Should I hire with so much gloom about?

Dear Aunty B,

We are bursting at the seams with work but the pipeline is not looking at all good. Having said that, it is as full as it was last year and we had quite a good year. The difference is that with all the doom and gloom I am nervous about the year ahead.

My question is this. Do I employ two new people who are in my next year’s budget as July hires? Or do I hold off? I plan to hire more people later next year but wanted time between recruiting to settle people in. We have been working on everything we should and have a great new product ready to take advantage of a hole in the market. It’s just this darn economy.

Paralysed,
Ray
Victoria

Dear Paralysed Ray,

Honestly. With a question like that you shouldn’t call yourself an entrepreneur. And I replaced your swear word with darn as you will soon be fined in Victoria for swearing (I kid you not. I have a dirty mouth and between that and speeding fines I will soon be flat broke.)

No. You don’t hold off. For a start, the market is flat, so you have a good chance at finding good people – well a better chance than you had this time last year when people were feeling optimistic and hiring. Look for people returning from overseas or graduates finishing the half-year.

The first quarter will be flat so you have time to train and inspire them so they hit the second quarter full ball. Then see how you go. You can always hold off on hiring the people later in the year if don’t pick up as quickly as expected.

Be smart,
Your Aunty B

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