I get asked frequently if I have any suggestions for hiring new employees, and in particular, sales people. Because not only do you need a sales person who is energetic and motivated, but they also must have impeccable people skills AND get along with the team you already have in place.

So far my top two strategies have been:

Employee Referral Program… Your top employees can be a tremendous asset in recommending new hires. They know firsthand if the person would fit on the team and if they possess the skills necessary to be a top sales person (what I call a "power seller"). You might want to consider implementing a bonus/reward program for employees who are able to help you find new people. Once the new hire has been signed (or has been there 90 days), the employee who recommended them gets a gift card or perhaps a couple extra paid days off.

Let Your Customers Know You're Hiring… Sometimes customers make the best new employees because they're interested in (maybe even passionate about) what you're selling. I've heard stories about customers who have been loyal shoppers for 10+ years at a store and were quite excited about the opportunity to work at their favorite shopping destination. To attract customers to apply for a position, create professional signage touting some of the benefits of working for your company, such as flexible hours, great pay and the attractive store discount, or consider promoting the opening in a store newsletter, on your website, or through an email blast.

Since I strongly believe that your customers can make the best employees, I wanted to post that we have an opening in our ad sales department for a full-time national account manager. I encourage motivated and ambitious candidates to email a resume to: hr@specialtyretail.com. If it's not you we're looking for, feel free to pass this information along if you know someone who'd be perfect for us!