It can be an exciting time when your business has grown to the point that you need to hire your first employees. After trying to manage your small business on your own, you are finally ready to add some much-needed support.
Employees can be a tremendous asset and help you provide a positive face for your company. However, when something goes wrong with your staff, it can devastate your business.
Here are some steps you should take as a business owner before interviewing new employees:
Don’t go it alone
There are many pitfalls new (and well-established) business owners can make as they begin the hiring process. The most important is to not work in a vacuum. Get input from advisors you trust. And, if you don’t have any, find some. These may include an individual from these categories:
- Legal professionals who only handle business law matters
- Financial advisors experienced with helping small businesses
- Mentors in your community or in business organizations to which you belong
- Retired or current business owners that you trust to help you succeed
- Florida state resource groups like the small business administration or development center
Create an employee handbook
Sometimes the term “rules” can have a negative connotation. A handbook gives you and your employees the freedom to know what they can do.
Part of supporting your employees means having an employee manual and keeping it up-to-date. The handbook is a guide that includes your expectations for your staff and what they can expect from you.
Getting advice and drafting documents to guide your growth can help you avoid problems later on.