People and Profits

Why Your Team is Your Greatest Asset: 

When you run a small business, every single person on your team plays a crucial role. Unlike larger companies, where a weak link might not be as noticeable, in a small team, underperformance is felt immediately. It can lead to stressed-out colleagues, unhappy customers, and stalled business growth. That’s why hiring the right people and managing them well isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential.

The Cost of Hiring the Wrong Person

Bringing the wrong person on board can be expensive—not just in terms of money but also in the damage it can do to your business.

• Direct Costs: Hiring and training a new employee isn’t cheap. Advertising the job, going through interviews, onboarding, and training all take time and money. If the person doesn’t work out, you’re back to square one, doubling your costs.
• Indirect Costs: A bad hire can slow down work, make costly mistakes, or require extra supervision. This drains productivity and takes time away from running the business.
• Impact on Morale and Clients: If a team member isn’t pulling their weight, others have to pick up the slack, leading to frustration and burnout. If customers experience inconsistent service or errors, they may take their business elsewhere, damaging your reputation.

Writing Job Descriptions That Attract the Right People

A job description isn’t just a list of tasks—it’s a tool to attract candidates who are a good fit. Here’s how to make sure yours work:

• Be Clear About Responsibilities: In a small business, roles are often broad. Make sure the job description reflects what’s actually expected so there are no surprises later.
• Tie the Role to Your Business Goals: Help candidates see how their work contributes to the bigger picture. This creates a sense of purpose and engagement.
• Look Beyond Technical Skills: Soft skills like problem-solving, adaptability, and teamwork can be just as important as experience and qualifications.

Hiring for Culture Fit and Performance

A great hire is someone who not only has the right skills but also fits well with your company culture and can perform at the level you need. Here’s how to increase your chances of finding the right match:

• Check for Cultural Fit: Does the candidate share your business values and work ethic? Small teams thrive on alignment.
• Assess Capacity to Perform: Past experience is useful, but what really matters is whether they can meet the challenges of the role.
• Use Smart Hiring Tools: Video interviews and psychometric tests can save time and give deeper insights into a candidate’s potential.

Why Video Interviews Are a Game Changer

Hiring can be time-consuming, especially when you’re juggling multiple responsibilities. Video interviews help streamline the process:

• Cuts Down on Scheduling Hassles: No need to line up multiple in-person meetings—initial screenings can be done remotely.
• Widens Your Talent Pool: You’re not limited to local candidates, opening up more options for the right hire.
• Gives Early Insights: You can quickly assess communication skills, confidence, and engagement before moving forward.
  

• Hireflix is an excellent example of video interview technology to try out for free.

The Role of Psychometric Testing

Psychometric tests aren’t just for big corporations. They can be valuable for small businesses, too, offering insights into:

• • Cognitive Abilities: How well can a candidate problem-solve and think critically?
  • Personality and Work Style: Do they thrive in a team? Are they adaptable under pressure?
  • Leadership and Decision-Making: Are they capable of taking initiative when needed?

Investing in Your Team Pays Off

Hiring the right people is just the start. To get the most out of your team, invest in their growth:

• Regular Feedback and Reviews: Set goals, provide feedback, and help employees grow within the business.
• Ongoing Training: Keeping skills sharp benefits both the employee and your business.
• Fostering Engagement: A motivated team is a productive one. Make sure employees feel valued and part of the bigger picture.

Final Thoughts

In a small business, your team is everything. Hiring mistakes can be costly, but the right hires can drive growth and keep your customers happy. By crafting strong job descriptions, hiring for both culture and capability, leveraging video interviews and psychometric tests, and continuously investing in your team, you’ll build a workforce that not only supports your business but helps it thrive.