MSMP 109: Andrea Overend on Building Teams and Hiring the Right People

What Does MSMP 109: Andrea Overend on Building Teams and Hiring the Right People Talk About?

In this episode of the Mads Singers Management Podcast, Andrea Overend discusses her journey as an entrepreneur and the importance of building strong teams. She shares how her military background shaped her approach to team building and delegation, emphasizing that even the best hires need leadership and direction. Andrea also talks about her philosophy of acting on what she knows and hiring experts for what she doesn't, comparing this to cheat codes in a game that provide instant access to knowledge. The conversation covers practical advice on hiring, delegating, and creating a balance between following standard operating procedures and allowing staff freedom to handle non-black-and-white situations.

Andrea shares that when she opens a business, she acts on what she knows. For the things she doesn't know, Andrea immediately hires an expert or finds a book for that topic.Mads Singers

Who Is Featured on MSMP 109: Andrea Overend on Building Teams and Hiring the Right People?

Andrea Overend is the founder and owner of Globetrot Pro and Dream Vacations Cruise and Land Vacations travel agency. She had an early start in entrepreneurship and has since run multiple ventures, including a restaurant. During the pandemic, she thrived while many travel agencies struggled, which she attributes to having a strong team. Her military experience gave her a natural inclination toward team building, and she now applies those lessons to her businesses. Andrea believes in getting involved in the nitty-gritty of her businesses, learning about niches, logistics, and permits, to better understand her operations.

What Are the Key Takeaways From MSMP 109: Andrea Overend on Building Teams and Hiring the Right People?

• When opening a business, act on what you know and hire experts for what you don't know.
• Team building means gathering people who can take things off your plate, allowing you to focus on essential tasks.
• Working long hours or overspending is acceptable, but not because you are trying to figure out something you are not needed for.
• The best hires still need leadership and direction to perform effectively.
• Staff should follow SOPs but also have freedom because not every situation is black and white.

Andrea says that while staff should follow SOP's, they should also have freedom because not everything is black and white.Andrea Overend

Is MSMP 109: Andrea Overend on Building Teams and Hiring the Right People Worth Listening To?

This episode is highly recommended for business owners and managers who struggle with delegation and team building. Andrea's practical advice, drawn from her military background and entrepreneurial experience, offers actionable insights on hiring the right people and empowering them. The discussion on balancing standards with flexibility is particularly valuable for those in service industries. Listeners will appreciate the no-nonsense approach and the emphasis on continuous learning through experts and books.

Who Should Listen to MSMP 109: Andrea Overend on Building Teams and Hiring the Right People?

• Small business owners
• Team leaders and managers
• Entrepreneurs in service industries
• HR professionals

What Are Listeners Saying About This Episode?

Joining me today on the Mads Singers Management Podcast is Andrea Overend, founder and owner of Globetrot Pro and Dream Vacations Cruise and Land Vacations travel agency.

Andrea had an early start on entrepreneurship and has had many ventures since then, including her restaurant and travel agency.

Now, unlike most travel agency owners, Andrea thrived during the pandemic despite being caught up in confusion when the lockdowns all over the world started. Even though some travel plans were postponed, the experience made Andrea realize the importance of having her team around to help the business stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Andrea had an early start with team building. With her experience in the military, this became a natural thing for her because many teams surrounded her during her stay there; eventually, Andrea slowly branched out to other circles like her church group when she returned to civilian life.

Unlike many business owners who tend to hire directly, Andrea likes to build up her staff and even dip her hands into the nitty-gritty of business, such as learning about a specific niche, the logistics involved in setting up that business, or what permits need to be claimed or applied for. And while it's common for companies to go over their budgets or exert more effort, it shouldn't be because of something that's not essential. 

Although it may not be evident initially, business owners should know what department or niche their staff should belong to, spend time with their team and get to know them. This dynamic also helps you understand your strengths and weaknesses; while you may enjoy crunching numbers, a staff member of yours doesn't. Another critical aspect in running and building a business is delegation. While being in control feels nice (and it has its perks!), holding on too tightly to power can cause problems in the long run.

Key Learning Points:

1. Andrea shares that when she opens a business, she acts on what she knows. 
2. For the things she doesn't know, Andrea immediately hires an expert or finds a book for that topic. - 06:03
3. Andrea shares her teambuilding philosophy: gathering and taking things off her plate. - 06:42
4. Andrea says that there will be days where you will be working for 120 hours or spending more than your usual budget; however, it shouldn't be because you're beating ahead or trying to figure out something that you're not needed for. - 07:57
5. Mads says that you'll need to make sure you can provide excellent customer service if you're selling an expensive brand or product. - 09:15
6. Mads likens hiring experts to cheat codes in a game where you can gain instant access to a level or beat the final boss with ease. - 10:20
7. Andrea says teambuilding with a consultancy is very important for your team. - 12:59
8. Andrea says that the best hires you have in your staff still need leadership and direction - 13:54
9. Mads says that when he hires people, he doesn't just look at what credentials a person has but also how that person can develop later on. - 15:58
10. Andrea says that while staff should follow SOP's, they should also have freedom because not everything is black and white. - 23:04
11. Andrea says that while we often hear information and that implementation is essential, it doesn't mean we have to take in everything. She adds that even one action step is enough to make a change in your life.- 41: 44

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