MightyRecruiterHow to Make the Most of the Small Business Hiring Advantage
As the owner of a small business, you have a huge advantage when it comes to hiring. Economically, you may feel that you have been pushed to the edge and that nobody will want to come to work for you, but you’re wrong. There’s something known as the ïsmall business hiring advantage.ï In essence, you have the one-up on larger businesses when it comes to attracting top talent and all-star hires.
Why It Works This Way
Wondering why new hires would come to you before a larger company There are many reasons, really, and you can capitalize on them right now.
1.Big Business Is Impersonal ï Too many hires that come to you may have already been burned by big business. In the big, corporate world, many owners and CEOs simply don’t care for their employees on a personal level. They don’t have any clue what is going on in their lives because there are too many to keep track of. Their goal is the bottom line and reaching their projected revenue. If an employee doesn’t pull their fair share of the workload, regardless of the reason, they are often kicked to the curb.
Using this as part of the small business hiring advantage, you can find out why they didn’t pull their load. Perhaps their spouse just passed away. Maybe their child was diagnosed with a fatal illness. With that information in hand, you become the caring, compassionate employer they want to work for. You become the boss who cares, and that is much more appealing than trying to get a job at another big business that will do the same thing the last one did.
2.Big Business Lacks Room for Personal Growth ï Many new hires are looking for a company where they can grow. In big business, that often does not exist. They may be in the marketing department as a part of a team that is part of a team. Their opinion may not matter much. There may be a lot of competition when it comes to working their way up in the company, and that could lead to years and years at the bottom of the totem pole.
Using the small business hiring advantage, you can offer these same individuals a higher position. Their starting salary may be lower than someone in the same position at a larger company. With the amount of time it would take them to work their way up, they could actually be losing out on income. You can start them as the marketing manager. You can give them a position where they influence the company on a large scale. This gives them room to grow on a personal level, as well as room to help your business grow.
3.Big Business Offers No Flexibility ï Often in big business, you have to work when you have to work. If your son is graduating from high school and you are scheduled to work, you simply have to miss the big event. If your family life is disrupted in a serious way and you need some time off, you could take a big hit to the wallet and to your position at work.
Small business owners have more flexibility in adapting to these types of situations. If you have a potential hire with stellar skills and experience, but he is still in school, don’t be afraid to change up his work hours to accommodate his study time. Treating your employees like they matter and like their outside lives are important is a great way to retain them and their skills.
Does Salary Matter
At this point, you might be wondering why salary has not been mentioned much as a small business hiring advantage. Does it matter You bet it does! Most individuals are looking for a company with which they can grow. They want an employer who understands them. They want to work for someone who actually cares whether or not they can support their families on a financial and an emotional level. If taking a small hit in the salary department is what it takes for them to achieve those things, many new hires are more than willing to do it. If they are sitting in an interview with you, they obviously believe in your company and find it a desirable workplace. Use that as an advantage and show them how their contribution can lead to the rise of the company and the boost they’ll eventually want in their paycheck.
Start Cashing In
Don’t wait to cash in on the small business hiring advantage. You truly do have a one-up on big business, and potential hires are starting to clue in to that. Take it and run with it! To learn more about ways to snag all-star hires and help them improve your business, browse Mighty Recruiter for articles, information and great tools.