You're up and running, you feel you need help and you're considering taking on an employee. Think again. Is it really necessary? Becoming an employer involves responsibilities, so why not farm the work out? Maybe one of the family could help you out - or you could call in a temp at a very busy time. Take a long, hard look at why you think you need another pair of hands. To do some secretarial work? Make deliveries?
Why take on a driver when you could use your nearby courier service?
Or, if there's a particular component you need for your product, call in a sub-contractor to supply it for you.
And don't forget the simple things. You don't want to miss calls while you're out? Get an answering machine, buy a mobile, find out about call diverts. That way you'll always be available. If you're on the road a lot and need to send and receive documents to keep the business thriving, invest in a laptop computer. They don't come cheap, but you'll be able to carry out business wherever there's a phone line.
