Introduction
Today, I want to talk about the importance of recruiting the right people for the right roles.
As a business owner, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is hiring the right people.
People can either be your greatest asset or your biggest liability. But how do you know if you’re hiring the right person for the job?
There are many tools out there, like the Belbin test, to help identify talent and fit.
But today, I’m going to take a more theoretical approach, inspired by some insights I picked up from Brian Halligan and Dharmesh Shah, the founders of HubSpot. They differentiate between 'digital citizens' and 'digital tourists', terms that really got me thinking about how we assess people in a digital world.
I want to ask you a question:
Are you hiring for the job itself, or are you hiring for talent and culture?
It's easy to focus on the hard skills someone brings to the table, especially when there’s pressure to meet sales targets or customer service goals. But as you grow your business, you need to take a step back and consider:
Hiring in the Digital Age
Now, let’s talk about hiring in the digital world. My team and I are currently looking for a head of sales and a sales apprentice.
While I’ve spoken with a few candidates, I’m really focused on whether they’re a fit for the digital environment we operate in.
In this digital age, are they digital citizens or digital tourists?
A digital citizen is someone who is fluent in the digital world. They’re not just posting on Facebook or LinkedIn, they’re contributing to the industry, creating content, and staying engaged.
Consider if they have their own blog?
A YouTube channel?
Are they thought leaders in their field?
When hiring for a digital business, it’s important that your candidates are not just skilled but also fluent in the digital world.
Their ability to navigate and leverage digital tools is as important as their sales ability or marketing expertise.
I highly recommend reading Inbound by HubSpot’s founders, Brian Halligan and Dharmesh Shah. It offers a deeper dive into the importance of hiring digital citizens.
While skills are important, culture fit is just as crucial. Whether you’re in construction, legal, or digital marketing, it’s essential that your team members share your company values and culture.
Here’s an example: A few years ago, I was part of a networking group for the construction industry.
One of the contractors connected with me on Facebook. One Sunday morning, I opened Facebook to find a post from this contractor with foul language and disrespectful content.
Now, I’m all for people expressing themselves, but when you’re representing your company online, you need to maintain professionalism.
If I’m looking for a contractor to help with a £350,000 conversion project, I certainly wouldn’t hire someone who conducts themselves like that online, regardless of how skilled they are.
The way your team and your business present themselves online is incredibly important.
It can make or break a deal.
As a business owner, it’s essential that you check your own digital presence.
Is your online profile aligned with how you want to be seen in your business?
But it’s not just about your own profile.
Take the time to check the profiles of your key team members, especially middle management or executives.
You’d be surprised how much their online presence can impact your business.
Look for any content that may be distasteful or misaligned with your business values. If necessary, have a conversation with them about their online presence and how it might affect the company’s reputation.
Hiring is not just about the skills a person brings. It’s about hiring people who align with your company’s values and culture.
Whether you’re hiring for a digital role or not, it’s crucial to assess both talent and cultural fit before bringing someone on board.
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Have you ever had a bad experience with someone’s online presence affecting your business? Leave a comment below and let’s start a discussion.
Always here to help you start, grow, and thrive. Let me know how I can support your next big move.