Ali Slutsky of Resplendent Hospitality on Hiring For Your Startup

You have a mission, you have a message, you have a coffee in hand and you're ready to start hiring for key positions at your startup. This is a big leap, and a crucial one at that; how can you know just who is the right fit? Keep reading below for 15 of the most straightforward tips for reaping the most rewarding environment at your startup!

1. Network!

Networking is an incredibly important tip for the earliest days of your startup, and will remain one of the most valuable and rewarding ones throughout the entirety of your work experience. Post job details on sites like LinkedIn and attend industry events-- you never know who you'll meet and who is willing to invest in you.

2. Define your company's lifestyle.

When breaking down just what life at your company is all about, don't explain it to your potential candidates in broad terms. Be transparent. What do you mean by fast-paced or hardworking environment? What do you mean by having a trendsetting brand or an open office culture?

3. Consider potential, not just history.

Having a great track record doesn't always guarantee that a candidate has the innovative visions necessary for propelling your business forward in the future. Don't be afraid to hire someone with great potential and ability simply because of a lack of formal experience.

4. Look for adaptability.

Again, more so than experience, you should be looking for adaptability. Startups can be fast-paced and sometimes unpredictable. A powerful team member is one who can effectively roll with the punches.

5. Cultivate the right environment.

Your work environment should feel inclusive, safe, and motivating to inspire team-building and a space in which creativity and new ideas are welcome.

6. Devote yourself to diversity.

Did you know that only 36% of startups have a diversity hiring goal? Help close the gap by making it a point to keep your work environment diverse, representative, and inclusive.

7. Curiosity is key.

Curiosity is key, not only in your own approaches, but when considering the aspects that make someone desirable to hire. Those who are curious have a drive to learn and grow and aren't afraid to try new methods of doing things!

8. Look for entrepreneurial experience.

Don't steer blindly! When filling leadership positions, look for people who have been here before.

9. Remember: it's okay to say no.

Running a startup can foster the idea that everything is an opportunity, and that everything is worth the risk. While risk-taking is important, it's critical to know which ones are worth it. Learn how to say no to things you feel ultimately iffy about.

10. Hire for passion.

Passion is the core of what got your startup where it is, right? Don't skimp on that passion when looking for new team members. Passionate players bring motivation and fresh ideas to a work space!

11. Communication is everything.

Be transparent about your goals and expectations. A lack of communication leaves room for mistakes that wouldn't have happened otherwise!

12. Would you want to work in your office?

Besides maintaining a positive and openly communicative atmosphere, what physical offerings about your office space help it to be comfortable and productive? This is where investing in a good coffee machine and not skimping on computer chairs comes in.

13. Be weary of unemployment.

Today's economy is tough. Nevertheless, you should exercise some weariness when hiring anyone who has been unemployed for an extended amount of time. Check their track record. There might be a reason for it.

14. Don't skimp the legal stuff!

This may seem like an obvious one, but organizing legal documents and contracts can seem like a complicated chore to brush aside for later. No matter how tedious they may seem, don't skimp on legal advisement and protocol. Contracts are there to protect you, your employees, and your clients.

15. Make your employees feel special

As a startup, you have a great opportunity to get to know and grow with your employees. Take advantage of it, and watch your team's environment shine.

Ali Slutsky cofounded Resplendent Hospitality in January 2012 with her business partner, Mary Mickel. Together, the two have grown Austin, Texas-based Resplendent Hospitality into a full-service lifestyle agency that specializes in helping local businesses within the food and beverage industry best market themselves. In her personal life, Ali Slutsky loves to travel and is always looking for new places to visit and sites to see. She is also particularly passionate about food in general which she puts to use every day at Resplendent Hospitality.