📺 Stream EntrepreneurTV for Free 📺

3 Things to Look for Before You Hire Your First Employee (60-Second Video) About to become more than an army of one? Here's what to consider as you make that first hire.

entrepreneur daily

About to become more than the boss of just yourself? Congrats! Here are three things to consider before you hire your first employee from our book Start Your Own Business:

  1. Don't hire someone just like you. It's tempting because who's better than you right? But you want to find someone who has strengths in areas you're not so strong in, someone who can excel in the stuff you find difficult or hate doing.

  2. Look for a great communicator and a great listener. You want to know that they understand your vision, and can clearly let you know about progress or problems they face in their day-to-day.

  3. Use the Road Trip Test: Basically, you can have the smartest, most experienced applicant in the world, but if the thought of being stuck in a car with them for hours sounds like a nightmare, move on!

Watch more 3 Things to Know videos here.

Dan Bova

Entrepreneur Staff

VP of Special Projects

Dan Bova is the VP of Special Projects at Entrepreneur.com. He previously worked at Jimmy Kimmel Live, Maxim and Spy magazine. Check out his latest humor books for kids, including Wendell the Werewolf, Road & Track Crew's Big & Fast Cars, and The Big Little Book of Awesome Stuff.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

More from Entrepreneur Exclusives

3 Simple Ways to Boost E-Commerce Sales

Why Your First 1,000 Customers Are Your Most Important

How to Grow Your Business By Finding New Customers

3 Stress-Busting Relaxation Exercises You Can Do Anywhere (60-Second Video)

Editor's Pick

Business Solutions

Lock in a Microsoft Office Lifetime License for $25

Build your team's network of tools with this limited-time price drop on word processing, spreadsheet creation, email, and more.

Management

Is Selling Your Business the Only Way Out of Burnout? Here Are Five Alternatives to Consider Instead.

When you're burning out as an entrepreneur or business owner, it can feel like selling your business to an outside buyer is your only escape — but I'm here to tell you there are other options. Here are a few to consider if you're unsure about handing over the reins.

Growing a Business

'A Surprise Around Every Corner' How This Iconic Bookstore's Innovative Mix of New and Used Books Keeps Book Hunters Coming Back for More.

Here's how Powell's City of Books used its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility to create a landmark of literary passion.

Leadership

How to Harness the Power of Authentic Storytelling to Become a More Effective and Inspiring Leader

Storytelling enhances business leadership by inspiring a culture of authenticity and trust through sharing relevant personal stories.

Leadership

I Quit! You Just Don't Know It Yet — How to Stop Disengagement and Ensure Your Employees Remain Vibrant and Productive

Disgruntled or disenchanted employees are giving up and doing the minimum at their jobs. Are people quiet quitting on you?