In this episode, Melinda Emerson introduces Ryan Hogan, founder of Talent Harbor, to discuss his entrepreneurial journey and expertise in hiring strategies for small businesses. Ryan shares insights on the necessary mindset shift for effective hiring and common mistakes made when hiring sales staff. The conversation delves into attracting talent in a small business environment and evaluating candidates based on experience, potential, and personality. Ryan also offers guidance on choosing between contractors and full-time employees and identifying red flags during the hiring process.

Ryan Hogan is a Navy Reservist, serial entrepreneur, and CEO of Talent Harbor, a flat-fee recruiting service built for growing small businesses. After scaling Hunt A Killer to over 50M he launched Talent Harbor to fix the broken hiring system and help businesses find top talent without bloated commissions. For more information, https://www.talentharbor.com

(0:00 ) Introduction to the Small Biz Chat podcast and Melinda Emerson
(1:48 ) Introduction of guest Ryan Hogan and Talent Harbor
(3:06 ) Ryan Hogan's entrepreneurial journey
(5:31 ) Mindset shift and hiring strategies for small businesses
(10:10 ) Common mistakes in hiring sales staff
(13:10 ) Attracting talent in a small business environment
(16:06 ) Evaluating candidates: Experience vs. Potential vs. Personality
(17:40 ) Choosing between contractors and full-time employees
(19:42 ) Identifying red flags during the hiring process
(22:03 ) Ryan Hogan's best business advice
(23:17 ) Closing remarks and appreciation