Ever thought you've seen it all in interviews? Think again. Amanda shares a jaw-dropping story about a candidate who couldn’t even count their hours in a day. Tune in to find out what went wrong in this unforgettable hiring experience!

Hi everyone, I recently went on vacation in a small town and happened to stop and talk to some local small business owners. They shared with me that one of their biggest struggles is attracting high-quality candidates for job openings. This got me thinking about effective strategies to overcome this issue. Here are five strategies I’ve come up with to improve the hiring process: - Offer your current employees a referral bonus for bringing in new hires who stay with the company. A monthly bonus of $50-$75 can be effective in keeping both the referring employee and the new hire engaged. Adjust the bonus amount based on your business’s financial capabilities and the roles you are hiring for. - Ask your clients and patrons for referrals with specific requests. Instead of a general request like "Do you know someone looking for a job?", try, "I'm looking for someone to work 15-20 hours a week doing bookkeeping and inventory. Do you know anyone who might be interested?" This specificity increases the likelihood of receiving referrals for suitable candidates. - Contact local high schools, community colleges, and vocational training centers. These institutions often have job placement programs and can help you connect with students or recent graduates looking for part-time or entry-level positions. - Organize open houses or mini job fairs at your business. This allows potential candidates to see the workplace, meet the team, and get a better understanding of the job requirements. It also gives you a chance to assess candidates’ professionalism and interest in the role. If hosting a job fair seems too much, work with your local chamber of commerce to help coordinate a fair for your town in exchange for marketing opportunities for your business. - Craft clear and detailed job descriptions that outline the responsibilities, required skills, and expectations. Highlight any unique benefits your business offers, such as flexible hours, opportunities for growth, or a supportive work environment. This helps attract candidates who are genuinely interested and qualified.

Hiring the best talent is a struggle for small businesses, especially in areas where large companies dominate the job market. Larger businesses often offer higher salaries and more attractive benefits, making it tough for small businesses to compete. However, small and micro businesses have one key advantage that larger firms often can't offer: FLEXIBILITY. Here’s how you can tap into this advantage by targeting specific markets: - Stay-at-Home Parents or Spouses SAH spouses and parents often want to work part-time to help increase family income while maintaining a good work-life balance. By offering positions with part-time, flexible hours (e.g., work can be done during nap time, the school day, overnight, or whenever the person feels most productive), you may find excellent candidates ready to take on the job, but not on a full-time basis. - College Students College students are a great option for part-time jobs since they have flexible schedules and can adjust their working hours according to class timetables. They bring fresh ideas, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn. Your business can utilize their energy and adaptability while giving them valuable work experience. - Side-Gig Seekers Side-gig seekers look to supplement their income without a full-time commitment. They may already have jobs or other obligations but are motivated to work additional hours that fit into their schedules. By offering flexible roles (evenings, weekends, or any free time), you can attract skilled candidates who are eager to contribute, allowing your business to benefit from their varied experiences and dedication. Embrace the flexibility your small business offers to attract top talent. By targeting stay-at-home parents, college students, and side-gig seekers, you can build a dedicated, diverse, and highly motivated team. Tools like QuickBooks can streamline your business operations, making it easier to manage a flexible workforce and freeing up more of your time for strategic growth.

Let's share our experiences with our amazing employees. Watch Amanda's video to get inspired and share your thoughts in the comments below. Let's go! 🚀✨

The goal of this community is to help solopreneurs and small business owners like you master the hiring process and overcome any challenges you may face. Here, you'll find resources, expert advice, and practical tips alongside inspiring success stories. We aim to create a supportive and collaborative environment where we can all learn and grow together. 🚀 To get started, please introduce yourself in the comment section below. Let us know your name, your business, and what you hope to gain from this community. You'll notice we have three categories in the Community: 🌏 General - for sharing any information related to hiring and growing your business with the community. 📈 Share Knowledge - for sharing useful materials, tips, and insights related to hiring and business growth with the community. ❓️ Q & A - for any questions you need help answering. 🎉 Have Fun - for sharing lighthearted content, team-building activities, and fun experiences to foster community spirit. Community Rules: 1. Respectful Communication: Treat all members with respect. Discrimination, harassment, or offensive language will not be tolerated. 2. No Pitching: No DM pitching - we want this to be a promotional-free community. If anyone is cold-pitching you in the DMs, message me or the admins so we can address it. 3. Confidentiality: Do not share personal information or sensitive data about candidates or employees without their consent. Community Guidelines: 1. Introduce Yourself: Share a brief introduction in a comment below when you join the community. Include your name, business, and what you hope to learn or what struggles/questions you have. 2. Engage Actively: Participate in discussions, ask questions, and share your experiences. It will earn you points and elevate your profile. 3. Be Helpful: Share your knowledge and experiences to help others. The more we contribute, the more we all benefit. Looking forward to connecting with you and helping you build a successful team! Best, Amanda