Questions

I currently do everything, but really need to start bringing in help. I just celebrated 10 years of successfully running my design and web dev firm. I've got a list of contractors who do design work, programming, copy writing, and other tasks that build the products that my clients pay me to make for them. Where I struggle is that I have to be involved in every little thing, and I really only want to oversee the general growth and success of my company in its second decade. Where do I start? When you are the one person 'wearing all the hats', what is the smartest investment in hiring a part- or full-time employee? In other words, what tasks should I push off to a lower cost person so I can start to realize my next goals? I need to free up more time to sell more, grow more, and increase the business profitability. Right off, I feel that either a production manager or a general assistant would be good. If you've been through this in the same or a similar industry, I'd love to know the path you found to free up time and work fewer roles in your business.

Congratulations on your growth! Ten years growing a business is an amazing achievement. My opinion, as an HR Professional, and entrepreneur as well, is to start by tracking your own time and see where you spend most of your hours. You can then analyze what activities you feel you can outsource or train an employee or contractor, and what strategic areas you want to continue performing yourself.

Job descriptions are important as are documented processes as it makes it clear who is responsible for what activities, and creates efficiency for allocating workflow. I think it is key to outsource the stuff that is not core to your business like marketing, HR, accounting, and to keep in house through employees activities that are client facing like the programming, copy, design work....things that differentiate you from your competitors, and make you stronger. So in summary start with:
1) a staffing plan for 2016
2) Time activity analysis
3) process documentation and job descriptions

Good luck. For HR tips and free training (coming in 2016), check out our website www.highertalent.ca.

Susan

Good luck.


Answered 8 years ago

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