January 21, 2011
OPEN Forum Message
Test Your Business Skills
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Just about every time I have hired a new employee, vendor or consultant, the person has helped me make more money. Those that don’t add money to my bottom line are not around for very long.
To grow your business and increase revenues and profits you need a good team. As challenging as you think hiring might be, you can’t be in three places at once doing six jobs by yourself. Relying on cheap labor from your family has serious limitations when it comes to growth.
How do you decide the job duties for that new employee(s)? Here are three simple tips:
1. Think about what makes you jump out of bed in the morning. Chances are these are the things you like to do most and where you’re probably at your best. Don’t bring in another set of hands for those jobs.
2. Write down the things you don’t like to do, don't know how to do, and where you just aren't skilled. Be honest! For these things it’s perfectly OK -- and more efficient -- to have someone else handle them.
3. What other areas of your business need to be addressed? What are the skill sets they require? Is it an assistant to deal with the manufacturer when you have a big order? Or a salesperson or a sales force if that’s the least favorite part of your work? What about a bookkeeper to take charge of getting your invoices out on time?
I’ve met women with great business concepts who would be $100,000 ahead if they just hired a virtual assistant to book their appointments. It can be that simple.
In December, small businesses added 144,000 employees, triple the number from November. I was one of those business owners. We welcomed a new marketing officer in December. This year hiring is expected to be at its strongest since 2008. According to an early January Wall Street Journal article, 54 percent of small business owners are expected to increase their employee count this year. So the time to act is now while there is talent available.
So, how do you find that person who can help you the most? Look for people who will help you make money. They must fit into the kind of business you’re growing. In fact, hiring should be part of your strategic growth plan. Your vision for your business must include the kind of people who would be working in that business, along with the skills and personality traits that will make a person successful in a given job. With these, you can compile job descriptions, as well as frame interviews with potential applicants.
Remember: Your employees are the most important aspect of your business. Don’t hire the first person you like. Commit to meeting a number of people and keep your vision clear and at the forefront.
If you want to catch Nell in action, she’ll be speaking on the Spark & Hustle national tour in Los Angeles on February 3-4, Tulsa on February 10-11, and New York on March 10-12.
Nell Merlino is the Founder and President of Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence, the leading national not-for-profit provider of resources for women to grow their micro businesses into million $ enterprises. She is the creative force behind Take Our Daughters to Work Day and the author of “Stepping Out of Line: Lessons for Women Who Want It Their Way in Life, in Love, and at Work,” from Broadway Books, which is available on Amazon.com.
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