Hiring your first person.
At some point you can't do everything yourself. Hiring your first helper or employee is a big step: the right person can double your business; the wrong one can cause stress and losses. Today you'll learn to hire well and treat people fairly.
When to hire
- You're turning away orders because you don't have time.
- You spend hours on tasks someone else could do (packing, delivery, cleaning).
- The extra profit from your freed time is more than the salary.
Start with part-time, freelance or commission-based help if you're unsure.
Define the role clearly
Role: Packing & delivery helper (part-time)
Hours: 4 pm – 9 pm, Mon–Sat
Tasks: Pack orders neatly, deliver within 5 km by bike, collect UPI/cash, update order status
Must have: Own two-wheeler and licence, smartphone, polite manners
Pay: ₹9,000/month + fuel allowance, paid on the 1stHiring well
- Ask for references and call them.
- Do a paid trial day: see real work before deciding.
- Look for attitude (honesty, reliability, willingness to learn) as much as skill. Skills can be taught.
- Keep a copy of ID proof and agree terms in writing.
Fair treatment
Training and trust
- Write simple checklists ("How to pack a cake box").
- Train for the first week personally.
- Give responsibility step by step.
- Use systems (order app, UPI to business account) so trust is supported by process.
Your new helper makes mistakes in the first week. What's the best response?
New people need training and clear standards. Judge after fair training.
What's the best way to test a candidate before hiring?
A paid trial is fair and shows real ability.
Your task (20 min)
Write a role description for the first person your business would need (tasks, hours, skills, pay). Create a simple 5-step checklist for one task they'll do.
Lesson 16 complete!
You know when to hire, how to write a role, interview, pay fairly and manage your first employee. Next: growing step by step, plus the final test.
Next: Growing step by step →