If you have big ambitions for your startup, eventually you’re going to have so much to do that you can’t do it all yourself. When that day comes, it’s time to hire employee #1.
Start by learning everything you need to know about becoming an employer. The Small Business Administration outlines the steps you need to take and everything you need to consider, like getting an employer identification number (EIN), tax withholding, wage and tax reporting, employee eligibility verification, workers’ compensation insurance, quarterly federal taxes and recordkeeping requirements. There’s a lot to think about, but it’s manageable.
You also need to clearly define the position and role. Are you hiring a coder or an office manager? There’s no reason for people to be stuck in rigid roles, but the better you know what you’re looking for, the more likely it is that you’ll be able to find the right person for the job.
Next, define your company culture. What values, traditions and practices do you want to shape your company? Once you’ve figured out what kind of workplace and culture you want, the better your chances of finding someone who shares that vision. And someone who fits in well will be a lot more likely to stay and help you realize your vision.
Adapted from 3 Small Business Hiring Tips at Small Business Computing.