3 things to keep in mind when you hire your first team

Midhun Areeckal
3 min readJan 4, 2021

It’s always exciting to reach each milestone for the startup; I bet you can understand the feeling. Starting with that great idea you had in mind and getting that first client, everything feels like a dream come true scenario. Moving each step ahead, there will be instances where you have to be cautious about making a decision. Hiring a team for your startup is one of those.

Usually, when we’re looking for someone to be a part of our business, we tend to look for the talented and most educationally qualified person. Of course, they’re a gem for the company. But, that alone is not the factor you have to look for in an ideal candidate. Here we’re going to look into various other things to keep in mind as you invite someone to be a part of your initial team. They’re going to be a valuable asset for the venture’s success.

Don’t go for talent alone; Attitude matters a lot.

Yes, you need specific skills for getting a job done but, keep them as a primary entry point for the candidates. As you interview them, rather than just blindfolding on the things they say, try to get a practical aspect of their skills. For example, if you’re hiring a person to manage companies’ online marketing aspects, give them a task and judge them based on their response to the job. That can bring in talented spirit to the table. But, talent alone can sometimes do no good for the business. From day one, you need that individual to respond to all the business functions and be with you for everything.

The attitude of the individual plays a significant role in that case. It’s not a vague statement; imagine working with a talented but bloody-minded person; all your plans will go south. Consider attitude as the key personality feature necessary for your team members. Because a motivated and dedicated person with much interest in what you’re doing is going to be more useful for your business than an individual with whom you can’t even spend a minute.

Let them be a part of the venture.

Your first team will be one of the most significant investments for your entire startup. Their contribution matters a lot for the venture’s initial success. So, as when you choose an individual for the job, make them part of your whole process. Let the first teammates take up the privilege of giving your next client profile; let them engage in the management activities. Give the initial team a broader role in the business than other later joiners. As alone, it will be impossible for you to build the next million-dollar business; you need people on that path. Your first team plays a crucial role in that.

Sometimes It’s better to say “no.”

Giving “No” as an answer sometimes can result in significant setbacks for your whole entrepreneurial life. But, when it comes to choosing the right team, be sure to walk away from a candidate you feel like not suitable for your business or someone you feel like you’ll have to let go of after a while. It’s not ideal for both the company and the candidate. So, keep in mind that the people you’re bringing in to your business have a significant role in the business’s future. Take that courage to say “no” if the situation asks for it.

Summing-up

Hiring the ideal person can result in flourishing your business into its maximum productivity. Most startups tend to fail because they lack the team coordination and talent necessary to properly implement the business tasks. Ideally, the best team can do wonders for the whole venture.

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Midhun Areeckal

Founder & CEO at Startup Writer | Social Entrepreneur | Creative Director at Life Planner Guide