Web Hosting Talk : Web Hosting Main Forums : Running a Web Hosting Business : Hiring Staff

[Cobin Horton]

As a reseller, you will be needing a staff eventually to help you keep up with customer support! the most important thing about hosting. Tell me some of your experiences on how you hired your staff or let WHT know some good tips about payroll and such other things.

[collinsj]

The first staff member that I hired is a local employee. I went through the ordinary hiring process, with interviews, reviewed resumes and references, and eventually I held an orientation. I was able to sit down and personally train the new guy for his position as a customer support operator. I found the entire process to be fun and exciting, for both me and the employee. Having local staff works well too. It's easy to hold in-person conferences and supervision is a lot easier as well. My remote employees are still a valuable asset to the company, but the process is a bit different, as everything is done over the phone, email, Skype, etc.

When I hired my first support staff member, I had created an operations manual in .pdf outlining company policies, procedures, requirements, etiquette, etc. It helped out a lot, and has become something that I present at the time of orientation (when in person) or via email for remote employees. You can create your own version of these OP manuals in Word.

[welly]

Originally Posted by collinsj

The first staff member that I hired is a local employee. I went through the ordinary hiring process, with interviews, reviewed resumes and references, and eventually I held an orientation. I was able to sit down and personally train the new guy for his position as a customer support operator. I found the entire process to be fun and exciting, for both me and the employee. Having local staff works well too. It's easy to hold in-person conferences and supervision is a lot easier as well. My remote employees are still a valuable asset to the company, but the process is a bit different, as everything is done over the phone, email, Skype, etc.

When I hired my first support staff member, I had created an operations manual in .pdf outlining company policies, procedures, requirements, etiquette, etc. It helped out a lot, and has become something that I present at the time of orientation (when in person) or via email for remote employees. You can create your own version of these OP manuals in Word.

Agreed. I think etiquette is a big one here. Especially on how to look after / handle clients who are potentially upset and frustrated. To always keep a level head, and respect the client and their level of knowledge. It may be a simple fix, and it may even be at the clients fault. But keep it cool, calm and resolve and move on.

[ConnectResellerTeam]

Hi,
If you are startup, I would suggest not recruiting anyone until you have good number of customers/accounts with you.
Suggest you to take services of hosting support companies like bobcares, assistanz, actsupport etc… to minimize your running cost and give you 24 X 7 presences and pay for use only..

[HostLeet]

Here's a good article... http://wdtalk.com/archives/1300

[kytech]

Originally Posted by HostLeet

Here's a good article... http://wdtalk.com/archives/1300

That is a great article. I'm going to have to print it out and save it for the future. It really makes you think about some of the things that are really critical to hiring a successful employee. Thanks for sharing it with us!

[HostLeet]

Originally Posted by kytech

That is a great article. I'm going to have to print it out and save it for the future. It really makes you think about some of the things that are really critical to hiring a successful employee. Thanks for sharing it with us!

You're welcome!

[inerail-chris]

Originally Posted by Cobin Horton

...let WHT know some good tips about payroll...

Outsource it. For $15/mo + $2/check, it is a huge headache off your shoulders.

[prashanth[HC]]

Originally Posted by HostLeet

Here's a good article... http://wdtalk.com/archives/1300

Thanks for this. Truly useful one.

[SenseiSteve]

Originally Posted by HostLeet

Here's a good article... http://wdtalk.com/archives/1300

What the consultant did in this article was assign color codes to candidates based on a written quiz and structured interview questions. Rarely did he miss his mark. If you got a blue code, you were good to go.

[pmabraham]

Good day:

Write an employee handbook before you hire your first employee.

Have your employee handbook reviewed by trusted other parties.

Thank you.

[Darktwist]

Originally Posted by inerail-chris

Outsource it. For $15/mo + $2/check, it is a huge headache off your shoulders.

Where and which website?

[inerail-chris]

Originally Posted by Darktwist

Where and which website?

Local company we met at a business expo here, I don't think they have a website, but if you shoot me your contact info, I'll pass it along.

[elektrica]

Here is my tip for payroll: http://www.wavepayroll.com/ use it You will not regret it.