Managing cash flow, getting the working capital needed to scale and handling marketing and sales are all challenges commonly associated with running a business. And while cash-flow challenges may be resolved with financial tools like small business loans or business credit cards, you may have to look deeper when confronting challenges related to people. Finding new team members who get what you're building and want to contribute is one thing. Keeping them engaged and in sync once they're on the team is another challenge. If you find that your people are keeping you up at night, consider looking into one of these people-focused, cash-flow friendly collaboration tools for help.

Online Staffing Platforms

There are so many different elements to take into consideration when you begin the hiring process. You want to ensure the candidate can do the job, and you also want to hire well-rounded and diverse individuals who embrace your company's mission, vision and values and empathize with your customers. 

If you're just starting out, managing cash flow and maintaining working capital are also important aspects of the hiring process. You want to be selective and hire slowly in order to remain financially stable. 

With all these moving pieces, using collaboration tools can help streamline the process. If you're only finding new talent within your existing network, you may want to consider using an online platform to help expand your search. Online staffing platforms offer a wide range of candidates and, in most cases, help you facilitate the screening, interview and offer process.

If you're running a company that requires employees on demand, there are staffing platforms like Uncompany and Wonolo designed to give workers the ability to choose when, where and for whom they want to work, by simply responding to the needs that companies post.

And these platforms are now available in a variety of niche areas, which means it's easier than ever to find the exact resources you may need. For example, if you're looking for a designer, developer or even an event planner, there are platforms that specialize in those offerings. If diversity is a priority for your organization, there are platforms that can help you find diverse talent, too.

Employee Onboarding

Once you bring an employee onboard, they'll need time to learn your organization's values, culture, goals and systems. 

Employee onboarding collaboration tools help new employees with the learning curve. They also help to set expectations and give your new team member(s) the opportunity to learn how things are done at your company because every company is different.

Welcome campaigns on email marketing systems

Your first few months at a new company can be overwhelming. It's important to ensure that your new employees feel included and welcome. 

One easy way to do this is by using your email marketing system as a collaboration tool. Set up an employee welcome email campaign. Pick a length of time (i.e., 30, 60 or 90 days) and write a set of emails that you can send to new hires along the way. The emails can include company information, updates or bursts of encouragement. 

Automating the process is a cash-flow friendly way to personalize your employee's experience as they hit certain milestones. In some of the emails, be sure to ask questions that encourage a response from the employee to give you a sense of how they're doing so you can jump in if they need help.

Standard Operating Procedures via videos

In the past, companies leaned on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to onboard their team, but writing SOPs can be time consuming and expensive. They can also go out of date quickly. 

Instead, look for ways to trim down the amount of time it takes to document procedures. Video, for example, is a great alternative to the standard SOPs. You can use a screen capture service or your phone to create a video and then share the instructions with your new staff members as needed.

Set up an employee welcome email campaign. Pick a length of time (i.e., 30, 60 or 90 days) and write a set of emails that you can send to new hires along the way.

Team Collaboration Tools

After your new team members are onboard, it's time to get them to work. My agency, Tote + Pears, is 100 percent remote, which means we don't have the luxury of checking-in on our employees face-to-face. Instead, we use a series of collaboration tools that help us stay connected.

Project management systems

We use a project management system to track all of our projects, tasks and deliverable dates. 

Keeping our work in one system ensures that everyone knows what's due and when. It also helps us keep track of tasks that may be falling behind so we can step in.

Instant messaging platforms

We also use a company messaging system that allows our employees to have synchronous conversations with leadership and each other. If you don't have enough working capital to cover a big purchase, don't worry. There are plenty of free communication and collaboration tools out there from which to choose.

Your people aren't just part of your business. In many cases, they are the core of your business. Setting up systems, processes and collaboration tools today can help ensure that your most valuable asset is set up for success.

Read more articles on hiring & HR.

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