One of my favorite things about what I do is helping business owners feel confident and informed—especially when they’re brand new to running a business in the United States. Recently, I had the opportunity to work with a new client who was just opening their first business. Not only was this their first experience as an employer, but they had also recently moved to the U.S., so everything—from employment laws to hiring practices—was completely unfamiliar territory.
They were excited to begin hiring, but understandably overwhelmed. That’s where I stepped in.
Building a Strong Foundation: The Onboarding Checklist
We started with a customized onboarding checklist. This simple but powerful tool guided them through each step of bringing on a new employee—what documents were needed, when to collect them, and how to make sure everything was done legally and professionally.
Breaking Down the “Why”
Because of their lack of experience with U.S. requirements, I didn’t just tell them what forms they needed—I explained why each one mattered. We discussed the I-9 and W-4, direct deposit forms, and policies that needed to be acknowledged in writing. I also explained how to properly store personnel records—separating medical information, maintaining confidentiality, and protecting documents from both a security and legal compliance standpoint.
Making the Complex Simple
The client mentioned more than once that it felt like they were taking a business class. And honestly, that’s the goal! I took extra care to speak slowly, avoid jargon, and pause to ensure they understood. I was mindful of both the language barrier and the cultural differences in how business is done.
By the end of our session, they said they not only understood what to do—but why it mattered. They felt empowered and confident moving forward with hiring, and that’s the best kind of feedback I could receive.
Whether you’ve been in business for decades or are just starting out, it’s okay not to know everything. That’s why I’m here—to guide you through the process, answer your questions, and make sure your foundation is strong and compliant from the very beginning.
At People First, we believe every business owner deserves clear guidance and personal support—because everything begins and ends with people.
