Ideally, you would be able to hire an expert for each and every aspect of your business. Realistically, your small business budget just can’t handle that. The good news is there are ways to get the support you need without hiring dedicated employees to fill each position.
Consider this. You need a ride to the airport. At least one, maybe two names, just popped into your head. Need someone to water your plants, check your mail, get the paper? You can probably come up with a couple of options for those tasks as well. Why should your business life be any different?
This isn’t to suggest that you ask your accountant friend to do your business taxes for free. The following are some creative tips to get big results without spending big bucks or blowing your small business's budget:
College students: No one needs experience and fodder for their portfolios more than a soon to be college grad. They possess the knowledge and often the talent to do a great job, but they are on the verge of being thrust into the working world without the resume to get them the position that they want. Offer them the opportunity to gain experience and produce some great samples for their portfolio and they may be willing to work for little or even no money, particularly if they can receive college credit for the work they perform for you. Interns are a great way to capitalize on less expensive labor and improve productivity for your small business.
Those looking to reenter the workforce: This group likely has a great resume and some impressive, if out of date work samples. Unfortunately for them, the number one question they’re likely to hear during a job interview is, “So what have you been doing for the last “x” years?” Often they are willing to work for less than the going rate just to put that question to rest and get some recent experience for their resume.
Cooperative businesses: “You scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours.” Look for other small businesses that you could trade services with. Bartering is a great way to get what you need and stay within your budget. Consider sharing costly services with other small businesses so that everyone shares the cost and the benefit.
Having a great team makes all the difference. With a little creative thinking, you can have your dream team without creating a budget nightmare. Need inventory management help? Get Stockpile on your team today. Our solution is free so it fits in your budget, plus it will free up your time so that you can focus on building the rest of your team.
