Sourcing and selection.
WHERE GOOD PEOPLE COME FROM
Recommendation People who have worked with you Local networks Advertising, where appropriate
WHAT RECOMMENDATION GIVES YOU
Someone vouched for.
WHAT TO ASSESS
Can they do the work Are they reliable Can they work the way you need Will they fit
THE RELIABILITY POINT
For a small business, reliability matters more than brilliance.
One person not turning up affects everything.
HOW TO ASSESS IT
References, actually contacted A paid trial period or task Specific questions about past work
WHAT TO ASK REFERENCES
Whether they were reliable Whether they would work with them again
That second question, and any hesitation in the answer.
WHAT TO BE WARY OF
Vague answers about previous roles No verifiable history Unwillingness to start with a trial
WHAT NOT TO DO
Hire the first available person because you are overwhelmed Hire a friend or relative without clear terms
THAT LAST POINT
It can work, and it requires the same clarity as any other arrangement.
