The Critical First Hire for Small Business Owners
The question of who to hire first is a pivotal one for any small business owner. So, who should your first hire be as a small business owner? To handle the things that you need to do to start a business, which is an incredibly long checklist of information, tasks, and items. You look at that list and say, "Well, I have expertise in this business, and I might be able to do all these things here, but then I recognize that I'm deficient in a whole bunch of other areas." It’s not a cut-and-dry answer because it depends on what your strengths are. For example, if you have a background in accounting, there are certain things you’re best suited for. Then you look at the bigger picture and say, "Alright, I need help in these specific areas." Identifying those gaps early on will guide you toward making the right hire.
Knowing When to Ask for Help
Starting a business often involves wearing many hats but knowing when to ask for help is key. In my own instance, not only were we building a business from the ground up with all the things that you have to do, from the standard tasks like getting a business license, creating a business plan, securing financing, and all that, but we were also managing a construction project. We were doing our own construction, which was an area where I had no expertise at all. This brings me to the importance of self-awareness, especially for entrepreneurs. Everyone needs to recognize what they’re really good at and what they’re not good at. Embracing this self-awareness can significantly enhance your business success.
The Power of Self-Awareness for Entrepreneurs
Self-awareness is a critical trait for entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of business. Don't try to excel in areas where you're not strong. You need to find the right help. That’s why self-awareness is such a good word to use here. We’re all a little deluded when starting a business, and you have to have a bit of a crazy gene to begin with. But being able to look in the mirror and say to yourself, "Hey, I know I can do this, and I know I need help here," is really the first step. Once you realize this, the next step is asking, "Who am I going to bring in here?" Bringing in the right people at the right time can be a game-changer for your business.
Leveraging Expertise to Avoid Mistakes
Understanding your limitations allows you to build a stronger foundation for your business. I'd say you're an anomaly because most folks who start a business don’t necessarily have the accounting piece in place. So, they almost always have to get someone to do their books, or they try to do it themselves, and it ends up being a mess. Then we come in and clean it up. You’ve seen that so many times, right? Exactly. And once it’s on the right track, they often realize how much easier life could be. Usually, people come from a background in operations or business development, so figuring it all out is crucial. By getting the right help early on, you can avoid costly mistakes and set yourself up for success.
