Founder of specialist KBB, merchant and construction sales recruitment agency Foyne Jones, Peter Jones says don’t automatically look to employ a “mini-me”

Let’s be honest in the world of retail, in particular kitchens and bathrooms, good recruitment is on everyone’s agenda and sometimes seen as a ‘Dark Art’.

A mistake I see all the time is many business owners look for a “mini-me”, that special someone who mirrors their own skills and style.

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It seems smart, but maybe it’s time to rethink that strategy. Remember the 100% perfect candidate rarely exists.

So instead of cloning yourself, consider surrounding yourself with talented and diverse individuals who bring fresh ideas and potential.

Previous experience isn’t everything, sometimes what someone can achieve in the future is the real game-changer.

Here’s why mixing up the hiring process could be the best move for you and your business.

1. Expand your design horizons

A mini-me might seem like the perfect fit, copying and pasting your design thoughts and processes to increase your capacity… BUT what if you hired someone with a completely different perspective?

Their fresh ideas may appeal to broader range of clients, opening doors previously closed and increasing sales via new avenues.

Their unique viewpoint could bring new energy and innovation and in turn greater growth.

2. Widen skills and expertise

Designing beautiful spaces is just one part of the equation. Your customers journey may be better enhanced with a more holistic approach.

Hiring someone who shares your passions and interests may seem like a great fit, but will they improve what you do as a business?

Perhaps it’s wiser to bring in someone different… a social media guru or a top-drawer sales professional whose skillset is different to your own.

It will help you transform how you trade and interact with your customers.

3. Creativity and collaboration

Trust me, a team of people just like you may get boring. Instead, think about a team with diverse backgrounds and skills coming together.

Diverse backgrounds and personalities can solve problems in new ways. Focus on their potential to contribute and help grow your business in the medium to long term, it will make a huge difference.

Hiring someone just like you or doing what you have always done may seem safe, and comforting but surrounding yourself with talented and enthusiastic people can bring fresh ideas to every aspect of your trading.

Promise yourself not to get stuck in the past—look for what someone can achieve in the future.

By building a team with a mix of complementary skills, you’ll enhance every aspect of your business and really improve the customer experience.

So next time you’re hiring, don’t clone yourself, disrupt the process and find someone who brings something new to the table.

Your business and your customers will love the results!