Readiness.
WHAT INDICATES READINESS
You consistently turn away work Demand is stable, not a temporary surge You are profitable at current size Your processes are documented You can afford to pay someone through a quiet period
THAT LAST ONE
The critical test.
Hiring on optimistic revenue projections is how businesses fail.
WHAT INDICATES YOU ARE NOT READY
Busy but not profitable Chaotic systems Nothing written down No cash buffer Demand from one customer
THE ONE CUSTOMER POINT
Growing to serve one large customer is dangerous.
Their departure leaves you with costs and no revenue.
WHAT TO FIX FIRST
Profitability at current size Documented processes A cash buffer
WHY DOCUMENTATION FIRST
You cannot delegate what is not written down.
Hiring without it means you train constantly and quality varies.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE HIRING
Work out exactly what you would hand over.
If you cannot describe it, you are not ready.
