I am thinking a lot about skill sets, experience and value these days. Everyone wants the best and expects to pay the least for it. But do you get what you pay for?
The Money Thing
I met with a young woman about to launch her own company. She does not have the resources right now to retain us but she knows she wants to because of our years of experience. Others have advised her to think about working with an intern or student because of the affordability factor. But she has put us in her business plan and is going about assembling a top notch team I would be proud to work with.
Her launch may be delayed as she gathers resources but she knows it has to be right and you get one chance at a first impression.
The Resources Thing
This budding entrepreneur knows that to be successful she needs to be focused on doing what she does best and looking over someone’s shoulder is neither smart not efficient.
We recently met with a potential client and discussed the advantages of them bringing on a staff person or contracting marketing services. Because of their resources they know they may only be able to hire someone with limited experience. They were very cognizant of the real “cost” of such a staff addition in training and that is a commitment of resources from their present staff. Or you let them sink or swim. Often the result is that your customers are unhappy, your hire is unhappy because they got no support and turnover often ensues.
The Experience Thing
Saw a great headline the other day. It read: “Do not hire a social media expert”.
The article went on to encourage business owners instead to hire an expert in marketing or communications then empower them to become expert at using all the new tools of the trade including social media. Next month there may be another tool. But so augment your team wit the critical thinking and skills you need then get them the tools. Not the other way around.
Or as my dad would say: Get the very best person in their field and pay them as much as you can afford.
