Hey, friends!
Building a business is exciting, but here’s a secret: it’s the people who truly bring it to life. This week, my focus has been on recruiting the dream team to help Sakari thrive. Finding the right people isn’t just about filling positions—it’s about creating a group that feels like family and shares the same passion for making a difference.
What Makes a Dream Team?
When I started thinking about the kind of people I wanted to work with, I knew I needed more than just strong resumes. Here’s what I looked for:
1. Skill and Experience
Let’s face it—expertise matters. For Sakari Wellness and Physical Therapy, I wanted individuals with solid backgrounds in wellness, customer service, and healthcare. However, I also kept an open mind about candidates with less experience but tons of potential.
2. Shared Vision
Skills can be taught, but passion and alignment with the Sakari mission are non-negotiable. I needed team members who cared about uplifting the community just as much as I do.
3. Adaptability
Starting a business means wearing many hats. I looked for people who are not only great at what they do but also flexible enough to tackle new challenges as they arise.
4. Positive Energy
Attitude is everything! I wanted people who would create a welcoming, supportive environment for both coworkers and clients.
How I Found My Team
The hiring process was a mix of excitement and nerves. Here’s how I approached it:
• Job Postings: I advertised on social media and shared opportunities through word-of-mouth in the local community. Koronadal is such a close-knit place that personal recommendations really helped!
• Screening Resumes: I reviewed resumes carefully, looking for not only experience but also signs of passion—like volunteer work or personal projects that aligned with Sakari’s values.
• Interviews: I kept interviews casual but intentional. I wanted to get a sense of each person’s personality, values, and goals. Questions like, “What motivates you?” and “What does teamwork mean to you?” gave me great insight.
Challenges Along the Way
Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Here are some hurdles I faced and how I dealt with them:
1. Finding Specialized Skills
For physical therapy, finding professionals with the right qualifications in a smaller city was tricky. I reached out to local networks and even considered offering training opportunities to help team members grow into their roles.
2. Budget Constraints
As a new business, I had to balance hiring the best with staying within budget. Offering flexibility in schedules and highlighting the potential for growth at Sakari helped attract candidates looking for more than just a paycheck.
3. Building Trust
Starting a new business means earning trust from both employees and clients. I focused on being transparent about my vision and showing candidates that Sakari is more than a job—it’s a community.
Lessons I Learned
Hiring isn’t just about filling roles; it’s about creating a foundation for your business to grow. Here are a few takeaways from my journey:
• Take Your Time: It’s better to wait for the right person than to rush and regret it later.
• Listen to Your Gut: If someone feels like a great fit, they probably are. And if something feels off, don’t ignore it.
• Communicate Your Mission: The more clearly you share your vision, the more likely you are to attract people who align with it.
What’s Next?
I’ve started building an incredible team, but the journey doesn’t stop here. I plan to invest in their growth through training, mentorship, and creating a workplace culture where everyone feels valued. After all, a dream team doesn’t just happen—it’s something you nurture over time.
If you’re starting your own business or have already built a team, I’d love to hear from you! What’s worked for you? What challenges did you face? Let’s share and grow together.
Until next time,
Van 💙