Growth, damned if you do….

Sorry for the lack of posts in recent days.  We’ve been busy…..really busy.

As some of you have seen on Twitter, we’ve (THP) added a number of new accounts that we will announce in the coming days.  And there may be more coming.  We also may have some additional news on a new line of business (I know, I’m teasing, can’t help it) and hope to talk about that soon.

This at a time that we’re having discussions with current clients about expanding our relationships.  And at a time where we’re in the middle of some major client projects.

While this excites us, it also gives both me and Josh (my business partner) a little heartburn as we try to plan for the future.

As an old friend and clients once told me, “If you don’t grow, you die.”  Words to live by.

But the question is, how to grow?  Do you hire?  Can you absorb some of the work internally?  Who do you hire?  What roles do they fill?  How you maintain your culture?

Here are some of the lessons we’ve learned about growth:

• Gauge whether the workload is permanent or temporary.  If it is filled with one-time projects, suck it up.  If this workload seems consistent for the forseeable future.  Then hire.
• If all your employees are ready to kill you and even you think it’s justifiable, then it’s time to hire.
• Use a “growth” time to reward.  It’s a great time to give more responsibility to those who have earned it or who are asking for it.
• Don’t hire for the sake of hiring, be strategic.  Don’t hire a person to fill a hole or a gap, but try to look six months into the future.
• Be a glutton, if you’re going to grow take some chances.  You are growing because you are successful.  If you have been waiting to have “that conversation” with a client, now is a time to do it.  You may be surprised and even more business may come your way.
• Fire a client?  Not recommended but if a relationship is just not working this might be the right time for some client churn.
• Be selective and don’t settle.  This is a hire you will have to live with.  Make sure it’s a good fit culturally.

What are your thoughts on business, organization and agency growth.  I’d love to hear them.

For those interested we are looking to gather resumes for a specific potential need.  Someone with 3-5 years of media relations experience, travel/tourism experience is a plus.  IMPORTANT:  This is a very specific need so if you don’t fit into the qualifications please don’t apply.  I really wouldn’t want to waste your time.  Thanks.