Going from a solopreneur to employer can be one of the scariest transitions for solo estheticians. Yet, if we want to scale our business, this becomes inevitable. Do not let fear stop you from growing.
Here are a few things to consider when building a team:
Identify Your Needs and Define Roles Clearly
Start by listing out everything you currently do in your business. Next create a list of things you want to do. Take those two lists and determine whether they’re one-time projects or ongoing roles.
Next, define each of those roles. What department do these tasks fall under? How do they support your business. Are they necessary for growth?
Recognize + Embrace Your Limits
Accepting that you can’t do everything is essential. It is impossible to do everything, and do it well. So identify the tasks that are outside your expertise, time-consuming, don’t align with your strengths, or quite honestly don't bring you joy. Be honest about the areas where you struggle and view seeking help as a proactive (and necessary) strategy.
Leverage Your Network for Referrals
Start by reaching out to your professional network, friends, or industry contacts. Let them know what roles you’re looking to fill and ask if they know any potential candidates. Referrals are often more trustworthy, and candidates are pre-vetted, which can make hiring easier. Take your time finding your new team member. There is nothing worse than finding out you've hired someone who needs to be told what to do every step of the way. We're looking to hire assets, not add babysitting to our to-do list.
Choosing who to hire
When hiring, remember we are looking to find someone who can do the job just like we would, if not better. It's also important to hire someone you feel will fit well into your work culture.
Start with Part-Time or Freelance Help
If you’re hesitant to hire full-time, consider bringing on part-time or freelance help. This can be a great way to test working with someone new and allows you to adjust as your needs change. Freelancers are often flexible and can help with specific projects without requiring a long-term commitment. This will also help mitigate some of the burdens we have as employers. Make sure to find a great CPA who can help you navigate this new territory so you're following all employment laws.
Delegate and Trust Your Team
Delegation is essential to building an effective team, and yet sometimes it can be the hardest thing to do. We have to relinquish some control and trust in our new team members skillset and honor their genius. Assign tasks with clear instructions, but allow team members the freedom to execute them in their way. Trusting your team not only improves productivity but also boosts their confidence and engagement. There is nothing worse than feeling micromanaged, and feeling undervalued.
Offer Value and Show Appreciation
Just as we should be grateful for each and every client we get, we should feel the same about those who join our team. There are many jobs out there, and yet they've put themselves out there, and have put forth effort to become part of the team. This goes back to work culture, but can not be overstated enough, people are more inclined to help when they feel appreciated. A simple thank you, a shout-out, or acknowledging contributions can go a long way.
Make Culture A Priority
Building a cohesive team requires more than just assigning tasks. It involves cultivating a positive, growth-oriented culture. Celebrate wins, encourage collaboration, and make team members feel like they’re contributing to something meaningful. This can help retain talent and create a stronger, more unified team.
Work culture, especially in todays employment climate is almost as important as salary. We want to keep our team around because losing good employees costs us time and money. Take time to develop what you'd like your work culture to embody and be open to tweaking it as you grow.
