often one of the biggest mistakes small business owners make is not having more strict hiring practices in place. It is much harder to get rid of employees who are not fully contributing than it is to hire them. Have each prospective employee fill out a detailed application form, complete with valid references and former employers. Make sure you contact all references! Implementing tighter hiring practices will assure you bring on high caliber, efficient employees.

Small businesses often decline to implement practices and procedures that would make the growth process smoother and more accessible. Learn how you can minimize the growing pains of your small business to ensure future growth and success.

Improve Customer Relations

Your customers are the backbone of your business, so make sure you treat them as such. You must not only establish but maintain an exceptional working relationship with each and every one of your customers. Ideally your business should become indispensable to your customers so make sure you understand the needs and expectations of them.

Small companies often have employees who wear many hats and perform a myriad of duties. As you grow and business becomes more demanding, make sure you streamline and define duties, job descriptions, and operations.

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Some tips for developing your hiring procedure include:

1. Write a job description.
2. Establish a salary range and benefits package.
3. Have a job application form.
4. Prepare your interview questions in advance.
5. Develop open-ended questions that encourage the candidate to talk
6. Be sparing with how much information you provide up-front.

As much as possible, try to give the applicant a taste of the job before either of you makes a commitment. Consider a trial period or other mutual evaluation method. Remember that the hiring procedures don’t end with making the selection. Your new employees first day are critical. People are most motivated on their first day; build on that momentum by being prepared for them, by having a place set up for them to work, by making them comfortable, and by welcoming them into the company.