1.0 Introduction

Employees and Staffing >> Each section contains key Action Items located within the downloadable Action Guide >> Click to Download Action Guide.

1.1   It is the people that make the difference

Your Mother was right! You are known by your friends and that is really true in your business.  The quality of the people who represent you is very important to building the brand of your business.  You see, if these people represent you–it is as if they are you.  If you don’t trust them or their advice why are they in your business?  And that is true even for family members.  Remember this is a business, not a family hobby.

ACTION ITEMS: Complete the Action Items in your Action Guide.

Take a mental note of the people around you and determine if you are satisfied with them representing your business.

1.2   Surrounding yourself with the right people

What are the qualities you want your business to represent?  Customer Service?  Integrity?  Responsiveness?  Quality?    Think of those companies you know and have enjoyed working with.  What about those you don’t want to work with again?

You can have the most beautiful office, amazing logo, great product but it will be the people who make the difference.

ACTION ITEMS: Complete the Action Items in your Action Guide.

LIST the unique qualities for which you will be known.

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1.3   Finding the right people

The right people for your business are everywhere.  The entrepreneur needs the right blend of skills and attitudes.  Where have you experienced great service?  Where did a person go out of their way to answer your question, find something you needed or returned the phone call with information you needed.

ACTION ITEMS: Complete the Action Items in your Action Guide.

DESCRIBE the last time you had a great experience.

LIST three things about that experience you can incorporate into your business.

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1.4   Getting the Right person in the Right Job at the Right Time

It used to be that someone laid off was someone to stay away from.  Today, it is hard to find a family that has not been affected by a merger or a downsizing or a lay off or a choice to take an early-out retirement package.  No matter what you call it, there is talent in that pool as well as others.  The right person for a new company may not be the person for a “mature” company; that is one that is more of a status quo.  You want initiative and drive and good communications.  It is in the definition of those needs that entrepreneurs consider a hindrance to getting the job done.  But it is in those specifications that the jewel can be discovered.  It would be akin to going to the grocery store and not knowing what you are hungry for—so you settled for anything.  Do not settle for anyone when hiring.

ACTION ITEMS: Complete the Action Items in your Action Guide.

REMEMBER it is easy to find reasons to settle, so take a moment to think about three potential consequences for settling on a hire and not finding the right person. Keep these at the forefront in your mind as you begin hiring and branding your business.

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Next — 2.0 Defining Your Needs »