Running a business can be an incredibly rewarding prospect, especially when reaching the turning point from an uphill hike to financial stability and steady workflow.
For many, this is simply the end of the beginning as they make their way toward expansive new horizons where fresh possibilities lie in wait.
This can propose some extremely important questions, however, such as when to hire your first employee, for what role, and what kind of traits should be looked out for?
Here are some tips for those of you who are in similar positions, as making your first hiring is a big step in the life of any company and a task that requires careful consideration.
Which Roles Should You Prioritize?
The first hiring is perhaps simultaneously the most exciting and the most nerve-wracking, as up until this juncture, your solo operation has been completely under your jurisdiction.
It can be difficult to share your vision, as feeling protective of your achievements and style of operation is only natural. When it comes to seeking a new role, it might be worth thinking about hiring for managerial positions in the first instance.
Candidates who have experience as managers are a great choice for a first hiring, as they will likely be able to display the leadership capabilities necessary to take on intricate new challenges while paving the way for the hiring of any future employees.
A great infrastructure of reliable managers can provide the foundations for a successful and satisfied team. Furthermore, thinking in the long-term is a great way to help source the ideal first candidate.
It might be worth seeking some expert advice on what traits a fantastic project manager should possess in the modern workplace.
A Business Partner?
Another factor worth considering is the option to take on a business partner. Although this can be potentially more expensive and might require you to hand over a huge amount of responsibility, it is certainly a thought worth mulling over in terms of commitment and retention.
A business partner is often a step that many people consider later on down the line, but if you meet the right person with whom you immediately gel with, it can often feel like the most logical step forwards, regardless of how small the company happens to be.
Traits to Look Out For
There is generally a huge amount of responsibility riding on the shoulders of the first hiring, as they will ultimately change the entire operation’s dynamic.
This is why it can be good to look out for a candidate who shares your enthusiasm, understands your vision, appreciates hard work, and is willing to stick around.
It can be important to listen to the candidate’s own ideas and where they would like to be in their career in the near future. This can help you get to know whether or not the candidate is willing to grow alongside your company.
Ultimately the decision is yours, and sometimes, that means going with your gut feeling.