How to Build Your Dream Team Without Losing Your Handmade Vibe
Running a handmade business can feel like juggling a thousand tasks at once: from creating your products to handling marketing, customer service, and everything in between. The reality is, no matter how much you love your craft, you simply can’t do it all. That’s where hiring help comes in—but let’s be real, the thought of handing over parts of your business can be daunting.
Building the right team is crucial if you want to grow and free up your time for what matters most: creating. But how do you hire the right person, especially when your business is so personal to you? Here's a step-by-step guide that will help you hire efficiently and confidently.
Step 1: Identify What You Need Help With
Before you even think about hiring, you need to get clear on what tasks you need help with. Is it social media, order fulfillment, product photography, or customer service? Be specific about where you’re feeling the most overwhelmed.
Pro Tip: Make a list of everything you do in a week and mark the tasks you either don’t enjoy or aren’t good at—those are the ones to delegate first.
Real-World Example: When I first started hiring for my handmade business, I realized I spent way too much time on things like printing order, packaging and shipping orders. I loved creating, but those repetitive tasks were eating up my creative energy. So, I hired someone, (I actually hired two people) to help pack and ship orders, and it was a game-changer.
Step 2: Craft the Perfect Job Description
Once you know what you need help with, it’s time to create a clear, concise job description. This isn’t just about listing tasks—it’s also about explaining your business’s values and what kind of person will thrive in your creative environment. Think of this as your opportunity to attract the right talent that will match your handmade brand's vibe.
Here’s what to include:
Role: Be clear about the title and main duties.
Skills Required: Do they need Canva skills for social media, or are you looking for someone proficient in order management systems like ShipStation?
Work Style: Do you need someone who can work independently, or is collaboration key?
Pro Tip: Need help writing your job description? Go into ChatGPT and brain dump the above, tasks, skills and work style and ask it to craft a job description for your handmade brand.
Step 3: Screen Candidates Efficiently
Now that you have applications coming in, how do you narrow down your options? Start with a simple phone or Zoom interview to get a feel for their personality and how they communicate. It’s also a good time to ask for samples of their work or even assign a small task that relates to your business. This will give you insight into their skills and how they’ll fit into your workflow.
Step 4: Test the Waters with a Trial Period
Hiring someone for your handmade business can feel like handing over your baby. That’s why it’s a good idea to start with a trial period. Set clear expectations and timelines. Maybe you hire someone to manage your Etsy shop for one month or handle your social media content for a couple of weeks to see how they perform.
Pro Tip: Be open with your hire about this trial period. Let them know that it’s a chance for both of you to assess if the working relationship is a good fit.
Step 5: Establish Clear Communication Channels
You can’t expect someone to read your mind, so communication is key. Use tools like Slack, Asana, or Trello to keep tasks organized and to maintain open lines of communication. Regular check-ins—whether daily or weekly—will help you stay on the same page and ensure your new hire feels supported.
Real-World Example: I once hired someone to help with my wholesale accounts, and we set up weekly check-ins. At first, it felt like I was micromanaging, but soon I realized that those check-ins were invaluable for making sure we were both aligned on our goals.
Step 6: Set Expectations and KPIs
Make sure you set clear goals and expectations right from the start. If they’re managing your product listings, do you expect a certain number of listings per week? If they’re handling your Instagram account, are you aiming for a specific number of followers or engagement rate? Whatever the goal, be specific and set measurable KPIs (Key Performance Indicators).
Step 7: Give Feedback and Adjust
Even after you hire someone, the work isn’t over. Give constructive feedback early and often, and make adjustments if needed. If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to course-correct. Remember, you’re building a team, and every team needs fine-tuning.
Pro Tip: Positive reinforcement goes a long way. If someone is doing a great job, let them know! This will make them feel valued and part of your business's success.
Conclusion: Hiring Help is a Game-Changer for Your Handmade Business
Bringing on help is a huge milestone for your business. It means you're ready to scale and focus more on what you love—creating! Remember, hiring is a process, and it’s okay if the first person isn’t the right fit. Take your time, follow these steps, and trust that you’re making the best decision for your business.
Question: What’s the first task you’d hand off if you could hire help today? Let me know in the comments!
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