Comments on: biz ladies 09: That Magic Moment: When to Make Your First Hire

By: grace

grace — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:27:12 +0000

hi amanda

hmm..well, i wouldn’t pay anyone “under the table” anymore- it’s always best to document your payments because as a business, that’s an expense you can write off. but you don’t need a payroll accountant to handle payments.

if you’d like to bring her on full-time it’s best to talk to an accountant to make sure you know what information you’ll need from you- and you might want to check out the post on employees in the biz ladies archives so you can craft a good contract for her.

if you choose to keep her part time you can still pay without an accountant, but you should document your payments and file her as a freelancer on your taxes.

grace

By: Amanda

Amanda — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:24:42 +0000

Thank you once again for all the valuable info…
Does anyone know the paperwork required etc for hiring an employee? Do you then have to hire a payroll accountant? I have been paying a girl under the table for part time work, but really need to make the switch to full employee as she has become a necessary player in my business.
Thanks!

By: betsy and iya

betsy and iya — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 17:57:04 +0000

I am self-employed and at the cusp of hiring someone. I started with a free intern from the local Art Institue in Portland. She randomly walked into my studio one day, just taking a look at my jewelry—we got to chatting, I found out she needed an internship, and I interviewed her on the spot. She said the Art Institute is CONSTANTLY looking for micro/small businesses where their students can intern. In the 3 months she has worked with me, I have found her help to be so darn valuable, that I hired her part-time.

I think this post is extremely helpful and makes me feel more comfortable with the decisions I’ve made. Thank you!!

-betsy

By: Gayle Ellen

Gayle Ellen — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 11:18:52 +0000

I am not self employed but I teach and have staff that work in my room. I read The Boss of You from cover to cover several times. My copy is loaded with notes in the margins and sticky notes. Such useful information! Such a great series!

By: kara

kara — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 07:06:22 +0000

excellent advice…my husband and I were just crunching numbers last week on this very topic. It’s a scary plunge. Thank you for this. I also am Canadian (reside in US) didn’t even notice your “favour” until you pointed it out. :)

By: carlene

carlene — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 03:24:20 +0000

…and please don’t discount hiring someone over 40. Just sayin’.

By: Jess LC

Jess LC — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 22:41:46 +0000

So ironic that you tackled this topic today! I also was asked how I hired people and why on my blog today and I answered as well. I really like your advice, and I had never thought about the idea of just raising prices rather than hiring help. But I think that is a great option to bring up, thanks!

By: curlyred

curlyred — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 21:19:15 +0000

great advice Lauren! thanks!

By: Julianne

Julianne — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 20:37:27 +0000

Hello,
I am a loyal reader and Design Sponge fan. I love design & DIY projects. I recently graduated with a business degree & am trying to find an opportunity that incorporates both.
My e-mail is rinkinen.julianne@gmail.com if anyone knows of any small business that need help! (I am not sure if I am able to post this, but it seemed relevant to hiring employees). Thanks :)

By: Rosebud

Rosebud — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 18:18:45 +0000

Thanks Lauren. This is a great series, keep it coming!