About to become more than an army of one? Here’s what to consider as you make that first hire.

About to become more than the boss of just yourself? Congrats! Here are three things to consider before you hire your first employee from our book Start Your Own Business:

  1. Don’t hire someone just like you. It’s tempting because who’s better than you right? But you want to find someone who has strengths in areas you’re not so strong in, someone who can excel in the stuff you find difficult or hate doing.

  2. Look for a great communicator and a great listener. You want to know that they understand your vision, and can clearly let you know about progress or problems they face in their day-to-day.

  3. Use the Road Trip Test: Basically, you can have the smartest, most experienced applicant in the world, but if the thought of being stuck in a car with them for hours sounds like a nightmare, move on!

Watch more 3 Things to Know videos here.

You May Also Like

From Busboy to Millionaire: How This Bangladeshi Immigrant Made His Big Break in the U.S. Restaurant Industry

July 19, 2021 5 min read This story originally appeared on Vertical…

A Former McKinsey Consultant Used This Not-So-‘Sexy’ Mindset to Take Her ‘Healthy Indulgence’ Snack Brand From Her Kitchen to 4,000 Retailers

Sabeena Ladha, founder and CEO of the “good-for-you” snack brand DEUX, has…

A Pharmaceutical Entrepreneur Seeks to Revolutionize Cancer Treatment and Save His Brother’s Life

Can this entrepreneur convince his potential investors that his business really can…

For Founders of Small Businesses, the Personal Story Matters

Making It Work is a series is about small-business owners striving to…