How can you use your professional network to find new talent for your small business?

Lo haría con una "venta indirecta" de su empresa a través de una actividad muy viva en su perfil de Linkedin, dando a conocer la cultura y propósitos de la organización, con más presencia en eventos y jornadas de su sector y teniendo muy claro el perfil (tanto a nivel técnico como competencial) de lo que su organización necesita para seguir creciendo y para ser capaz de ofrecer un plan de carrera a l@s profesionales.

Once you've defined your hiring criteria, leverage your professional network by reaching out to contacts through platforms like LinkedIn. Share your job opening with a concise and compelling description. Request referrals from your network and ask for recommendations based on the specific skills and traits you're seeking. Attend industry events, conferences, or networking groups to expand your connections and discover potential candidates. Remember to articulate the unique aspects of your small business that make it an attractive workplace.

You may be amazed at how many individuals in your network know people who are looking for jobs or who are skilled and willing to explore new opportunities. It never hurts to ask! LinkedIn can be an amazing source of candidates because you're connected both to your own network... as well as others. Ask your network to like, support, or share your post as you search for potential new team members. Be clear on the skills you are looking for. Be clear on expectations - particularly of travel and work hours Be clear on timeline - how soon do you need someone to fill the role There are amazingly talented people out there who will be thrilled to join your team!

Absolutely, leveraging existing contacts for referrals is a powerful strategy. Utilising social media platforms to broadcast your job opening widens the reach of your network. Clearly communicate the job details, and consider offering incentives for successful referrals to encourage engagement. This approach not only taps into your connections but also extends to their networks, increasing the chances of finding suitable talent.

Engaging in events, groups, and online communities within your industry is an excellent strategy to discover new talent. By actively participating, you not only broaden your network but also gain insights into potential candidates’ expertise and cultural fit. Showcasing your brand and sharing insights allows you to establish credibility and attract individuals who align with your company’s values. It’s a proactive way to create meaningful connections and identify talent that might not be easily accessible through traditional channels.

Consider leveraging your professional network on LinkedIn by joining relevant groups, participating in discussions, and showcasing your company culture. Utilize your network's recommendations, endorse skills, and attend industry events to expand connections. Stay active on your company's LinkedIn page, sharing updates and job postings. Additionally, consider partnering with local organizations or universities for targeted talent acquisition.

If you have a small business, spend time defining your core vision and mission and your values. You can always compete with bigger companies for talent, which have a better known brand by simply standing out with your "why" as a business or as a business owner. Answer the question how your company is truly making a difference. Please avoid words like disrupting, changing the way, democratising, revolutionising, empowering etc. because they have been overused and hold little meaning to most people. If you understand that people look for meaning in their work, you can have an advantage over outdated corporate job ads and you can stand out in your network.