If this question has been on your mind, you’ve probably spent time trying to work out what to do.
Here are the top considerations to review before you hire…
1: Can You Afford It?
Will current revenue support the added expense? If not, explore other ways to build up the business until you’re in a position to hire.
2: Are You Struggling to Meet the Demand for Your Services?
This usually looks like long waiting lists, but it may also be that you’re behind on administrative work.
3: Are You Working Nights and Weekends?
This is fine if it happens only occasionally, but it’s unsustainable in the long run. If left unchecked, it will eventually restrict your growth and can lead to burnout.
4: Do You Know Exactly What a New Employee Will Do?
Before hiring, write a list of all the tasks and responsibilities a new employee would have. Keep it close at hand as you go about your work, and continue to add new tasks that someone else could possibly do.
Unless you hire the right candidate for a well-defined role, offer a great onboarding experience, and commit to their growth, you could easily find yourself in the same position a few months down the line.
5: Is it What You Want?
There are solo practitioners who enjoy the autonomy and flexibility that come with being responsible only for themselves. Maybe you have family commitments that mean you only work half days, or you enjoy your work but don’t want to manage a team.
If this resonates with you, be careful before you hire, as the costs of having someone on board may outweigh the benefits.
6: Have You Explored Alternatives?
Don’t commit to this ongoing expense unless you’re confident you can cover it. There are a number of alternatives that you can consider in the interim, including:
Part-Time or On-Contract Hires
It’s not necessarily an ‘all or nothing’ equation.
Outsourcing Administrative Tasks
It can often be helpful to hire a bookkeeper and/or a virtual reception service.
Tighten Up Systems and Processes
Good systems and processes can make you, your team, and your practice more efficient, which might mean that you can delay hiring. Many essential but repetitive tasks can be automated with a practice management system like Zanda.
Grow Your Practice With Zanda
Zanda (formerly Power Diary) is all-in-one practice management software that helps you run your practice, your way. With online booking, payments, automated invoicing, and reminders, Zanda has all the tools you need to move your business forward.
Start your 14-day free trial today!
