How to Hire Employees Fast and when to Fire Faster

If your new business makes it past those initial first few months where things can be a little touch and go, you're on your way to having a growing, thriving business. Along with growth there are both rewards and challenges. If your business is doing well, there is one challenge you are almost inevitably going to face; that is, if you want your business to continue growing.

There comes a time for every small business owner where they have grown their business to the point where they can’t do everything themselves anymore. While too much business is exactly the kind of problem you want to have, it is still a problem. You’re going to need to hire someone – and it is true what they say about good help being hard to find.

However, it really doesn't have to be. There are more ways to find employees than ever before; many of them online. As an internet based business owner, you shouldn't have too much trouble leveraging the opportunities created by web technologies to recruit talent. This isn’t to say that you should neglect the potential employees in your own backyard; there's certainly no harm in placing an ad in your local newspapers. You should also use some more modern technologies in your search for employees.

If you live in a larger city, this will be relatively easy. In any mid-sized to large city, Craigslist is probably your best bet as far as placing a help wanted ad. This online classifieds section is an immensely popular place to look for jobs, apartments and more. If there is a Craigslist page for your city, you should definitely place an ad here looking for employees.

Something else worthy of your consideration is using Web 2.0 platforms like social networks to recruit new employees. If your business has a profile on Facebook, MySpace or other social networking site, this can be a good way to get the word out that you're looking for help. Between these web based means and local advertising, you should have no problem finding enough applicants to choose some qualified staff from.

You’re going to want to interview anyone you’re thinking of hiring; even if you just need some project-based work done on a freelance basis, it’s important to get a sense of people before you take them on. If the work you need done lends itself to this, ask for their resume and portfolio so you can see their work before hiring them. Ask for references as well from previous employers and other clients. An interview is valuable for feeling out a prospective hire as well as making your expectations clear to potential employees.

Once you've hired someone, hold them to those expectations you've given them. Be fair and reasonable but never lose sight of the fact that this is your business and if someone isn’t meeting your expectations, they are a poor investment; an investment which is losing you money! After all, you couldn’t go to work somewhere and do a poor job and expect to stay employed. The same goes for your business. It can be tough to do at first, but if you’re serious about making your business a success and continuing to grow, you will have to fire under performing employees. Remember why you got into business in the first place; you did this to build something, not to support people who aren’t helping you. If it sounds a little harsh, that's because it is – but that's also business and you're a businessperson, first and foremost.