Small Business Owners often struggle to build a team -- either through lack of financial capital or simply by not knowing who to hire. I`d like to know from the community what is the #1 preference for  team members you use?

Thanks for your help!

I visited your web sites and while you look like a nice person, and while there is indeed some level of sincerity and a slightly genuine feel in your marketing, I was - frankly - very turned off the "get rich quick" feel of the copywriting and the general "magic bullet for success" presentation of your materials. So I`m not inclined to participate in your survey and I`m certainly not inclined to fill out any forms on your web site. StartupNation is not a "target market", it is not a pool of prospects, it is not a place to work an angle.

I`m not sure I understand how you have assumed so much about me and my intentions through my post and my website. I have worked my butt off in my business and I reward myself accordingly. My team is also rewarded accordingly. Just because I`ve been able to accomplish a lot and visit the Four Seasons doesn`t mean I`m not a hard worker. My team LOVES working with me and they tell me all the time how much they benefit from being a part of the team.

I also don`t think it`s appropriate to blast someone in this forum. It doesn`t say a lot about the poster. I`m sorry my information doesn`t resonate with you...obviously my model isn`t appropriate for you. If my previous post  offended you, I apologize. It`s not my intention to offend anyone -- I`m excited about what I`ve created and everyone who has learned from me raves and has put new ideas into action has doubled or tripled their revenue. I don`t see how that is a problem.

I`m not in the mood for a pissing match so let`s just drop it. You don`t get it and that`s OK with me.

Wow! I was initially intrigued by this poll at the top of the page as I find the increased use of virtual assistants/teams/employees/etc. fascinating as a way to get higher qualified, motivated and happier people working with and for you to build your business.

As a small business owner and entrepreneur for that past 18 years in a number of different businesses (restaurants, agencies, and consulting), I have hired and fired my fair share of people. As my first time reading through these posts on this forum, I am completely offended that some people feel the need to bash others and consider it a "learning opportunity".

As a member of Melanie`s virtual team, I also think that everyone has opinions and we will leave it at that. Melanie has and still does work harder than most people in this country. In relation to the entrepreneurial world, those of us who have accomplishments in our businesses know they do not come without great effort, perserverence and persistance! And the ability to take some time off, at the spa or anywhere, is always well-deserved.

As a team member on a few different teams, I am always proud when the people I work with are able to celebrate their successes!

I commend Melanie for her achievements in her business and as a coach. She is truly gifted and I am honored to be considered, by some, Melanie`s "underlings."

With regards to the purpose of a business forum such as this:

The StartupNation forums & Private Messaging are a place for people to connect, learn from and mentor others.

In my mind, polling other small businesses about how they do things qualifies as "learning from" others in order to create better products and services. Not only am I not offended here, I am impressed at the innovation and tenacity displayed.

Thank you Melanie for not assuming you have everything figured out and showing that you still continue to do your own market research!