Hiring the right people is a crucial business development step. It involves knowing how to sell your business and its open positions while avoiding missteps that can turn off truly talented job seekers. Here are some guidelines to help you attract—and retain—the best and brightest.

Do:

Personalize your business.

All businesses naturally aim to be moneymaking enterprises. However, the more you can personalize the company, highlighting the people behind it and the mission and values that drive it, the more relatable and appealing it will be to applicants. 

While you should still be forthcoming and transparent about salaries, sales goals, and budgets, don't be afraid to highlight the human side of the business. Talk about why it was founded, its larger goals and ambitions, and its valuable products or services. With this information, job seekers can imagine themselves as part of a dynamic—and appreciated—team.

Prioritize the benefits.

Applicants should know the benefits they will enjoy when they work for you. Insurance coverage, retirement plans, profit sharing, paid time off, and sick days should all be front and center as you sell your business to talented applicants.

Don't underestimate the power of what you might think to be minor benefits, like flexible scheduling or the occasional catered lunch or company outing. Using every perk at your disposal will draw top talent.

Don't:

Be secretive.

A business culture of secrecy breeds distrust and resentment, which are big turn-offs for talented job seekers. Be open about what you offer and your expectations of the person in this role and the staff as a whole. Invite questions, and answer them honestly. These measures will boost business development by helping the company appear more authentic and invested in its personnel.

Overdo it on the qualifications.

Many jobs require a specific educational and experiential background, and you should be upfront about those requirements. However, a long list of qualifications is off-putting, especially for entry-level or minimum-wage positions. 

This approach reeks of micromanaging and pickiness at the expense of innovation, imagination, and individual talent. Discuss the skills and training the job demands, but don't turn away talent by expecting them to know how to do everything on day one.

Keeping these points in mind will draw the right people to your business. South Fulton Chamber of Commerce Inc. in Union City, GA, is here to help no matter where you are in the business development process, whether you're an established operation or simply starting out. Since 1947, they have provided networking events, economic development projects, and entrepreneurial opportunities for local business owners across South Fulton County. Call (770) 964-1984 or visit them online to become a member.