Bringing in the first people.
WHEN TO HIRE
When a specific constraint is limiting the business and will not resolve itself.
WHAT THE FIRST HIRE USUALLY SHOULD BE
Whatever consumes most of your time with least leverage.
WHAT THAT FREQUENTLY IS
Support.
WHY
It is constant, teachable, and frees the most development time.
WHAT TO PREPARE BEFORE HIRING
Documentation of the work A defined scope A way to judge whether it is going well
WHY
Without those, hiring adds management burden rather than removing work.
WHAT TO AVOID
Hiring to solve an unclear problem Hiring ahead of revenue Hiring people to do what you have not done yourself
WHY THAT LAST POINT
You cannot judge the work or support the person.
WHAT CONTRACTORS PROVIDE
Capacity without permanent commitment.
WHAT THEY REQUIRE
Clear specification, and review.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH IN WRITING
Ownership of work produced Confidentiality Access and its removal
WHY ACCESS SPECIFICALLY
Departing contributors retaining production access is a common and serious exposure.
WHAT TO DOCUMENT AS YOU GROW
How things are done, so it survives individuals.
WHAT TO PLAN FOR
Payroll obligations, which are fixed and recurring.
