"Errors will be made" - Start up Hiring!

So here goes, the very first @SwissGulfPartners podcast.

We named it the #ThinkBIG Show as its our internal slogan to always look and be inspired by those that leave the excuses behind and push the boundaries as much as possible.

Our first discussion was around a topic that is so critical in growing a business but often missed or not managed correctly to give you the best chance of success.

As someone who has been involved in a number of successful and not so successful start ups, as I mention in the podcast it isn't rocket science and following the simple steps mentioned below or in the video can make sure you stay on the right side of success.

1) Know YOUR strengths and weaknesses.

Knowing where you are great and where you are rubbish or more PC your "development areas" is critical when hiring in a small start up team.

When building your start up team or finding partners it's imperative that you both have skills that move the business forward. You may be amazing at sales but to keep the company on the straight and narrow you may need that organised operations genius.

So knowing your own strengths and weaknesses will highlight the balance that you need to hit with your hire.

2) Build a staffing shopping list

Its exciting to build a business and build teams but be thrifty in the beginning. In fact this applies to any company. Only hire those that are going to add value to your business or are legally required.

Write down your goals for the year and how you will achieve those. You will soon determine what staff you require.

Ask yourself, are they actually required? Could you find someone part time ? Could you outsource this role?

Take on as little staffing overheads as you can when starting up!

3) Process, Process, Process!

We have all been to the interview where you turn up and the hiring manager shakes your hand dripping in Ketchup

to then call you by the wrong name. It's an awful experience....

To me, having a process when hiring should be the basic of manners.

People have taken time to apply to work with you, extend the same effort and courtesy back and if you don't mind upsetting people read the report from Virgin in the UK where they reviewed their process and realised just from some issues within their hiring process they lost over ￡5m worth of business.

• Have a process in place and ensure candidates are aware of this process and the timelines (it really is that simple)

4) Prioritise Passion and Potential

The biggest thing I have learnt in any start up I have started or have been involved in is that people with an unrelenting drive and a real passion to make a change and have the potential to achieve this change are the ones you want on your team!

When hiring look at the experience but don't be blinded by it find people who will be driven to build something with you no matter how many challenges are thrown at you!

5) Hire Slow, Fire Fast......

Take your time in making sure you find and hire the right people but and this sounds cruel the second you know they aren't right for your business or the path you are taking the business then make the decision that is best for both of you and trust me it is best for you both!

Any questions? Any lessons I have missed? Want me to clarify any points? Share below in the comments - I would love to help and hear them!

James is a serial entrepreneur within the recruitment and staffing space. He is the Director and Co- Founder at SwissGulf Partners, one of the leaders in Technology staffing and outsourcing across Europe and Asia. 

You can reach James via his Linkedin or at [email protected]