Why My First Hire Wasn’t from a Job Expo.
When people think of hiring, they imagine job ads, interviews, and formal applications. But let me take you behind the scenes of how I made my very first hire at Upsell—and how it wasn’t from a CV or cover letter. It was from a mere conversation.
Yes, job expos are useful. But what I found even more powerful were the places people didn’t expect to find a job—community events, industry meetups, even weekend hackathons. Why? Because passion stands out when it isn’t forced.
The Moment That Changed My Mindset
I once attended a local software meetup. I wasn’t there to hire. I was there to learn. But then I saw someone giving a short demo of a tool they built for fun—not for school, not for work, just curiosity. After the session, I introduced myself.
“Hey, I’m Johnes. I run a growing online platform called Upsell. That was an amazing tool you built… Have you ever thought about applying your skills to something bigger?”
He smiled, surprised. "I’ve always wanted to work on something that has real impact."
A few conversations later, he joined as our first software engineer.
What I Looked for Instead of Just Experience
I believed in building a team that felt empowered from day one.
The Power of Talking to People, Not Just Exchanging Contact Information
When I meet people, I don’t just think, "Can they work for me?" I think, "Can we build something together?" That mindset changes everything.
It’s not just about resumes. It’s about resonance.
What Business Owners Should Know
If you’re running a small business or starting out, you might not have the budget to hire a whole HR team. That’s okay. What you do have is your network, your events, your community. That’s where your future team is hanging out.
Don’t wait for the perfect CV. Create the perfect environment to attract the right people.
Ask yourself:
That’s who you want beside you.
And If You're a Job Seeker or a Stay-at-Home Parent
Here’s my encouragement: You don’t have to “apply” the traditional way to get noticed. Share your story. Join a forum. Attend a workshop. Build something small and talk about it. Put yourself in rooms—even virtual ones—where people are building things.
I hired someone who had never applied. He just showed up. And he was ready.
Your next opportunity might be one conversation away.
One Thing I Tell All Founders:
Go where your potential team members are already growing. Be present, be real, and ask questions. That’s where the real connections happen.
As Upsell grows, I’m still using that approach. And every time, I remember that first hire—and how being curious led me to someone brilliant.
Key Takeaways:
Just like me, if you ready to meet your first team member in an unexpected place? I advise you to keep your eyes and ears open. The next conversation you have could change your startup forever.
Whether you're a founder looking to hire your first team member, or a stay-at-home mum exploring remote opportunities—remember this: You’re part of the ecosystem. Don’t underestimate your value.
With five years of experience, he merges creativity with strategy to elevate brands. He specializes in storytelling and digital marketing, helping small and medium-sized businesses succeed in a competitive landscape.
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