Hiring Friends: The Good, the Bad and the Chummy

As a private practice owner, the prospect of hiring friends is certainly a bridge that I have crossed and sworn I would never cross again. Even though you know there could be problems, the allure is sometime more than one can handle. After all, collaborating with someone you're close to can foster a positive work environment, right? Yes and no. Nevertheless, there are both benefits and drawbacks to this practice that warrant careful consideration before taking the plunge. This blog post aims to delve into the advantages and disadvantages of hiring friends, along with providing guidance on how to navigate this scenario effectively.

Let’s discuss the pro’s first

This image depicts good friends that are going into business together — It’s often been said that it’s better to go with what you know than to dive into the unknown. And in that lies the greatest advantage to hiring your friend. You already trust them. And that can make the onboarding processes and first couple of months much easier.

You know what they are good at and what they are not

According to Indeed, when you hire a friend one of the greatest advantages is that you already know their strengths and weaknesses. You are not surprised by what they can and cannot do like with a new hire. This can save your business a lot of time and resources. Furthermore, with friends their is an established connection. You already know how to talk to them about the issues in your life, why wouldn’t you be able to discuss the issues in your business? Right? Maybe. Working together can definitely strengthen the bond. However, how you approach your business is likely a bit different than how you approach your personal life.

Now is the perfect time to discuss those con’s

This image represents the strains and tough emotions of working alone. Finding a great consultant like Whitney Owens will help with that. — One of the greatest disadvantages to working with a friend is that you will experience a lack of professionalism. Let me explain. Usually in a work environment its not ok to text your boss at 11pm about a work related issue. However with a friend, that boundary is loose and expectations become even looser. You are less likely to hold your friend accountable for their action and more likely to be permissive of there insubordination.

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice…

According to Jeff Hyman at Forbes magazine in his article adeptly titled, Friends Don’t Let Friends Hire Friends, if you’re going to hire friends you need to be prepared to fire friends. Jeff said he made the mistake of hiring his friends not once but twice and the result was not only a parting of ways professionally but also emotionally. Friendship will not withstand a hiring and firing. Therefore if you decided to walk this tenuous tightrope please be prepared to loose your friendship.

blocks represent people that can work under you which is possible with a consultant like Whitney Owens.

Enough about the Problems.

Let’s Talk Solutions

Continued Professional Development

While hiring a friend offers certain advantages, it is important to consider speaking with someone that has done it. Seeking professional networks, mentorship, or a reputable consultant may help mitigate your struggles with hiring and lead to overall growth.

This represents a girl that owns her practice but needs a consultant like Whitney Ownes.

Other Ways to Build a Community Before and After You Grow Your Faith-Based Practice: Let’s Talk About Summits

Joining summits presents a multitude of advantages for individuals seeking personal and professional growth. Summits bring together industry experts, thought leaders, and like-minded individuals, creating a unique platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and inspiration. Attending a summit offers the opportunity to connect with professionals from diverse backgrounds, expanding your network and opening doors to potential collaborations and partnerships. The wealth of knowledge shared by renowned speakers and panelists can expose you to new ideas, trends, and perspectives, helping you stay ahead in your field. Summits often feature workshops, seminars, and interactive sessions, providing valuable learning experiences and practical skills development. Moreover, the energy and motivation derived from being surrounded by passionate individuals can inspire personal growth, ignite creativity, and fuel aspirations. Overall, joining summits is an investment in personal and professional development, empowering individuals to learn, connect, and thrive in their respective fields.

Interested in Making Sure You Are on Track?

Implementing ways to track your calls coming into your practice can support your insight into what is going on and why. It allows you to see if your practice's marketing efforts are reaching clients or if some adjustments need to be made.

At Whitney Owens Consulting, I offer guidance and support when it comes to setting up new tracking methods for your practice. I will also support you in creating an environment where you can grow your practice and know what the data says is going on. Reach out today to get started on the path to a successful practice! Ready to grow?

Schedule a complimentary 45-minute consulting call to discuss your practice and your goals.

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Grow your practice today!

Implementing new methods into your practice can be overwhelming, especially if you are unsure of what is the best route to take. This is why I offer a range of personalized business coaching services to help you make a plan, execute it and track the results. I offer 3-month and 6-month business consulting packages, Enneagram Training, and a Wise Practice Community Membership. Implement tracking methods for your practice today and reach out to Whitney Owens Consulting if you need help getting started! Get in touch today to learn more.