Building a Team Without Sacrificing Quality
So, your one-woman business is thriving and it’s time to add another person to the team. Whether you’ve dreamed of having employees or you’re nervous about being a first-time boss, building your team comes down to three key steps: knowing when to hire, understanding how to hire, and deciding who to hire. With that in mind, here are a few tips on how to build your team without sacrificing the quality of your work and business.
Before I get to the good stuff, let me introduce myself. My name is Kailan and I am the owner of an all-female interior painting business. I knew after business school that I was an entrepreneur at heart, but never thought I would have employees. In four short years of starting my company, I went from being the sole employee, to hiring five incredible women who have helped grow this business to what it is today. Let me share with you how I got there.
When To Hire
When it comes to the trades, time is money. If you’re scheduling jobs three to four months in advance or taking on large-scale projects, you will likely benefit from having a second set of hands to help you get the project done. A good employee shouldn’t cost you money; they should be helping you bring in more of it by getting projects done twice as fast.
I realized I was ready to hire about a year after starting my painting company. I had just finished painting a 4,000 sq. ft. house by myself, which is an incredible feat, but it wasn’t the smartest business move. Soon after, I hired two part-time employees to assist me on jobsites. If you’re nervous about adding people to your team, start by hiring part-time positions to ease yourself into running a business with employees.
How To Hire
Now, you’ve decided you need help, but how do you find the right person for the job? Figuring out when to hire is often easier than figuring out how to hire. There are so many ways to put out a job ad these days, it can feel overwhelming. I found it beneficial and less daunting to start close to home. Posting a job ad on your business’s social media is the best way to reach an audience who already enjoys following along with your work. If you have a big following, there is a good chance someone out there will want to be a part of the process too.
If you come across someone who would be a great person to have on your team, don’t be afraid to let them know that you’re hiring. I’ve handed out my business card to plenty of people I thought would be a great addition to my team, even if they weren’t looking for a job at the time. It’s never a bad thing to show interest and assertiveness as the owner of a business.
Deciding Who To Hire
Of all the steps in this process, the who to hire will be the hardest, but most important part. If you get a lot of applicants (yay!), how do you know which one will increase the quality of your business and not decrease it? If I’ve learned anything from my hiring experiences, it’s this – credentials do not outweigh best fit. Someone with passion, eagerness, and interest in your industry will elevate your business far more than someone with better qualifications but the wrong fit. For example, if you hire someone just because they are a Red Seal Painter with more experience, but don’t align with your brand or workplace culture, you could find yourself with a higher turnover. If you’re a good teacher, don’t hesitate to hire a candidate with more passion than experience because you should be able to teach them the skills they need to get the job done right. If you can find someone with both – even better!
At the end of the day, your teams’ success and the quality of their work relies heavily on you. Even though you are hiring them to get the job done faster, in the beginning it is important to slow down and take the time to properly train your staff. Work alongside them, set clear expectations, and help them grow into the painter you need for your business. Taking extra time and consideration when figuring out when, how, and who to hire will only benefit your business in the long run. I never expected that my business would grow this fast in four years, and I credit a huge part of that to my employees. My business would not be as big as it is today if I didn’t take the risk of adding people to my team. The fact that we are an all-female crew in the trades makes it even more special. Everyone has a key role that they play, but we are all part of one big team bringing incredible transformations to our clients’ home.
READY TO GET STARTED?
CONTACT A BEHR PRO® REP
Your reputation depends on your ability to do the job right. BEHR can help.
Find a rep
JOIN THE HOME DEPOT® PRO XTRA LOYALTY PROGRAM
Get 10% - 20% Back in Quarterly Rewards
BEHR® Paints, Stains & Primers.
About Interior Paint Sheens
Get the look you want and the protection you need for any room in your home.
A flat sheen has a non-reflective finish that touches up well and hides minor surface imperfections.
Low-traffic areas; interior walls and ceilings
Ceilings
Medium-Low
A matte sheen has a low-luster, reflective finish that is durable, easy to clean, touches up well and also hides minor surface imperfections.
Low-traffic areas; interior walls
Family rooms, living rooms, kids' rooms, bathrooms, dining rooms, ceilings
Medium
An eggshell enamel sheen has a soft, velvety appearance that resists dirt and grime, as well as mildew.
Moderate-traffic areas
Family rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, kids' rooms, hallways, dining rooms
Medium
A satin enamel sheen has a pearl-like finish that's easy to clean.
All interior surfaces; moderate- to high-traffic areas
Family rooms, living rooms, bedrooms, kids' rooms, hallways, kitchens, bathrooms, doors, windows, trim, cabinets, shutters, interior furniture
Medium-High
A semi-gloss enamel sheen is sleek and radiant resisting mildew, moisture and wear.
Cabinets and trim; high-traffic, high-moisture areas
Kids' rooms, hallways, kitchens, bathrooms, doors, windows, trim, cabinets, shutters
High
Hi-Gloss enamel sheens provide have a brilliant, shiny appearance and a durable, glass-like finish that allows dirt and grime to be wiped clean.
High-use surfaces
Kitchens, bathrooms, doors, windows, trim, cabinets, shutters, interior furniture
High
About Exterior Paint Sheens
Set the right curb appeal with exterior painting efforts that last.
A flat sheen is non-reflective, and easy to apply and touch up. It will minimize the appearance of minor surface imperfections.
Wood and vinyl walls and siding; brick and other masonry; fences
Medium-Low
A satin enamel sheen creates a pearl-like finish that's durable and dirt-resistant. It will also resist moisture, fading and stains.
Virtually all exterior surfaces
Medium-High
A semi-gloss enamel sheen is sleek and radiant with a hard, durable finish. It is formulated to withstand wear, and will also resist moisture, fading and stains.
Doors, trim and shutters; Exterior furniture
High
Hi-Gloss enamel sheen have a brilliant, shiny appearance and a durable, glass-like finish that allows dirt and grime to be wiped clean.
High-use surfaces
High
- Same-Day, Next-Day Delivery*
- Call, Text, or Email Your Paint Order
- Will Call & Schedule Deliveries
- Custom Color Matching
- Product & Record Order Management
- Expert Paint Knowledge
- Same-Day, Next-Day Delivery*
- Call, Text, or Email Your Paint Order
- Will Call & Schedule Deliveries
- Custom Color Matching
- Product & Record Order Management
- Expert Paint Knowledge
- Get 10%-20% back in quarterly rewards on BEHR® Products when you join Home Depot's Pro Xtra™ loyalty program
- Call, Text or E-mail your orders to your dedicated BEHR PRO Paint Specialist
- Arrange will call & Schedule Deliveries for pick-up at your Home Depot location or for delivery to you
