Published By: Admin

Startup hiring 101: Your first 8 must-haves!

Your business needs and budget will determine which roles to fill first, but no matter what, make sure anyone you hire is adaptable, passionate, and reliable!

So, you’ve made your entrepreneurial dreams come true by launching a great product or service and starting your own business. Now that you’re making money and spotting growth opportunities, it might be time to think about hiring some employees. While it's exciting to bring new talent on board, it’s important to take your time and thoroughly vet each candidate. Let’s explore eight essential roles to focus on and share some tips for finding the right team members to help your new venture thrive.

CEO and chief operations officer (COO)

At the helm of your business are the CEO and COO. The CEO drives the vision and sets the tone, while the COO ensures smooth day-to-day operations. Typically taken on by founders, you can start by wearing the CEO hat until you're ready to delegate. If you and your co-founders are handling these roles, great! Let's move on to the next hires!

Product manager

Your product manager is your product guru—the one who knows the ins and outs of everything you offer. They're the brains behind your product's strategy, vision, and development, working hand-in-hand with your engineering and marketing teams. While founders often take on this role initially, bringing in a dedicated product manager when the time is right can be a game-changer. It frees up valuable time for founders to focus on growth and hit those business goals!

Chief technology officer and vice president of engineering 

Having a tech whiz on your team is like having a secret weapon, especially for startups diving into the tech world. Sure, you can outsource some stuff, but having someone in-house who speaks tech is a game-changer. As your team grows, you can even split this role into two. This tech guru not only knows their way around hardware, software, and mobile tech but also keeps your systems running smoothly. Plus, they're your go-to for crafting a killer online presence, whether it's building a slick website or collaborating with your marketing maestro.

Chief marketing officer and community manager 

You'll want someone who is laser-focused on making your customers fall head over heels for your product or service. Finding a marketing maestro with killer small business marketing chops is key to getting your vision in front of the right eyes. Look for a jack-of-all-trades who can write catchy copy, whip up eye-catching designs, dabble in coding for landing pages, launch ad campaigns, and work wonders on social media. Plus, they'll double up as your friendly neighbourhood community manager, keeping the vibe positive between your biz and its customers. Oh, and teamwork makes the dream work—they'll team up with the product manager to turn customer feedback into product gold.

Sales manager

You need someone who can roll up their sleeves and bring in the cash. Finding a top-notch sales expert is key because mastering sales early on can make or break a small business. Snag an incredible sales rep or manager, and watch the money roll in. Sure, it's tough to find the perfect fit, but investing the time and effort pays off big time. A seasoned sales manager who knows the ins and outs of your industry can hit the ground running, bringing in leads and driving sales like a pro.

Chief financial officer (CFO)

Startups can benefit from outsourcing accounting, but hiring a CFO offers expert financial guidance for tasks like securing bank loans. Having a detail-oriented money manager is crucial for handling all financial aspects, from securing loans to day-to-day expenses like paying suppliers.

Business development manager

Think of your business development manager as your growth maestro, not just about sales but architects of expansion. They uncover opportunities, forge strategic partnerships, and keep you ahead of the competition. With their innovation, they ensure your brand thrives in the dynamic market.

Customer service representative

Customer service is the heart of any successful business. Without it, even the best products can fall flat. That's why having a dedicated team member to handle customer inquiries and concerns is crucial. They're the frontline warriors, ensuring your customers feel valued and heard. 

Hiring trustworthy people sets the stage for your startup's journey. Start by asking around in your network—colleagues, pals, and alma mater connections. If that doesn't pan out, recruitment agencies are solid options. They've got the hookups to find the perfect fit for your team.