If you’re running a small business selling shirts, tumblers, stickers, DTF prints, or sublimation products, you probably started out doing everything yourself—designing, printing, packing, shipping, marketing, and customer service. But as your business grows, there comes a point where you simply can’t do it all alone anymore.
Hiring help—even just a virtual assistant or part-time team member—can free up your time, allow you to scale, and prevent burnout. But how do you hire the right people when you're still a small business? Let’s break it down! 👇
1. Know When It’s Time to Hire 🤔
You might be wondering, "Can I really afford to hire someone?" The truth is, hiring the right help can actually make you MORE money by allowing you to focus on higher-value tasks (like creating new products and marketing your brand).
📌 Signs It’s Time to Hire:
✅ You’re working 12+ hour days just to keep up.
✅ Orders are falling behind or getting delayed.
✅ You’re spending too much time on admin tasks instead of growing your business.
✅ Customer service feels overwhelming and messages are going unanswered.
✅ You’re turning down orders because you can’t keep up.
🔥 Pro Tip: Start small! Even hiring a part-time VA for a few hours a week can be a game-changer.
2. Figure Out What to Delegate 👥
Before you hire, identify which tasks you can delegate so you’re not just “hiring for the sake of hiring.” Focus on time-consuming or repetitive tasks that someone else can handle while you focus on big-picture growth.
📌 Tasks to Delegate First:
✅ Customer Service – Answering emails, DMs, and order inquiries.
✅ Order Fulfillment – Packing and shipping products.
✅ Graphic Design – Creating mockups and marketing materials.
✅ Social Media Management – Scheduling posts and engaging with followers.
✅ Bookkeeping – Tracking expenses, invoices, and taxes.
🔥 Need help finding reliable freelancers? Check out my Trusted Vendors List for virtual assistants, designers, and other small biz experts!
3. Where to Find Help 🛠️
Now that you know what to delegate, it’s time to find the right people for the job!
📌 Best Places to Hire Team Members:
✅ Fiverr – Great for one-time projects like logo design or product photography.
✅ Upwork – Best for long-term freelancers (VAs, graphic designers, etc.).
✅ Indeed – If you need part-time or full-time employees.
✅ Local Facebook Groups – Many small business owners find great help through networking in business groups.
🔥 Pro Tip: Ask other business owners for referrals! Hiring through recommendations often leads to better results.
4. Start Small & Scale Up Over Time ⏳
You don’t have to hire a full-time employee right away. Start with one task and a few hours per week, then scale as your business grows.
📌 Example Growth Plan:
✅ Step 1: Hire a virtual assistant (VA) for 5-10 hours per week.
✅ Step 2: Bring on a part-time packer or shipping assistant during busy seasons.
✅ Step 3: If social media takes up too much time, hire a content manager.
✅ Step 4: Eventually, build a small team of specialized roles to handle key areas.
🔥 Pro Tip: Set clear expectations & trial periods when hiring to see if they’re the right fit!
5. Use Tools to Manage Your Team Efficiently 🖥️
Even if you only have one or two team members, using the right tools will make communication and project management so much easier.
📌 Best Tools for Managing a Small Team:
✅ Trello – Organize tasks & track project progress.
✅ Asana – Great for task assignments & setting deadlines.
✅ Slack – Team communication without the mess of emails.
✅ Google Drive – Store and share files, spreadsheets, and SOPs.
🔥 Pro Tip: Create SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for tasks so new hires can get up to speed faster.
6. Set Expectations & Communicate Clearly 🗣️
The key to a successful team—even a small one—is clear communication and defined roles.
📌 Best Practices for Managing a Small Team:
✅ Set Clear Job Descriptions – Make sure they know exactly what’s expected.
✅ Hold Weekly Check-Ins – Even if it’s just a quick email or message.
✅ Give Feedback Regularly – Let them know what they’re doing well and where to improve.
✅ Use Deadlines & Milestones – Keeps everyone on track.
🔥 Pro Tip: A happy, motivated team = a more successful business! Encourage open communication and recognize their hard work.
7. Don’t Be Afraid to Let Go If It’s Not Working 🚨
Not every hire will be the right fit—and that’s OK! If someone isn’t meeting expectations, it’s better to part ways sooner rather than later.
📌 Signs It Might Be Time to Move On:
❌ Constant missed deadlines or unfinished tasks.
❌ Poor communication or lack of accountability.
❌ More time spent fixing mistakes than getting help.
🔥 Pro Tip: Set a trial period (30-60 days) before committing to a long-term role.
Final Thoughts: Hiring = Growth 🚀
Even if you’re a small business owner, hiring the right people can help you scale faster and smarter. You don’t have to do everything alone! By starting small, outsourcing tasks, and setting clear expectations, you can build a strong, efficient team to support your business.
✅ Start with a VA or freelancer to take tasks off your plate.
✅ Use project management tools to stay organized.
✅ Communicate clearly & set expectations for success.
✅ Know when to let go if it’s not working out.
💬 Have you hired help for your business? Share your experience in the comments! 🚀
