The First Employee Dilemma: 7 Vital Questions to Consider
“Growth is a dynamic process.”
We're diving into the “exciting” world of hiring your first employee. The use of quote marks was intentional because hiring out is exciting in theory but can turn into a nightmare quickly if you don’t make the right decisions.
There are seven key questions that every business owner and digital creator should consider before taking the plunge. So, if you're thinking about expanding your team, grab your notepad and get ready to learn how to make a worthy and strategic hire!
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TDE Episode 20: The First Employee Dilemma: 7 Vital Questions to Consider
Anne: I came across this TikTok about words that actually sound like their meaning. For instance, bubbly does make you feel bubbly, or when someone says the word squeak, you can feel the squeaking. Or the word ethereal, whenever I hear that word, it makes me feel light and magical and otherworldly.
Do you have a word like that in mind? Something that makes you “feel” the actual word?
For me, there’s another word, which is brink. When you hear it, you feel like you are on the edge. Like any moment now, your situation can change, either for the better or for worse.
And the reason why I thought about that word is because of a brainstorming session we had with a client who was on the brink, or on the verge, of expansion. They’re so close, they can almost taste it. But there’s one thing that has gotten in their way all this while, which is not finding the right team to support them in their journey.
That’s all too understandable. And the team and I have talked to so so many clients and fellow business owners who also have the same challenge. They’re scaling faster than they expect, which means they need the manpower to complement their growth.
This episode, let’s tackle 7 questions you should ask as a business owner if you’re ready to hire out or hire more.
We're diving into the nitty-gritty of hiring your first, second or third employee. It's a big step, but it can also be incredibly rewarding for your business.
Hiring Out is an Act of Courage
Before we dive into those questions, I want to preface the conversation by sharing something important.
I'm not afraid to bring someone onto our team when I can clearly see how their efforts translate into real results for our business. Right now, I can point to the specific outcomes that each team member is helping us achieve, and those outcomes more than justify the investment in their roles. It just makes sense to bring them on board.
Now, let's jump into our first question.
#1 - Why do I need to hire someone?
Question number one: "Why do I need to hire someone?"
Great question. Before you even start the hiring process, it's essential to identify the specific pain points and tasks that led you to consider hiring in the first place. Do you need help with marketing, customer support, or managing administrative tasks?
Understanding your needs will help you define the role you're hiring for and ensure you're making the right decision.
And don't forget to consider your long-term goals. Will this hire help you achieve them?
#2 - Can I afford to hire an employee?
Question number two: "Can I afford to hire an employee?"
Ah yes, finances – the age-old question. Hiring someone means you're taking on new expenses, like salaries, benefits, and maybe even office space.
And let's not forget about taxes and legal obligations. It's crucial to budget for these costs and ensure your business can handle them.
A great tip here is to calculate the return on investment (ROI). Will this hire increase your revenue enough to cover their cost and then some?
#3 - Am I prepared to be a leader?
Question number three: "Am I prepared to be a leader?"
When you hire your first employee, you become more than just a business owner; you become a leader and a mentor.
You'll need to set expectations, provide guidance, and be a source of support. It's a significant shift from doing everything yourself.
Communication is another consideration. Effective communication is key to ensuring your new employee understands their role and responsibilities.
#4 - Have I documented my processes and procedures?
Question number four: "Have I documented my processes and procedures?"
This one is often overlooked, but it's crucial. Documenting your processes and procedures will make the onboarding process smoother for your new hire.
And it's not just about onboarding; it's about setting up your business for sustainable growth. Having documented processes ensures consistency and reduces the risk of mistakes.
So, before you hire, make sure you have your processes and procedures well-documented.
#5 - Do I have the time to train and manage a new employee?
Question number five: "Do I have the time to train and manage a new employee?"
Training and managing a new employee can be time-consuming, especially in the beginning. You'll need to invest time to ensure they understand their role and can perform their tasks effectively.
And don't forget ongoing management and support. Your role as a leader doesn't end after the initial training period.
So, ask yourself if you have the time and bandwidth to provide the guidance and mentorship your new hire needs.
#6 - What qualities am I looking for in an employee?
Question number six: "What qualities am I looking for in an employee?"
This question goes beyond technical skills. Consider the values, work ethic, and cultural fit you want in your team members. Your first employee can set the tone for your company culture.
It's not just about what they can do, but also about how they align with your vision and values.
#7 - What's my plan for growth and delegation?
And finally, question number seven: "What's my plan for growth and delegation?"
As you hire your first employee, it's crucial to think about the bigger picture. How does this hire fit into your long-term growth strategy?
Consider how you can delegate tasks effectively to free up your time for higher-value activities, like strategic planning and business development.
Growth is a dynamic process
And remember, growth is a dynamic process. Be open to adapting your plans as your business evolves.
So those are the "7 Questions to Ask If You're Ready to Hire Your First Employee."
We at Team Dklutr hope these questions help you make an informed decision and set you on the path to successful growth.
Remember, hiring your first employee can be a game-changer, but it's not a decision to be taken lightly.
Before I go, let me leave you with this powerful thought: It is powerful to ask for help when you need it. Recognizing when your workload is becoming unmanageable and taking proactive steps to address that is a sign of strength, not weakness.
So, embrace the strength in seeking assistance.
Thanks for joining us on this episode. If you haven't already, make sure to subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an episode. This is Team Dklutr, signing off. Take care, stay curious, bye for now!
