Hiring Associates and Workers
A business is only as good as the people it employs. True, you might be an exceptional veterinarian or an amazingly sharp pet shop owner. However, clients often see the office or store help first. The staff you hire represents your business. The people answering the phone or sitting behind the front desk in the reception area make the first impression. They are the ones who have contact with your clients. The assistant or staff you hire can make or break your business.
For each job that needs to be filled, write a thorough job description. List all of the duties and qualifications for each position. Include job requirements such as prior experience or degrees. A written job description will help you make better choices when hiring. You can also share these descriptions with colleagues who know you are seeking office help.
No one wants to do business with people who lack enthusiasm. That doesn't mean your staff has to be overly friendly. Just think about the person who is bringing in their pet to be treated for an illness or boarded at your daycare center. These pet owners want to know that their pets are in caring hands. They also want to do business with an organization that has helpful, caring people at the helm.
Before you hire an assistant or staff, the first thing you should do is determine what type of jobs you need filled. Conduct salary surveys by asking colleagues and friends who work in similar businesses in your area. This way you can determine what type of salary you will have to pay your office manager, receptionist, bookkeeper, and so on. To get the best help, try to offer a little more than minimum wage if possible.
Advertise job openings in local papers and websites, or in trade papers if the position is specialized. You can also advertise a job with a membership organization such as the Association of Zoos and Aquariums if you are a member.
When hiring associates and workers, it is a wise idea to take your time. “Hire folks that accentuate your brand,” says Travis Sheridan, member services director of the Central Valley Business Incubator based in Fresno, California. “It's better to have a vacant position than the wrong person in that position. Hiring the wrong person to represent your company will do more damage than good. You need to hire people who have the same attributes that your company stands for.”
