The cannabis industry today is booming and, although it is worth billions of dollars, the current market is still quite small. Passionate and experienced growers are out there looking for ways to break into the industry. Knowing how to find them is the key for setting your business up for success. From finding the most reliable sources of prospects to being a quality business yourself, here are some tips for finding and hiring experienced growers.
Don’t cast a wide net
With so many people looking to get involved in the cannabis industry, you can afford to be a little choosy. Avoid places like Craigslist and online job forums, as any self-proclaimed home grower can advertise themselves in these places. Networking can be your life line for finding quality staff, so try places like:
Consider skill sets that aren’t directly related
While finding a grower who has experience in the industry seems ideal, you should keep an open mind about people with other skill sets. Despite a lack of cannabis experience, there are plenty of people well-versed in horticulture, farming, pest control, plant growing technology and lighting who may be valuable candidates for the job. And be flexible. When asked to give a tip for finding experienced growers, Taylor West, Deputy Director of the National Cannabis Industry Association said:
“Be open to people who haven’t always gotten the best shake in the job market. There are a lot of people out there who are very passionate about plants and, with the right work environment, can really thrive and move up the ladder and take on more responsibility. It’s sometimes easy to focus our attention on people who are already in the market, but there are a lot of great people out there.”
Look for help from hiring agencies and schools
If you’re having trouble finding networking events to attend, or simply don’t have the time to conduct a thorough search, you could reach out for the help of hiring agencies. Some notable companies with the skills to help include:
Additionally, you could look into hiring growers that are coming straight out of training. Training schools and cannabis “universities” are opening up around the country, getting people educated and ready to begin work in the field. Try recruiting new employees by contacting:
Be a company that quality growers want to work for
Because the industry is relatively new, there is still a lot of stigma floating around. By keeping a good business reputation, you will be more likely to draw quality growers and other employees. Within a small market, news travels quickly. So, if you allow yourself to be a quality company to work for, potential employees are going to hear about it. In order to be a desirable employer, make sure to:
Look for specific qualifications
Being flexible with backgrounds and experiences can be advantageous to your hiring process. However, it’s important to keep in mind certain skills when looking for growers. The Ms. Mary’s website offers a list of skills that businesses should favor when interviewing candidates. Some of these include:
As with any business, hiring a qualified and experienced staff can be the key to success. By looking in the right places and choosing carefully, you can set yourself up for a bright future in the cannabis industry.
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