Entrepreneurs Archives - The Voice of Job Seekers

4 Ways Entrepreneurs Can Make Good Hires for Employers

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Sandra Tedford (@wetalktoday) and I talk about why large companies should use entrepreneurs in their hiring. Many large companies shun entrepreneurs for many reasons but in cases where a small business provides opportunities to use a range of skills sets, it would be practical to hire he or she to work with the larger company.

In this conversation, Sandra and I discuss how she has been used to help companies set up their digital marketing plans and more. Her clients have used her in other ways such as, to consult in hiring personnel, pitching ideas and landing contracts with Fortune 500 companies, and roles directly affecting the direction of her client’s companies. Sandra offered five reasons that entrepreneurs are good hires:

1) Understand the big picture. Entrepreneurs on a smaller scale developed vision for their companies and understand how difficult it is to reach a goal. We talk about how the entrepreneur will need to earn trust and concentrate on delivering value.

2) Victories are short lived. You are as good as your last success and that you can never become comfortable. Learning and mentoring should be a large part of the experience, and his or her career planning be more strategic.

3) Passionate about the business. Although passion is essential, nor the only attribute, but it does attract the employer. Employers can sense if the entrepreneur is excited about sustaining an interest for the duration of the job.

4) Understand the Value of Relationships. This is a very useful and valued asset especially if that is not the strength of the employer or manager.

About Mark Anthony Dyson

I am the "The Voice of Job Seekers!" I offer compassionate career and job search advice as I hack and re-imagine the job search process. You need to be "the prescription to an employer's job description." You must be solution-oriented and work in positions in companies where you are the remedy. Your job search must be a lifestyle, and your career must be in front of you constantly. You can no longer shed your aspirations at the change seasons. There are strengths you have that need constant use and development. Be sure you sign up to download my E-Book, "421 Modern Job Search Tips 2021!" You can find my career advice and work in media outlets such as Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, Glassdoor, and many other outlets.

5 Reasons Why Employers Should Hire Entrepreneurs

Editor’s note: Sandra Tedford (@WeTalkToday) offers an excellent post today on the value of hiring an entrepreneur. She is the CEO of WeTalkToday.com and is a regular contributor here.

Shanghai entrepreneur demonstrating their 2-way video conferencing + chat over current GPRS cell linksâ€¦. making this â€œBerry-Pieâ€ sweeter than my Blackberryâ€¦.I just realized that with the nested loops, I am in this photo ...

Every employer wants an employee who’s a motivated self-starter, and more employers should hire entrepreneurs. However, most employers spend way too much time looking for bodies to fill positions instead of assets that will add to the growth of their organization. Innovative leaders are needed to lead companies forward, yet few employers are willing to hire people that know more about their business than they do.

Why are employers reluctant to hire entrepreneurs? Because there’s an assumption that it’s difficult for entrepreneurs to relinquish control and allow another individual to take ownership. Most entrepreneurs are comfortable in taking the lead and being the boss. However, one virtue employers often overlook an entrepreneur’s ability to know when to lead and when to follow. To be a good leader, you must know when it’s appropriate to listen and when to give input.

Below are a few additional skills entrepreneurs hold that make them invaluable to employers

Understands the Big Picture: Entrepreneurs understand every aspect of business including raising capital, managing budgets, creating benchmarks and measurements, and marketing and promotions. They understand the difference between revenue and profit. They understand how their decisions regarding investments, capital expenditures, and cash flow affect the business short term and long term. Why? Because they’re accustomed to wearing many hats. Every role within the organization is often filled by the business owner. If they fail to produce results, they don’t have to look very far to figure out what needs to change.

Understands Victories Are Short-Lived: Entrepreneurs are constantly looking for ways to improve or top a previous success. Celebrating successes or milestones are important. Most entrepreneurs have a long term vision of where they want to go. Getting comfortable is not an option.

Takes Bold Risks: Employers want to hire someone who’s not afraid to take risks within reason to grow the business. More importantly, an entrepreneur that’s familiar with failure is typically more intuitive in their decision making concerning the business. Of course, this doesn’t apply to every entrepreneur. I know there’s some who never grasp what it takes to run a successful business. Those who’ve learned from their mistakes and are constantly learning how to improve are in a better position when opportunities come along.

Passionate about Their Business: Most entrepreneurs typically start businesses in an industry in which they’re passionate. This sets entrepreneurs apart from the average job seeker because they’re more likely to acquire knowledge that will add value to the company. Employees with an entrepreneurial mindset enjoy learning about various aspects of the business on their own time.

Understands the Value of Relationships: Entrepreneurs are more likely to engage in activities related to their industry outside of normal work hours including networking online and offline. Those that excel at networking have a valuable network and connections to other business owners in their industry. This is a bonus for employers especially if the entrepreneur has access to decision makers at companies they want to do business with in the future. Cultivating healthy business relationships is an asset and skill every employee should be required to develop.

Every employer desires a team of professionals that are resilient and armed with a strong entrepreneurial drive. If you look at hiring entrepreneurs as an investment rather than a challenge, the returns will pay off for your organization.

We’d love to get your input. If you’re an employer whose hired entrepreneurs in the past, what was your experience? Let us know?

About Sandra Tedford

WETALKtoday stands for "Web Entrepreneurs Talk" and provides a platform for business and tech savvy entrepreneurs with information and resources to grow their business in the new economy.