On today’s episode, I’m joined by Colleen Forbes, founder of Linchpin and, more recently, Baloo Talent, to discuss the biggest hiring mistakes creators make and how to build a team that can support long-term growth. We dive into who creators should hire first, why building a strong operational foundation is essential to scaling, and how to identify the right people to help grow your personal brand. Plus, she shares her experience working with creators like Corporate Natalie and Tori Dunlap, why hiring friends can sometimes create complicated business dynamics, and how to approach compensation, contractors, and full-time employees. We also talk about the importance of delegating, creating clear job descriptions, finding the right cultural and behavioral fit, and balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood while running two businesses. Whether you’re a content creator looking to grow your team, an entrepreneur building a business, or simply interested in the behind-the-scenes of the creator economy, this episode is packed with practical advice on hiring smarter and building a business that can scale. Enjoy! Visit www.balootalent.com and www.thelinchpinco.com, LinkedIn, or find them on Instagram (@balootalent, @thelinchpinco) to learn more about how they can help you hire for your team. Mention Dream Bigger and get 10% off your first search. If you want to follow Colleen’s journey building these businesses as a mom of three, she shares the BTS at @foundermomforbes. To connect with Siff on Instagram, click HERE. To connect with Siff on Tiktok, click HERE. To learn more about Arrae, click HERE. To check out Siff’s LTK, click HERE. To check out Siff’s Amazon StoreFront, click HERE. This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode. Listeners can get 20% off sitewide at woomoreplay.com with code DREAMBIGGER. That’s woomoreplay.com, and use code DREAMBIGGER for 20% off. Find all the fall pieces you’ll reach for most at Quince. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to Quince.com. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK, too. And when Quince asks where you heard about them, let them know it was The Dream Bigger Podcast. It’s the best way to support the show. It’s time to stop thinking about starting your business and start doing, and you can do that by heading to shopify.com/dreambigger Use code DREAMBIGGER at oakessentials.com to get 15% off your first purchase! #OakEssentials #ad Produced by Dear Media See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
