subject: Finding the Right People to Sell Your New Product [print this page] Finding the Right People to Sell Your New Product
One of the greatest challenges that you will face as a new small business owner is finding the right talent to help take your business to the next level. This is a decision that must be made with great care. Your choices in employees and consultants may determine your success in entrepreneurship and your business's rate of growth over the next several years. Here are a few tips for finding the people that you and your small business need.Make sure your business is ready. While many small business owners begin looking for employees right away, this can be devastating if you aren't already well on the road to successful entrepreneurship. You need to have a working product and a solid group of paying customers before you can afford that talented right-hand man or woman. If you need help in the planning stages or with specialized areas such as marketing, instead consider hiring a small business consultant to get you on the right track.Decide exactly what kind of team you need. While it may sound like a good idea to hire a manager well-versed in entrepreneurship, you can't afford the talent you need at this level just yet. Focus on hiring employees to man storefronts, answer phones, build products, and build your small business from the ground up. This will free up your time for managing, marketing, and other small business tasks that require special knowledge and talent. Again, don't be afraid to talk to a small business consultant if you are worried about making the big decisions.You may have noticed that the ability to budget and plan for your financial future in a realistic and even clairvoyant manner is one of the top skills a small business owner needs. Once you know what type of talent you need, figure out how much it would cost to attain these employees. Keep in mind that the cost will be more than just wages; taxes, benefits, and holidays can cost almost as much as an employee's actual pay.Find the money first. How will you compensate your small business employee? More important, how will you finance the search needed to find that right person in the first place? This can be a challenge even in an established small business. Consider using personal funds and even loans if you are sure your small business is ready.Be enthusiastic. You know what kind of employee you need: talented, hard-working, honest, and possessing a long list of positive qualities. There is a good chance you want an employee who is passionate about your product as well. This kind of enthusiasm doesn't come on its own; the right small business employee will love your business and your products because of your own enthusiasm. Keep your spirits high and have faith that you will find the right person. Positive attitude is infectious.
