Running an ecommerce business is challenging, especially when managing people and building a cohesive team. Hiring the right people can make or break your business. Isaac Smith, an experienced ecommerce entrepreneur and co-founder of Summit eCommerce Advisors, shares valuable insights into how to attract, hire, and retain top talent in today’s competitive environment. With a background that includes building and selling successful ecommerce companies, starting a bookkeeping business, and now helping firms recruit top talent, Isaac offers a wealth of knowledge on this topic.
The Challenge of Getting the Right People
According to Isaac Smith, one of the most significant challenges for any business owner is getting the people side of the business right. From his experience, all of his most costly mistakes in business have been related to hiring—either hiring the wrong person, waiting too long to hire, or not creating an environment where talented people can thrive. For ecommerce businesses, which often operate with lean teams, making the wrong hire can be particularly detrimental.
Isaac emphasizes that hiring shouldn’t be a reaction to a crisis. Instead, businesses should plan ahead to avoid hiring under pressure, a common scenario that leads to rushed decisions and poor fits. A proactive approach allows you to focus on building a team that aligns with your company’s culture and values, increasing the likelihood of long-term success.
Defining What You Want in a New Hire
A crucial first step in hiring is clarity. Isaac advises that business owners should take the time to clearly define what they want in a new hire beyond just the skills required for the job. “Hiring should not be about filling a gap,” Isaac says. “It should be about finding the right person who fits into your culture and can grow with the company.” He suggests starting with the big picture: What is your company’s vision? What values drive your business? Then, consider how the role you are hiring for fits into that vision.
It’s also essential to consider what you offer as an employer. Potential hires look at compensation, the work environment, growth opportunities, and company culture. A positive work culture can be a powerful tool in attracting the right people who are motivated to contribute and grow within your organization.
Turn Your Team Challenges into Growth Opportunities
For ecommerce sellers looking to build a high-performing team, there are several tangible steps to consider:
- Plan Ahead: Don’t wait until you are overwhelmed to start hiring. Anticipate your needs and develop a hiring plan before a crisis occurs.
- Define Your Culture and Values: Clearly articulate what your company stands for and the work environment you want to create. This clarity will help you attract suitable candidates.
- Invest in Remote Team-Building: Remote work offers access to a broader talent pool but requires intentional efforts to build relationships and foster engagement. Use regular check-ins, video calls, and informal interactions to create a cohesive team environment.
- Prioritize Retention: Hiring is only the first step; retaining top talent is just as crucial. Focus on creating an environment where employees feel valued, heard, and connected to the company’s mission.
By implementing these strategies, ecommerce sellers can build a team that meets their current needs and drives long-term growth and success.
Hiring and Retaining Remote Talent
With remote work becoming increasingly common, especially in the ecommerce industry, many companies are looking beyond their local talent pools to hire remote workers. Isaac has successfully built remote teams in the Philippines, particularly for accounting roles, where there is a high demand but limited local supply in the U.S.
Isaac highlights the importance of building strong relationships with remote employees. “You have to be intentional about building and maintaining those relationships,” he says. Regular communication, whether through video calls or instant messaging platforms, can help maintain a sense of connection and belonging, which is crucial for remote teams. Moreover, he suggests creating opportunities for informal interactions to build rapport and trust, even when working from different locations.
Creating a Compelling Workplace
Isaac stresses that hiring the right people doesn’t end with your job as a business owner. Retention is just as important, if not more so. “Keeping the great people you’ve hired is crucial for long-term success,” he says. For remote teams, this involves creating a culture that fosters trust, collaboration, and a sense of belonging, even when team members are thousands of miles away.
Intentionality is key. One simple but effective strategy is to set regular check-ins or informal calls with team members, not just to discuss work but to engage on a more personal level. “When you create an environment where people feel valued and connected, you’re more likely to keep your top talent,” Isaac notes.
Strengthen Your Team with Financial Clarity
Building the right team is critical to the growth of your ecommerce business, but without solid financial data, even the best hires can fall short. At Seller Accountant, we understand that financial clarity is the backbone of good decision-making—from knowing when you can afford to hire to understanding how to invest in your team’s success. Our expert bookkeeping, financial analysis, and coaching services provide ecommerce entrepreneurs with the insights they need to confidently build and sustain their teams while driving profitability.
Let us help you ensure your finances are as strong as the team you’re building. Contact us today to learn how we can support your business’s growth with precision and expertise.