Over the years of working with businesses, large and small, I’ve seen the resounding proof that your business’s success is largely based on your ability to build the best team for your business. Not only does a new hire bring new energy, but they can also significantly impact the business’s bottom line.
I have worked with fashion brands, lifestyle brands, designers, and innovators. And the most successful ones have always been keen on bringing in the people who will help them take that next step.
So how can you ensure you employ the right people and talent for your team?
Why is the team more important than you think
These numbers are more than enlightening.
1. Glassdoor research shows that companies that invest in talent acquisition see up to 50% more revenue growth. And Gallup data says that those with strong employee engagement outperform competitors with 23% higher sales and 27% higher profits.
2. According to PwC, or PricewaterhouseCoopers, companies prioritising talent acquisition can achieve a 22% increase in revenue growth.
3. Comeet notes that hiring well reduces turnover and that turnover costs can be 25% of a role’s salary.
4. A Sciedu Press article says a poor hire can cost an employer 30% of the employee’s first-year earnings.
5. PenBrothers states, “Aside from reducing costs, a high staff retention rate also gives your company a strategic advantage. With tenured employees, you’re keeping experienced, engaged employees who drive innovation, stability, and growth in-house”
As you can see, who you hire and retain can make a huge difference. It leads to a more well-rounded and positive environment. And you will see that your team’s momentum becomes unstoppable.
How to find the best team for your business
First of all, it takes some courage to bring people into your business. For many of us, our business is our precious gem, something we’ve built from scratch and feel nervous to share with others. But without curiosity and a willingness to embrace new and fresh ideas, you will stay stuck on a level you should be outgrowing. Having more brilliant minds around ensures that you won’t stagnate.
When is it appropriate to delegate?
There are many ways to invite people into your space. You can hire consultants or non-executive directors for guidance and new ideas. Or you can expand your core team and begin to delegate the tasks you feel less excited about, like in marketing or PR.
The important thing is to hire people who challenge you and compliment your abilities. Think truthfully of the areas you might not be an expert in, and how other voices and expertise can help your business move forward.
When I worked with ME+EM, Clare Hornby was hungry for know-how. She would ask me, ‘What skills am I lacking in the business, and who do I need to hire next?’. She would ask many more questions, listening to me as I described the role and what they would do.
With that knowledge, she’d take action. Firstly, she tried to work out who she already knew who’d be a good fit or who could help. Then, through her personal network, advertising, and agencies, she was determined to insert that skill into the business. She wasn’t scared to bring in people who were more clever than her, but saw it as an opportunity to do better.
Brand culture
More than anything, I’ve found that the right people for your business are those who inspire you and get you excited. Those who understand your drive and ambition, while also providing a critical eye, are invaluable.
It is not easy to stay on top of everything in an unsure economy. But the brands that keep questioning their ways and exploring opportunities will have a better chance to succeed. That mindset will help you spot the right talent and team that align with your vision.
“Everything comes back to what the brand stands for. You need to understand and agree to that, so when someone joins your business, they absolutely appreciate what your business culture is. Within the great brands of the world, whether it’s ones of the last ten years or the last fifty years, there is a certain way of doing things. Whatever the particular way is – make sure people buy into that.”
Mathew Dixon, Advisory & Leadership Consultant, DHR
Your team as part of your strategy
The ALIGN framework, which is unpacked in my book, The Fashion Switch, is designed to involve everyone in the creative process. It brings everyone to the table because it promotes open thinking and prevents working in disconnected silos.
When I start working with a new business, one of the first things I do is look at their team and the possibilities within. And when there is a need, I help clients identify skill gaps and guide them towards roles crucial for the business to succeed.
Returning to the period with Clare Hornby at ME+EM, the really fascinating part of the work we did together was noticing her leadership style. Even in the early days of building the brand, she was really pragmatic and said, “If we reach goal x by date y, then we’ll hire z”. And at that time, their head count was 5. Their head count is now 322 and continues to grow.
I found Clare’s focus on team building really inspiring. It takes guts to do that, and to trust that talent will make a difference.
Thriving teams I’ve worked with
Beyond Clare Hornby and the team at ME+EM, I have worked closely with House of Colour during a time of transformation.
Our work together started in 2022, when I came in to help the business rebrand and recreate a strategy that repositioned them for the new chapter of growth.
Since then, I have also become a Non-Executive Director (NED). In this role, I can keep the business up to date with the insights around the broader fashion and beauty sector and find new opportunities. However, with new ideas and opportunities come a requirement to enhance the team’s skills.
Over the years, I have had the pleasure of working closely with Marcus King, the global CEO, to assist him with the constantly growing team. We have identified the talent needed, interviewed candidates, and onboarded new hires. Marcus knows the value of investing in the right skills at the right time and is bold when making decisions. But above the skills and technical ability, he looks for a cultural fit in the business. He knows that every new hire must align with the company’s values.
As said in PenBrothers, “By emphasising cultural fit alongside technical ability during hiring, you improve the employee retention rate. Overall, this leads to better morale and lower turnover, which is the formula for long-term success.”
That’s where I come in. One of my most important tasks as NED is to ensure that the team understands the bigger picture strategy and the brand’s North Star and purpose. That’s the key to momentum and growth. I am grateful to have the opportunity to continue on this business journey with them. This is what House of Colour says about our continued collaboration.
“We are incredibly fortunate that Joanne Jong said ‘Yes’ to our invitation to become a Non-Executive Director of House of Colour.
The wealth of knowledge, experience and insight of our sector puts her head and shoulders above anyone in the marketplace. The depth and clarity of her input ensure our business remains focused on a sustainable growth strategy.
The brand and market expertise that Joanne brings to our Quarterly Board meetings enables “no stone to remain unturned” and dramatically expands the awareness and knowledge of our Corporate HQ team in executing the business.
Joanne’s attention to detail and tenacity are continually challenging the business to make significant inroads towards House of Colour being a worldwide leader in the Beauty, Fashion and Wellness sector.”
— Diana Blakeman House of Colour
If you are looking for advice on how to build the best team for your business, why don’t you book a call?
At Yulan Creative, we assist business leaders in weaving best practices into their business from concept to final products. We can see your brand differently, uncover the uniqueness, and align your creative vision with your business strategy. If you need that clarity, why not contact us today.
Joanne Yulan Jong is a Creative Strategist, Fashion Writer, and Author of the bestselling book THE FASHION SWITCH ‘The New Rules of the Fashion Business’. She has been invited to be a regular columnist for WWD magazine.
