79: Hiring Your First Team Member: When, Who, and How
If you want a thriving, growing business, hiring help is inevitable. You can’t do it all—and you don’t have to! But making that first hire can feel overwhelming and a little scary.
In this episode, Heather dives into everything you need to know about taking that big step. She discusses who your first hire should be, when the right time is to bring them on, and how to approach the process with confidence.
Whether you’re feeling nervous about the responsibility or just unsure where to start, this episode will help you navigate the path to building your dream team!
Key Takeaways:
- (02:20) Overcoming the fear of hiring
- (04:20) Identifying tasks to outsource
- (08:55) Finding the right fit for your team
- (13:45) Building a supportive team culture
Listen to Episode 77: Say It, Don’t Schedule It! The Best (FREE) Business Communication Tool
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Hiring Help: Making Your First Hire Successfully
Are you feeling overwhelmed with your growing teacher biz? Trust me, I’ve been there. If you want a thriving and sustainable business, it might be time to make your very first hire.
In today’s episode of the Teacher Biz Podcast, we’re diving deep into making that crucial first hire—who it should be, when to bring them on, and how this transformative step can elevate your business to new heights!
When to Make Your First Hire
Deciding when to make your first hire is a significant milestone and one that many entrepreneurs, especially those transitioning from teaching, may find daunting.
For me, the signal came after several months of consistent sales. My business had been making more than $10,000 a month for six months when I finally felt comfortable bringing someone on board.
If you find yourself spending more than half an hour a day answering customer service emails, it’s likely time to consider outsourcing. This mundane task is one of the first things that you can offload to free up your time and focus on high-impact activities only you can perform.
Finding the Right Fit
When looking for your first hire, remember that you don’t need to start with a full-time employee. My first hire, Jenny, was a virtual assistant who worked just five hours a week. This flexibility allowed me to ease into the process of outsourcing without feeling overwhelmed.
When you’re on the hunt for a suitable candidate, consider reaching out to your network. A friend or a colleague might know someone who is perfectly suited for the role. Jenny came recommended from a trusted friend, which eased my concerns about entrusting someone new with my business tasks.
Establishing Processes and Systems
After hiring Jenny, I guided her through the customer service tasks I needed help with, and together, we developed a system for managing these responsibilities.
Initially, we even used the customer service inbox to communicate—something that, in hindsight, could have been managed more efficiently with tools like Slack or Voxer, which we use today.
Creating templates and simplified workflows can make the transition smoother both for you and your new hire.
Gradually Increasing Responsibilities
As your business grows, so too can the responsibilities of your team members.
Initially, Jenny only handled customer service emails. But as time went on, she began to take on additional tasks, like creating personalized name practice packets for my membership site.
Over time, the hours she worked and the scope of her responsibilities increased, reflecting the organic growth of my business.
The Benefits of a Strong Team
Building a team not only frees up your time but can also bring fresh perspectives and ideas into your business. My second team member, Alexis, started by assisting during live webinars and has since become an invaluable asset as my community manager.
Creating a supportive and collaborative team environment has had a profound impact on how my business operates and grows. There’s nothing quite like having a dedicated team that shares your vision and passion for the business.
Overcoming the Fear of Hiring
One of the most significant barriers to hiring is the fear of providing stability for someone else’s livelihood. To mitigate this, start with part-time or project-based roles.
Another concern might be the financial commitment. If your business is making a steady income but you’re unsure about long-term sustainability, remember that hiring is not a one-way door. You can always scale back if necessary.
Being transparent with potential hires about the fluctuating nature of small business workloads can set realistic expectations from the outset.
Hiring your first team member is a substantial step that can lead to greater efficiency, creativity, and ultimately, success for your business. It allows you to focus on high-level tasks that truly require your personal touch while delegating the rest.
As someone who has grown from a blog to a flourishing online business, I can confidently say that bringing strong team members onboard was one of the best decisions I made.
So take the leap, and watch your business thrive!