One of the most important decisions you will ever make about your business will be who you choose to hire. Even if you are not a business owner, the decision to spend your hard earned money on who you hope to be a reliable, dependable and committed worker should not be taken lightly. The people you bring on board can make or break your business.
It would be nice if everyone had high ethical standards, great work morale and good integrity, but unfortunately that is not always the case. Sometimes in our desperation to get some help; we don’t look beyond the smiling face sitting across from us, or we fall for a sells pitch with the seller saying the right things at the right time. Don’t confuse their enthusiasm with their desire to simply make a few bucks opposed to deliver a quality service.
I have some advice that I want to share with you that will help you through the process.
1. Make sure they have experience; and don’t just take their word…get references. Keep in mind that just because someone is good at what they do, doesn’t mean they are professional at doing it.
2. Get results. Find out what benefits they were to past clients.
3. Be sure to get a contract or letter of agreement and make sure there is a clause that can end the agreement early if needed.
4. Find out if there is a refund policy if you are not satisfied.
5. Make sure you set guidelines. I recommend that you communicate to the supplier that it is important that they be accessible when needed. You should also indicate that you would like them to respond promptly to emails and phone calls.
6. Both parties should be very clear on expectations from one another.
My philosophy about hiring employee, subcontractor and freelancers is: The people you hire are meant to be a solution not a problem. When they are a solution, they become an investment. When they are a problem, they become an EXPENSE.
Leave a comment about your experience.
