You can’t expect to have every skill you need for your business. Instead, you may need to find someone with the expertise, skills or time you lack. There are five steps to finding that someone to help you in your business: (1) Search; (2) Specify; (3) Screen; (4) Solidify; and (5) Start.
1. SPECIFY
The first thing to do is to specify the job. Write down what you need done, what the end result should be and what skills someone needs to get you that result. Then, consider how and where they will work and how they will communicate with you. Finally, set a range of compensation for the position.
2. SEARCH
Once you know what you need someone to do, the next step is to search for candidates. There are several ways to find people to work for you. The first and best way is to get referrals from your networks of people. Dig into your contacts and ask people for recommendations. Consider asking other companies with similar products for recommendations.
You could also place an ad for applicants. There are a variety of ways to place the ads:
- www.craigslist.org,
- any of the job placement sites like www.monster.com
- local newspapers,
- university job boards and placement offices
- posting a notice on your facebook page or other social media outlets.
You can do your own searches online to find websites of people or companies that may fit your bill. For instance, searching relevant trade associations may reveal members who claim the experience you need. Finally, you could hire a professional recruiter who specializes in finding the types of people you need. However, recruiters charge anywhere from 10-33% of your hire’s compensation.
3. SCREEN
Once you identify where you will search, the next step is to collect and contact applicants. Make sure you keep a list of candidates. If you intend to give them confidential information during the selection process, then you may want to have them sign a confidentiality agreement before you start disclosing.
4. SOLIDIFY
After you have narrowed your list to just one or a couple of candidates, it is time to start negotiating terms. No matter how much you liked the person during the screening phase, they still may blow the job during negotiation. When you and a candidate share a mutual understanding of the job duties and compensation, as well as the consequences if things go awry, you’re done with negotiations.
5. START
Once you have solidified your deal, you can schedule the start date of their work for you and their deadlines and milestones. But: Hiring a person may trigger obligations which varies employment laws. Next, lets discuss employment law.
AND YOU?
If you have tips or resources for finding people to help with your business, will you add it to the comments?
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