Small business is growing..

[LeasingEval]

So my small business has had a few good customers and things seem to be going in the right direction.

Problem though is that it's quite physical work setting up equipment and we are getting exhausted. We need some help, but only for a few hours on a couple of nights during the week.

Not sure where to start?

Also wondering about finding a business partner who can take over the practical side of the business and leave me to focus on sales and marketing.

Any ideas or opinions?

 

[billmccallum1957]

Where? What equipment? Do you expect finance input? What level?

 

[LeasingEval]

Based in Glasgow.
The equipment is temporary structures like marquees and gazebos.

Finance input - well probably, although if someone had the logistics (transport and labour) to support the business then perhaps that would suffice.

Not sure really!

 

[billmccallum1957]

Based in Glasgow.
The equipment is temporary structures like marquees and gazebos.

Finance input - well probably, although if someone had the logistics (transport and labour) to support the business then perhaps that would suffice.

Not sure really!

Pity you are so far away, I would have been interested.

 

[Mark T Jones]

A company near to me targets students as labour for marquees etc.

Good idea to tie in with someone who can add strategic value (eg transport) rather than cash!

 

[Daniel Brownell]

Hi LeasingEval,

It sounds like you require another pair of hands. Part-time manual labourers are usually sourced locally through advertisements in shop windows and such or you might consider putting a small non-intrusive advertisement on the inside of the marquee itself to advertise such a vacancy to your customers.

Students and teenagers are optimal for this kind of work as they aren't usually seeking full-time employment due to their studies and/or other commitments and will likely be below the age of 25 and so subject to reduced minimum wage laws. Positions can be advertised within the community, online or at local educational institutions.

Regarding your need of a business partner to share the workload, I would recommend compiling a profile of an ideal partner including experience and traits that you would prefer such as prior experience in this industry and self-motivation for example. Then divide these qualities into those that are 'necessary' and those that are 'desirable' before you post them to business forums such as this one or exploit radio advertising and the like.

I hope this helped somewhat.

Kind Regards,
Daniel Brownell.