Comments on: Our Startup’s Biggest Hiring Fails From $0-250K/Month

By: Cam

Cam — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 05:37:43 +0000

The only thing that struck me as funny in this is the references thing. I don’t remember the last time I had an employer or client ask for (let alone actually contact) references. Then again, my work is very public-facing, so it’s not like they can’t check for themselves whether I know what I’m doing.

By: Leigh

Leigh — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 21:10:59 +0000

Hi Alex,
I love the quote about each hiring fail is as much about the hirer as the one hired. I have hired many people at all levels in my career. Each time I give that offer I have a huge feeling of responsibility to that employee. I don’t take hiring lightly, it can change peoples lives and it is my job to make sure they fit and will succeed for both of our benefits. Keep up the good work. It sounds like you are doing a great job of hiring good people.

By: Mart Shark

Mart Shark — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 20:07:44 +0000

Hired a pay-per-click marketer yet Alex? 🙂

With the latest SERPs changes, it’s more important than ever. (Has your organic traffic dipped since the 19th?)

By: Rick Louie

Rick Louie — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 19:03:40 +0000

Hi Alex,

Thanks for your insightful posts. There’s always a good takeaway and I like your writing style. In fact, I’ve incorporated your 1-2 sentence paragraph structure in how I communicate… very effective.

Just a quick question on your decision to commit to working “remote”. Do you have a central office where employees occasionally meet/work or does everyone work remotely?

I’m working on a startup and out of necessity, we’re 100% remote, which is working fine. We all belong to the same athletics club so we’ll have face-to-face meetings over workouts.

I would love to stay virtual and have everyone work remotely, but not sure if this is feasible. In my last startup in the mid 90’s (dating myself), we all worked in a SOMA San Francisco office. Hoping to save the high rent costs and put it back into the company. Is this a pipe dream?

Regards,
Rick

By: Young Fishman

Young Fishman — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 18:54:25 +0000

Thank you for sharing, Alex

Everytime I read your blog, I always get something out of it. Even though I am not in the stage of hiring yet, its good to learn in advance. It might sound off topic, but I think that a lot of things you said actually apply to other relationships like dating and friendships as well.

By the way, did Groove recently update the site? I love the way it looks now!

By: Lacie L. Larschan

Lacie L. Larschan — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 16:28:44 +0000

Good post, Alex!

I’d be really curious to see what your team has to say from the other side of the table. What mindset did they find successful in joining a fast growing startup? How did they choose Groove to be the right fit for them? Was it magic or a method that made them adopt the Groove culture?

By: Jason R

Jason R — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 16:00:17 +0000

Very interesting to read.

Only just found your blog so I’m going to be reading through your previous posts 🙂

I particularly liked the point about flip-flopping between remote and colocated causing an issue both for existing employee morale and limiting your hiring pool, one I hadn’t considered or had the experience to anticipate.

Time to crack on with the rest of the blog!