Hiring Wisely Is Well Worth Your Time and Effort

While there have always been plenty of orders to fill, this industry has an age-old problem of not enough quality employees to keep up with customer demand. And in the past couple of years we have been particularly hard-pressed to fill positions.

Recently, the economic slowdown we’ve experienced has had one positive effect: There simply are more choices when it comes to available employees — people with better skills, more initiative and the willingness to spend more time with your company.

But don’t rely on those eligible candidates beating down your door.

Unemployment remains at historic lows. Even if it rises to 4 percent or 5 percent, it’s still below what it was in 1993: 7 percent; or the 10 percent annualized of 1982.

Combine still-low unemployment with a shaky economy, and every business function doubles in importance. Distributors must take care to hone their skills in every area of business, and to view each new hire as critical to an increased bottom line.

Proactively recruiting employees, in good times and bad, will land you the best possible team to guide you through the toughest of times — and help you soar through the best. For expert hiring advice, see SM’s cover story. From interviewing to retainment, we hope you’ll see the benefits of “Finding Keepers.”