3 ms·

I would love to read a blog post on hiring a GM-type. How? Whom? When? Why? How much? What responsibilities?

lionhearted 16y ago
> I would love to read a blog post on hiring a GM-type. How? Whom? When? Why? How much? What responsibilities? The best guy I know at this is a mentor of mine who runs one of the most profitable architectural/construction firms in the Middle East. He looks for people who can get things done on their own without too much guidance, always pays over-market rates for pay but makes the bulk of compensation based on net profit, and he primarily recruits people from bars where expats hang out. First thing he does when he reaches a new city is go to an English or Irish pub where the expats hang out, and gets lots of info there. He does lots of recruiting at bars, asking around for who knows who that'd be good at something. I'll ask him more next time I see him, and shoot you an email if I get something interesting and write it up. Most of the people I've worked with I met and got to know beforehand... if possible, if you're a consumer-facing business, it would help to start building out a community around your business before looking to hire. Someone like 37Signals get much more enthusiastic and higher quality candidates than some random shop. Beyond that, unfortunately, I haven't been in that position too often! Or rather, I was too stubborn to let go of the reigns when I was. If you have specific questions though, email me about your scenario and what you're doing. Maybe I can share some insights or introduce you to someone who could help.
- ilamont 16y ago
  Recruiting from bars? I would expect that if the rates are good, he gets a lot of referrals. And aren't there business networks and agencies he can tap?
- JabavuAdams 16y ago
  This is so refreshingly different from anything I would have come up with. Hmm. Maybe I do need a co-founder. :)

> I would love to read a blog post on hiring a GM-type. How? Whom? When? Why? How much? What responsibilities? The best guy I know at this is a mentor of mine who runs one of the most profitable architectural/construction firms in the Middle East. He looks for people who can get things done on their own without too much guidance, always pays over-market rates for pay but makes the bulk of compensation based on net profit, and he primarily recruits people from bars where expats hang out. First thing he does when he reaches a new city is go to an English or Irish pub where the expats hang out, and gets lots of info there. He does lots of recruiting at bars, asking around for who knows who that'd be good at something. I'll ask him more next time I see him, and shoot you an email if I get something interesting and write it up. Most of the people I've worked with I met and got to know beforehand... if possible, if you're a consumer-facing business, it would help to start building out a community around your business before looking to hire. Someone like 37Signals get much more enthusiastic and higher quality candidates than some random shop. Beyond that, unfortunately, I haven't been in that position too often! Or rather, I was too stubborn to let go of the reigns when I was. If you have specific questions though, email me about your scenario and what you're doing. Maybe I can share some insights or introduce you to someone who could help.

ilamont 16y ago
Recruiting from bars? I would expect that if the rates are good, he gets a lot of referrals. And aren't there business networks and agencies he can tap?
JabavuAdams 16y ago
This is so refreshingly different from anything I would have come up with. Hmm. Maybe I do need a co-founder. :)