By Larry Kirlin

CALSPro members come in all shapes and sizes but the most common business model is a solo owner who utilizes a network of independent process servers. The business owner usually handles the client interaction, dispatching, invoicing and proofs. This model is ideal for starting a business but will eventually limit the size a business can grow. So, how do you know it’s the right time to hire your first (or new) employee? 

Listed below are three indications it might be time:

1. Are you spending your time doing work that could be done by someone else?  Entrepreneurs must make time to develop their business.  This can often mean prospecting for new clients or deepening your relationships with existing clients.  Allowing yourself to work on tasks that can be done by someone else is a waste of precious resources. 
2. Are you unable to keep up with your workload?  This indicator is even worse than example #1 because it means you are unable to keep your commitments to clients, complete assignments on time or take on more work. If you are in this situation and don’t act quickly, your business will suffer, and you will have a whole different problem on your hands.
3. Your staff is obviously overworked. If your staff is working through breaks and lunchtime and still needs to work overtime, it’s probably time to add staff.  Paying meal penalties and overtime is expensive.  Burning out your staff and losing them is even more expensive.

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, it may be time to hire. Where do you start? 

My suggestion is to start recruiting from within your family and social circles. Keep in mind that not all candidates are looking for full-time work.  If you only need help for a few hours each day, consider recruiting a student or someone looking for a flexible schedule. The great thing about part-time employees is they can work a little extra without crossing the line into overtime pay.

Don’t think for a minute that people won’t be attracted to your job opening. 

Our industry has a lot going for it. For starters, it’s interesting work. The fast pace makes the days go quickly and the variety of assignments keeps people from becoming bored. If that’s not enough motivation, most of our work is done on weekdays during business hours. Anyone who has ever worked retail or food service will tell you what a luxury it is not to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

If you are blessed enough to be in a position to grow your business, now is the time to act. Do whatever you have to do to set aside time for recruiting, hiring, and training.  The most successful people understand the importance of hiring. Those that don’t…well, you know how that story ends.

Sources: https://www.adp.com/spark/articles/2018/10/when-to-hire-more-employees-4-signs-its-time-to-expand-your-workforce.aspx