John, as my business expands, how can make sure my growing team continues to be strong and well-balanced?
As a business owner, the employees you hire are directly related to your success. It’s no secret that it takes years of dedication to cultivate a hearty client-base, run a successful and profitable business, and support the professional development of your team. As a result, adding a new member to your team can be intimidating, especially when it can throw off the well-oiled machine you have worked so hard to finesse.
Adding new team members should be a thoughtful and extensive process. Before looking for a new employee, take the time to analyze all aspects of your business. What are your strengths? Where can you improve? What are your goals for growth? A clear understanding of your business’s current state will help you best identify what type of team member can propel your business to new heights.
Prior to the interview process, consider creating a list of desirable and undesirable traits of past and current employees. Simply ask yourself, “who is the perfect addition to my team?” Compiling traits, skillsets, and desirable numbers (clientele, FOV, average ticket price, etc.) will instantly weed out candidates who are not the right fit for your business. While finding the right candidate may take some time, it will pay off when you have a larger, stronger and more powerful team of employees who are directly affecting your growth.
A healthy business is made up of team members who work together as a cohesive unit. New service providers should bring new strengths to your business, as well as build upon your current skillsets. This will help you deepen well of talent as well as add new and valuable skills to your service offerings. For instance, if your salon is known for colorists and you’re looking to expand your wedding business, consider hiring an excellent colorist, who is additionally skilled in up-dos.
The best teams are well-balanced. New employees should complement your current team and be well-suited for your business culture. You must also consider whether your new team members are a good fit for your clientele. Conflict and friction between employees, and/or employees and your customers creates the potential to weaken the foundation of your business – ultimately affecting your bottom line.
John Harms
Millennium Systems Internationa, Founder and CEO
About: John Harms, Founder & CEO of Millennium Systems International, creator of Millennium Software, has been designing industry leading salon scheduling software and educating the beauty & wellness industry since 1987. Today Millennium is utilized in thousands of businesses in over 38 countries and operating with approximately 150+ employees worldwide. Millennium currently runs its corporate headquarters out of New Jersey and its international office is based in the U.K.