring your company’s first employees, do these things first:
Seek advice from those you respect the most.
Go to those people, as if approaching a board of directors, and inquire about the best ways they’ve found their top team members. This could be through use of a specific hiring firm, a social media site or even via personal recommendations.
Also consider the businesses you frequent that have a great staff. Then, go to the managers and ask them how they hire their team members.
It’s OK to say “No.”
Know when to walk away from a candidate when you know you don’t have the right person. Don’t settle for someone who you feel in your gut you might have to let go in two months. It isn’t good for you, the business or the candidate.
Prepare for the interview.
The interviewer should be as prepared as the interviewee. The one question I always ask in interviews is, “Why would I not hire you?” I’m amazed by the number of people who answer this question! They will talk about always being late or not finishing things on time. This shocks me! They should at least be creative enough to offer answers better than that. These are things I do not want to hear in an interview. This sorts the candidates pretty quickly.
So, let’s assume that you’ve hired a staff, created a website and sent out word that the enterprise is now open for business. Now what?
Although it might seem easy to sit back, relax and let customers come to you, resist the urge to be passive. There’s still plenty of tasks that will keep you busy during the first days, weeks and months of your new venture.
Make sure staff are properly dressed.
If there’s a required uniform, be sure that each new hire is equipped with the correct wardrobe. Running a business is a team effort, and one of the first ways to create unity is by having staffers dress in a consistent fashion.
If your new venture doesn’t require a uniform, be sure that your staff understands the dress code. Is it business casual or something more formal? This may seem obvious, but set the tone in choosing your attire. If a blazer and dress pants are the look you want to convey, be sure you’re not coming into the workplace in a polo shirt and sneakers.
Educate staff to be knowledgeable about salon operation.
Did you give employees a welcome packet or an orientation outlining your company’s business model, goals and strategies for success? Getting everyone on the same page is important.
Also, let your team members know that you’re available should they have any questions. It’s better for them to know how to handle certain situations beforehand rather than when a customer becomes involved and it’s too late to address it.
Never stop learning.
Attend presentations or gatherings given by other business leaders in the community. Some good resources for finding events are LinkedIn or the local newspaper. Also consider signing up for a non-credit class at an area college in a subject you want to learn more about, be it accounting, marketing or customer service.
So, you’ve hired a staff, created a website and sent out word that the enterprise is now open for business. Now what?
