Starting a business is one thing, but being a boss is another. I’ve run my own businesses since I was in my 20s, and one thing I’ve learned is that if you want your businesses to grow you’ve got to learn not just how to be a business owner, but how to be a boss.

Develop a Business Plan

A concise business plan is vital to success in any industry. Without a proper plan you cannot be an effective leader. Make sure all of your goals are realistic, specific and measurable. Before you start hiring people make sure you’ve got your goals in line. Once you know what you want and how to get it, you will be able to lead your team to success.

Develop a Power Team

A growing business needs a team that can grow with it, so build your “power team” early. These are the people you need to support you and the business in getting off the ground. Choose your team carefully because these are the people you’ll be trusting with your dream (and your money!).  They should have diverse skillsets that not only complement your own, but also provide their own areas of expertise.

Hire the Right People

Knowing that you need to hire good people is one thing, but finding them is another. When it comes to jobs in the construction and renovation industries I rely on WRKS*. In the past I tried recruiters and staffing sites but I found that I was wasting a lot of time going through applications and interviewing candidates. In the end I just wasn’t getting what I needed. WRKS is different because they have a Smart Matching Engine™ that matches employers and employees based on specific criteria. It saves time and makes the whole process a lot easier.

Create a Positive Atmosphere

Getting the right people and creating an atmosphere of positivity is hugely important to me. Whenever you’re hiring I recommend that you look for skills beyond just the technical. I look for things like critical thinking, empathy and determination. I want someone who will bring a positive attitude and drive other team members to try to be their best and work at peak performance levels. When everyone builds each other up on the regular, you’ll have a more motivated team and a better shot at success.

When you’re proud of what you do and you want your business to grow, you want to find like- minded people who will help your vision become a reality.

*For more information about the WRKS construction hiring network, please visit wrkspro.com.