How to Hire Exceptional Talent for Your Agency

Steve Jobs always emphasized hiring “the best people,” but how do you know if someone is truly exceptional?
Here are 10 signs of an extraordinary team member:

Active Listener: Hears more than they speak, asks thoughtful follow-up questions.
Accountable: Owns mistakes, learns, and improves constantly.
Open to Feedback: Seeks out constructive criticism and applies suggestions quickly.
Focus on Impact: Prioritizes high-value work and uses time wisely.
Naturally Curious: Continuously seeks to understand and ask good questions.
Emotionally Intelligent: Manages emotions well and empathizes with others.
Team-Oriented: Elevates those around them and collaborates effectively.
Balanced Worker: Paces themselves for long-term success, avoiding burnout.
Respectful of Time: Punctual and values others’ time, planning and preparing well.
Consistently Excellent: Maintains high standards in all tasks, takes pride in their work.

How to Know When It’s Time to Hire

Deciding when to expand your team is a delicate balancing act. Here are key indicators it might be time to hire:

You’re Turning Down Work: If you’re overwhelmed, it may be time to bring in new talent to increase capacity and diversify skills.
Work Quality is Suffering: Delegating or hiring can reduce stress and maintain your usual high standards.
You’re Regularly Working Overtime: Constant overtime can lead to burnout, so consider hiring to maintain productivity and a good work-life balance.
You’re Doing Tasks Outside Your Expertise: Hiring specialists can allow you to focus on strategic tasks that drive revenue and growth.
You Can’t Take Time Off: If you can’t step away without worrying about things falling apart, you likely need extra help.
Your Business is Growing: New clients or large contracts may signal that it’s time to bring in fresh talent.

What Order to Hire

When assembling your team, it’s essential to hire in the right order:

Operations Manager: Manages employees and projects while you focus on growth.
Chief Marketing Officer (CMO): Handles marketing strategies and takes your agency to the next level.
Client Success Manager & Account Strategist: Ensures client satisfaction as your client base grows.
Tech Specialist: Manages technical operations, such as coding and data management.
Copywriter/Creative Director: Crafts compelling content and guides creative direction.
Fulfilment Team: Executes strategies developed by the team, including media buyers, designers, etc.

Hiring Process and Interview Techniques

Job Posting: Create clear job descriptions with responsibilities and qualifications to attract the right candidates.
Resume Screening: Review resumes for skills, qualifications, and certifications.
Initial Interview: Assess communication skills, alignment with your agency’s culture, and potential for growth.
Technical Assessment: For technical roles, ensure the candidate has the necessary expertise.
Job Offer: Communicate clearly with the candidate, including salary, benefits, and expectations.

Effective Onboarding and Training

Structured Onboarding Program: Create a checklist for setting up equipment, meeting the team, and ensuring everything is covered.
Assign a Mentor: A mentor can guide new hires and help them integrate into the team.
Company Orientation: Provide clarity on company values and goals during onboarding.
Role-Specific Training: Tailor training programs to the new hire’s role and skills.
Regular Check-Ins: Ensure open communication and provide feedback during the onboarding process.

Team Communication and Collaboration

Use Dedicated Communication Channels: Platforms like Slack, Google Docs, and Google Meet streamline communication.
Schedule Regular Team Meetings: Weekly team calls can keep everyone aligned.
Implement Regular Training Sessions: Upskill your team through ongoing training sessions.
Foster a Culture of Openness: Encourage feedback and collaboration across the team.
Set Collaborative Goals: Set goals that require teamwork, promoting collaboration within the agency.

Conclusion

Building a thriving agency relies on a strong team. Knowing when to hire, fostering open communication, and creating a supportive culture are crucial steps in building a successful, scalable agency. Never underestimate the power of investing in your team—your people are your greatest assets.