Are you hiring?

I would have to say that this is the most often asked question when someone random walks in the door. What interests me is that they do not take time to look around and see what we do. I would want someone who knows and has interest in fragrances in general and oils in particular to work with us. Unfortunately, as a small, start-up operation, hiring is not even in the neighborhood of considerations. The other thought that comes up is the number of people out there looking for a job. The store across the street from us has a "Now Hiring" sign up, and I have sent five or six people over there, but so far, it seems no one has fit the bill for them.

Here are my thoughts: Even knowing the current minimum wage for employees, I would also have to think about taxes, withholding amounts, paperwork to the IRS logging hours and part-time or full-time pay, and with time and a full-time employee, benefits. I don't even pay myself a salary, so thinking of paying someone else makes me stop and wonder. I know, I know--I am supposed to pay myself first. I've read all the books; but first I have to make sure the store has everything it needs. For example, here we are with only four days left in the month, and I wanted to make it without ordering supplies. The good news: I got a big custom candle order from my UPS guy, and I am almost out of wax and the fragrance he wants in all of them. So, I ordered from two different places to get the most out of my dollars. That leaves precious little for rent and other bills. If I hire someone just so I can take off a day or two--or even an afternoon-then I have to take that money from somewhere else.

The other challenge I have to overcome is trust. It is very difficult for me to trust my livelihood, oils, and cash register to a complete stranger. How do people do it? I know some people use cameras and have special keys on the register, and the credit card machine helps track some sales, but still, I wonder how some store owners cull out the trustworthy from those who might cause problems. This goes beyond money, also when I consider the relationship I have with my customers, old and new. Don and I have built a family feeling, and it would take a specific personality and willingness to welcome everyone who walks in the door. Are there folks out there capable of being the perfect employee? Of course! I just have to find that person over time...or close one day a week to recoup my sanity :)