Hiring a new employee

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     New employees need to be trained. You can train a person to do just about anything. What you look for is someone who knows how to apply himself/herself to the tasks at hand, comes to work on time, has an interest in what they are doing, and shows self discipline and integrity.

     You are always short-handed. Never do you have all the help you could use. So you tend to do everything yourself.

     But you can be overwhelmed. It's causing you stress, you don't get enough sleep, and you could use a vacation--never an option when you are operating a small business.

     If you cannot afford to add a full time employee, consider a part timer. High school and college students always need a little extra money. Hire one for 4 hours a day. Retirees also can use more money and many want to remain active. Hire one for part time--they make good employees.

     You might consider bringing in an intern. Not every business is appropriate for an intern. But a law office, a chef, an insurance agency, a small advertising firm, even a grower of plants and others can bring interns into their business. Interns work for the experience and little pay is involved. It helps you and it helps them. To find someone, talk with your local vocational schools. 

     If you decide to add a full time employee, consider the position carefully. This is an opportunity for you to extend yourself. It's a time to carve out those activities that take up lots of your time and turn them over to the new person. Or, it's a time to bring in new talent--someone who can do things that you don't know how to do or no longer want to do. In this case, write down the things that you expect the new person to do--be specific and discuss it with them so they get off on the right footing.

     Whichever path you take--part timers, interns, or full time employees--you are extending yourself. Then, you can concentrate on the parts of the business that you enjoy and the parts that are critical to the future of the business. Extending yourself allows you--and the business--to grow.

     It's time to grow when you are overworked. Just make certain that your new hire fits into your long-range plans. 

          Always bring your business plan up-to-date before hiring anyone. That new employee must fit into your business plan.