October 5, 2023
Finding the perfect fit for your team may not happen overnight, but trust me, it’s well worth the wait.
Expanding your online business team is a monumental step, but let’s be real – the hiring process can sometimes feel like a comedy of errors. You know what I’m talking about: the endless interviews, trial periods gone awry, and candidates who ghost into thin air. It can make you feel like you’re stuck in a never-ending loop of misconnections, a bit like your early 20s dating scene – let’s face it, sometimes it’s a real mess.
But here’s your friendly reminder: staying true to your vision and giving your hiring strategy some extra TLC can make all the difference. Let’s talk about why it’s essential to hold fast to your values and put in the effort. Because sure, finding the right fit may take time, but it’s a game-changer for your business’s long-term success.
Defining Your Non-Negotiables and Sticking 👏 To 👏 Them 👏
Before you even begin the interview process, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of what you’re willing to teach and what you need your future team member to bring to the table. If, for example, you can’t spare the bandwidth to train someone on your intricate CMS, don’t budge on that requirement during interviews or discussions.
Yes, you might have awesome conversations with candidates with irresistible personalities who don’t quite check every box on your skill list. But do yourself the favor of remembering why you set those skills as requirements in the first place:
You don’t have the time, energy, or desire to train someone in those specific skills…AND THAT’S OKAY!
That’s the real beauty of entrepreneurship: you get to choose how and what you teach your team, and what they need to know before you meet them.
These non-negotiables are the backbone of your team’s success. Sticking to them might extend your search a bit, but trust me, it’s an investment that will pay off in saved time, energy, and, ultimately, money when you find the right match.
The First Hire: Your Right-Hand Person
Your first hire is a cause for celebration in your business journey – it’s a real “hell yeah!” moment. I know we made a big deal about the skills on your non-negotiables list; but that’s half the equation. It’s also about finding someone who fits seamlessly into your company culture (or at least the company culture you want to create) and aligns with your long-term goals.
This person is inevitably going to become your go-to collaborator, brainstorming buddy, victory partner, and the one you turn to when things don’t quite go as planned. So, while those hard skills are undoubtedly vital, don’t feel pressured to settle for the first candidate who looks perfect “on paper.”
Give yourself the freedom to wait for someone you genuinely enjoy working with on a personal level. Because in the end, your first hire isn’t just a team member; they’re your right-hand person, and they should be someone you’re excited to have by your side.
Proving The Payoff In Practice
If you’re eager to see how this strategy translates into real-world success – beyond just words on this blog – don’t miss episode 43 of ‘On The Up & Up.’ Chandler J. of Lethal Legal shares her journey of bringing on her first employee, someone she now admits she ‘can’t function without.’ While some may call finding someone like that luck, from my HR perspective, it’s a testament to her rock-solid hiring strategy and unwavering commitment to her non-negotiables.
It’s not just inspiring; it’s concrete proof that the waiting game is absolutely worth it!
Chandler is a badass IP attorney with a seriously inspiring story (TLDR: she built her career around the lifestyle she wants to live, not the other way around like most of us do!) Her business Lethal Legal is an awesome resource and her template shop is a great place to get your business’s IP and website protected.
And whenever I need to illustrate to my clients the significance of that initial hire being a true fit, I can’t help but gush about my own first employee, Kiley. While Kiley initially brought the HR expertise and skills my business needed, Kiley and I hit it off during the interview process and she quickly evolved into so much more – a genuine connection and collaborator.
So if you’re standing at the starting line of your hiring process, here’s the nutshell version of this post: stick to your non-negotiable skills and qualifications, and make sure you’re hiring someone you genuinely click with. This isn’t just about finding the right fit for your business; it’s about setting yourself up for long-term success.
Listen Now!
Links Mentioned
