Building a great start-up team is the biggest challenge for an entrepreneur. No matter how great your idea, its success or failure depends on the team which executes it. It is essential that you choose your team carefully and selectively. The first few members of the team along with the founders are critical in shaping the future of the start-up. This initial team would be instrumental in hiring further co-workers as the business grows. So, how do you build a startup team? Here are some steps to build a dream team for your new venture:
Identify the roles
Founders are the most important members of the team. They have to mutually agree on the decision-making process. So for example, if one is an expert in marketing and other in technology, then the structure of the startup can be determined accordingly. Once that has been settled, the next step is to identify the roles which you need to fill up to complete your team. So whether it is for PR, social media, or SEO, you need to decide mutually and hire the right talent. It is essential to hire the required talent according to your priorities, because there is no point hiring two project managers when there is a need for one programmer. Also keep in mind that you will have to pay them lucrative salaries in order to attract the best talent to the startup ecosystem.
Full timers’ vs Contractors
Hiring a full-time employee is a commitment which you make to pay that person irrespective of the work, whereas contractual employees are paid according to the work done. Contractual employees can be converted as full-timers as and when there is a need. You need to have a vision and hire accordingly. You should have the ability to forecast demand and match the supply.
Identifying the candidates
This is the most challenging step when building an ideal team. While identifying the candidate, one should ensure that the candidate has an experience in the field that other team members do not. It is always beneficial to hire a candidate who has been referred by someone known to you. Apart from that, the most important factor while hiring is the candidate should be willing to work in a fast paced startup ecosystem and should believe in your start up business.
Hiring process
Once the candidates are identified, the process of hiring begins. The hiring process starts with an interview. It is always beneficial to be prepared in advance when you are about to conduct an interview. Keep your questions ready in categories such as creative thinking, problem-solving, fact checking, and behavioral. Post interview, if you find the candidate eligible, do a background check and then hire the employee.
Post-hire
The process of team building does not end when the candidate is hired, it goes beyond that. A post hire assessment needs to be done with the employee. This includes developing methods for training, path for career development and promotions. All these will serve as an incentive for your employees.
