From making your first hire to expanding your team, here’s what you need to know Your business is your baby. You nurture it, love it, and put a ton of time and energy into its growth. It’s no wonder that the thought of hiring your first employee (or expanding your team even more) makes you a little bit nervous. Not only can it be hard to let go of certain pieces of your business, but making a financial investment in someone else -- without a guarantee that they are going to add value -- can be pretty scary.  Believe me, I’ve been there. It took me six years to make my first full-time hire because I was so afraid of giving up control – and let’s be real, I wasn’t exactly 100% sure of how I was going to pay the rent if she did not perform in the way that I needed her to. And yes, I’m talking about Chloe! ;)  Luckily, Chloe added major value to my business immediately, and since bringing her on seven years ago I’ve expanded my team to over 20 people. In the process I’ve learned a TON about hiring and assembling a crew of talented people that work together like a well-oiled machine. I’ve gotten a lot of things right, just as many of them wrong, and in this episode I’m going to share them all with you.  Tune in to hear: When the best time is to hire your first employee The one crucial role you should hire for first What I learned from my very first hiring blitz How to ensure that your new hire is a good fit  So if you have ever been curious about the hiring process, or think you might be ready to make your first full-time hire, go someplace you can focus and press play on this episode! Here’s a glance at this episode... [04:04] Waiting far too long for my first full-time hire. I struggled for a year and a half before hiring Chloe full-time. The lesson? Hire before you think you are ready. [06:31] Hire someone who is going to help you with traffic. As in, someone to help drive traffic to your business and will help you to convert.  [08:39] Virtual assistants give you space to think. They can help with social media, support, communication, proofreading, and more! [13:16] Hire one person at a time and give them 90 full days to learn what they need to learn. We have 30,60, and 90 day tasks and goals for new hires. [15:39] We do have an understanding that anytime during the first 90 days if the person isn't a great fit, we will let them know. It doesn't happen often, but it's an option. By hiring one person at a time that person also gets a lot more support.  [16:22] The best way to learn what works for you is to start hiring and see what works. Take action! [16:39] Don't wait too long to hire. Hire before you think you're ready. Hire early on and find someone who can help with traffic and conversions. Do hire one person at a time. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love Amy and Online Marketing Made Easy." <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people -- just like you -- move toward the online life and business that they desire. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!