Another week, another dose of SCM insights from around the world. ✈️ Today we look at some job-hiring tips to help you pick the perfect candidate and talk shop with the founder of a thriving Australian eCommerce brand.
In this week's edition of The Backorder:
- The new bio-resin that could allow truly circular 3D printing
- Five ways to avoid hiring the wrong person for the job
- The story of Australia's largest outdoor party lighting brand
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Supply chain headlines
- Shipping costs increasing as Mideast conflicts continue. Freight rates were up 30% at the end of May, as nine out of 10 large container ships were diverted from the Red Sea on their way from Asia to Europe.
- UK retail sales to the EU down by £6 billion since Brexit. Trade frictions from Brexit-related challenges have taken a toll on sales since 2019. Non-food retail exports are currently down 17%, writes Eloise Hill.
- New bio-resin could enable fully circular 3D printing. Birmingham University researchers have developed a new type of bio-based resin that can be 3D printed, recycled into its constituent parts, and then printed again.
5 tactics to avoid hiring the wrong person
The average cost to fill a role vacancy is £6,125 (USD $7825) – or £19,000 for a managerial position. That's an expensive mistake if you get it wrong ... to say nothing of the cultural conflict a bad hire can bring. Below are five handy tips to help you hire the ideal employee every time.
1. Hire character. Most people can be taught new skills, but character is less malleable. Rather than overly focusing on experience and skills, consider the temperament the job you’re hiring for requires.
2. Share the load. With multiple managers in on the hiring process you won’t always agree on the top candidate – but you’ll have a better chance of spotting red flags.
3. Get data-centric. Charismatic interviewees don’t always make the best hires. Ask your hiring managers to rate different aspects of each candidate, then look for those with the best overall scores – rather than those that make a big impression.
4. Psychometric tests. If the role justifies it, consider some form of personality testing as part of the pre-interview process. Some of these are basically corporatised horoscopes, but many will turn up insights into a candidate’s disposition, typical response to stress, and task suitability.
5. Use trial periods. When it comes to trial periods, you need to be clear about how it will be assessed – and be prepared to follow through if they’re not suitable. Employment law around trial periods varies between jurisdictions, so be sure to check the big black rulebook first.
The online brand illuminating Australia – meet Matt Little
Matt Little is the Director and Owner of Festoon House, an ecommerce lighting business based in New South Wales, Australia. He has over 10 years of experience in marketing, business & finance, and SEO. We asked Matt about his journey to establish Australia's largest outdoor party lighting store. Here's what he had to say.
In your own words, what does Festoon House do?
"We specialise in high-quality, durable lighting solutions for indoor and outdoor spaces. Our values are rooted in innovation, excellence, and community – driving us to continuously improve and expand our product range to meet the evolving needs of our customers."
What inspired you to build a lighting business?
"Growing up, I was always drawn to the atmosphere created by various lighting arrangements, whether in cosy cafes or festive outdoor gatherings. This led me deeper into the world of lighting design, where I discovered a market gap for high-quality, long-lasting lighting solutions."
What's been the biggest hurdle in getting to where you are now?
"Adapting to the sudden shift in consumer behavior during the pandemic. To address it, we invested in data analytics and market research to gain a better understanding of our customers' evolving needs and preferences. We also broadened our marketing channels and product offerings to meet the growing demand for home office and outdoor lighting solutions."
If you could travel back in time, what business advice would you give your younger self?
"Prioritise building a strong team and delegate tasks effectively – it's impossible to do everything alone. Stay agile and adapt quickly to changes in the market and consumer trends. Focus on customer retention and loyalty – it's more cost-effective and rewarding to nurture existing relationships than constantly chasing new customers."
Any books or podcasts you can recommend for our readers?
"How I Built This and The Tim Ferriss Show offer invaluable insights from successful entrepreneurs and industry experts. [For books,] I recommend The Lean Startup by Eric Ries and Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown. [They offer] practical advice on innovation and productivity."
On the lighter side...
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