I've got to make this quick today because, believe it or not, I have to make a house call this morning. Yup, a house call. We make-up artists are amazing people, I tell ya. Anyway, I'm in a bit of a tizzy over the hiring of an employee. Dang, no one said it was going to be easy, but no one prepared me for this...
So I put the word out to some of my former colleagues and told them I needed someone part time. 2 days a week, minimum, which is 14 hours. I got a lead from one and I followed up. The girl is fantastic! She has years of experience as a make-up artist and she is a licenced esthetician. Which means that she is an expert in skin care, which means she can sell my highest priced item and one that will keep customers coming back. This is all good. Very good.
She calls me and we set up a time for her to come to the store. She comes and she is knowledgeable, adorable, and eager to join ranks. I'm liking her so far. I explain to her that I need two days a week, one during the week and one or two Saturday's a month, to which she replies, "Great." She's a mom, so Sat may work better for her, she says, but she can't do every Sat. I understand, believe me I do. If I can have two Saturday's off a month, I am golden. We talk compensation, to which she agrees. We part ways with the understanding that she will email me her schedule.
I get to work yesterday and I have three emails from her, one of which asks about cash incentives for meeting daily sales goals and about compensation for travel. Hmmm. I'm not opposed to this at all. As a matter of fact, I like her initiative. So I (me and My Guy) come up with a fair and attractive incentive package, which if she meets or exceeds her goals, will give her some nice cash at the end of each month. She likes it. I then ask for her schedule. She can't start until May and she can only commit to Tuesday's and one Sat in May. Huh?
So I send her a very nice email explaining that maybe I wasn't clear. Even though in every email thread I specifically state that the job is a 2x a week commitment, she might not have understood. I need her additional dates for May AND I was hoping I could get her in in April, as this is peak buying season. She emails back that that is all she can commit to right now.
What the F?? I'm seriously at a loss here, because am I an idiot or did she just completely re-neg on everything we agreed to?
I'm thinking this is not a good sign and my gut tells me to tell her no way. BUT-she's an ace with all these great references and credentials. I know she can sell my product and with her incentive package, even for two days, it's a win win for both of us. BUT, I need someone to commit to two days so she can build a clientele and make an impact immediately.
Any advice?
8 comments:
I think I'd rather have an enthusiastic clean slate newbie than a negotiator whose old habits I couldn't change standing there demanding stuff. This is an employer's market. You should get the days you want - period.
Cut her loose. It is an employers market. But do it with grace. The old, "I'm sorry that due to her commitments, and your needs, th opportunity just isn't right at the moment, but that they may in the future."
Then, NEVER MISS AN OPORTUNITY, since to day is tax day, and to show that there are no hard feelings, offer to comp her sales tax on her next purchase, or give her a 10% off coupon, and a couple for her friends. (And let her know that you'll credit her X per coupon they cash in for her next purchase.) And while "Ms. Sales Incentive" will totally see what you're doing, se most likely will be cool with you playing her game, too.
She may not be a good hire, but she could be a GREAT contact.
Everything was fine until she started talking to an "outside influence" who obviously told her she settled for too little.
Either as Scope says cut her loose or tell her it's what you need as an employer that is most important and if she can't come to grips with the company needs then you have to continue your search.
She ain't the only fish in this world of 17% unemployment.
Is she good with a FACIAL ? LMAO !!!
Sounds like a flaky control freak.
Scope gives good advice.
i agree with RW.. enthusiasm is worth its weight in gold...
I love that you said you had to keep it brief, and then it was longer than all my blogs in the last year. You can really lay it down!
I can't really help you out here because I know nothing of the business world, the real world, money, or anything useful.
Do you need to know anything about rock music or Star Wars or mixed martial arts?
Very tough call. It really depends on how many other knowledgeable, decent sales people in your area that are available right now. I would keep putting fears out at least. The problem is if she thinks she can manipulate you and gets away with it once before she even starts……
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