When your business starts to take off, there comes a point when you simply can’t do it all yourself. That’s a good problem to have, of course, because it means your hard work is paying off. On the other hand, its worth being aware that growing a team as a small business comes with its own set of challenges and lessons.
Whether you’re hiring your first employee or expanding an existing team, here’s how to approach growth in a way that strengthens, rather than stretches, both your business and your current team.
1. Know When It’s Time to Hire
In the early days, most small business owners wear every hat… but if you find yourself turning down work, missing opportunities, or spending too much time on tasks outside your core strengths, it’s probably time to bring someone in.
Start by listing what drains your time or energy most, and if you already have two or three people on board, ask them too. The tasks which drain you are often the best ones to delegate. Hiring doesn’t always mean a full-time employee; you can start small with a part-timer or freelancer.
2. Hire for Attitude, Train for Skill
In a small team, mindset matters more than a perfect CV. Look for people who are adaptable, eager to learn, and genuinely care about the business’s success. You can teach technical skills, but it’s much harder to teach ownership, initiative, or teamwork. A good fit will grow with your business, not just work for it. Also think about who else is currently in your team, try to think of everyday scenarios and how this person would need to handle them.
3. Communicate Clearly and Often
When your team is small, every person’s role has an impact. That’s why communication needs to be consistent and transparent.
Set clear expectations, share updates regularly, and make space for feedback. Don’t hire without a plan. Be clear on what you want out of your hire – don’t hire, then “we’ll see”. Unknowns will create untold expectations and disappointments (both on your part and the person you’re hiring). Small teams thrive on trust, and trust grows when everyone feels informed and involved.
4. Build a Culture, Not Just a Workforce
Culture isn’t something that happens later, it starts with your first hire. If you haven’t thought about it, and already have people on board, it’s time to do some serious thinking. The way you work, the values you live by, and how you treat people all shape the business, when growing a team.
Encourage collaboration, celebrate small wins, and make sure your team feels appreciated. Strong culture is not a huge kitchen and a billiard table. A strong culture is what keeps people motivated long after the excitement of a new job fades.
5. Grow at a Sustainable Pace
Rapid growth can be exciting, but scaling too fast can lead to burnout, poor hires, or financial strain. Take the time to stabilise after each new addition to the team. At this point focus on building systems, not simply hiring more people. The smoother your operations, the easier it becomes to onboard new team members down the line.
What this leaves you with
Growing a team is one of the most rewarding stages of running a small business. It means your idea is bigger than just you… it means it’s turning into something others believe in too.
Take it one step at a time, hire thoughtfully, and invest in the people who share your vision. Your team is the strongest sign that your business is moving forward.
Looking to hire your next team member? Post your vacancy on Keepmeposted — Malta’s leading career website.
