When is the right time to hire?

Hiring too early can sink your cash flow; hiring too late can cost you customers and your sanity. So how do you know when it's time?

The signs you're ready

• You're turning away work, or struggling to deliver it on time.
• You're spending hours on tasks someone else could do, instead of the ones only you can.
• The extra work has been steady for months — not just one busy spell.
• Your numbers show you can cover the wage with room to spare.

Run the numbers first

A new hire costs more than their wage — there's tax, super or KiwiSaver, tools and time to train them. Before you commit, make sure the income to support the role is reliable, not hopeful.

Start smaller if unsure

Not ready for a full-time employee? A part-timer, a contractor, or outsourcing one task (like your books) can buy you breathing room without the full commitment.