February is Black History Month: a time to celebrate excellence, innovation, and legacy. And if you're a Black business owner building something meaningful, you deserve to build it the right way.

Here's the thing: hiring mistakes don't just cost you money. They steal your time, drain your energy, and hold back the legacy you're creating. Whether you're a startup founder or running a small business, avoiding these seven common hiring pitfalls can help you scale smarter and build something that lasts.

Let's dive in.

Mistake #1: Trying to Do Everything Yourself

You started this business because you're talented, driven, and capable. But trying to handle everything: from marketing to customer service to HR: is a fast track to burnout.

Why it holds you back: When you're stuck in the weeds, you can't focus on strategy, growth, or the vision that got you started. Plus, replacing an employee costs between 33-200% of their annual salary. Imagine what those costs look like when you're also doing HR poorly because you're stretched too thin.

The fix: Delegate. Outsource. Get support. You don't have to hire a full-time team right away. Start with a virtual assistant who can take admin tasks off your plate. That's where Assisting you with Joy comes in: we help small businesses like yours reclaim time so you can focus on what actually moves the needle.

Mistake #2: Hiring Out of Desperation Instead of Intention

We've all been there. You need help yesterday, so you hire the first person who seems halfway decent. But desperation hiring almost always backfires.

Why it holds you back: A bad hire doesn't just underperform: they create drama, lower team morale, and cost you way more in the long run than leaving the position open a little longer.

The fix: Only hire when you're 100% sure this person is the right fit. Consider starting with contractors or part-time help to test things out before committing. Good employees bring referrals, repeat customers, and positive energy. It's worth the wait.

Mistake #3: Ignoring Red Flags During Interviews

You know that gut feeling when something's off? Trust it.

Why it holds you back: Ignoring red flags during the interview process guarantees problems down the road. Maybe they constantly reschedule. Maybe they bad-mouth their last boss. Maybe their answers are vague and inconsistent. These aren't just quirks: they're warnings.

The fix: Watch for these interview red flags:

• Disorganization and constant rescheduling (they don't respect your time)
• Negative talk about former employers (they'll do the same to you)
• Vague answers about past accomplishments
• Any hint of dishonesty

If something feels off, it probably is. Move on.

Mistake #4: Skipping the Onboarding Process

So you hired someone: congrats! Now what? If your answer is "throw them the keys and hope for the best," you've got a problem.

Why it holds you back: 88% of companies don't onboard well, and it shows. Without proper onboarding, new hires feel lost, unsupported, and ready to quit. Organizations with strong onboarding improve retention by 82%.

The fix: Treat onboarding like welcoming family. Set up check-ins at 30, 60, and 90 days to see how things are going. Make sure they understand your culture, your expectations, and how their role fits into the bigger picture. Onboarding is the bridge between hiring and productivity: don't skip it.

Mistake #5: Not Valuing Honesty and Accountability

Nobody's perfect. We all mess up. But the difference between a great hire and a nightmare is how they handle their mistakes.

Why it holds you back: When people aren't honest about their past challenges or current struggles, issues fester. Problems don't get solved. Trust breaks down.

The fix: During interviews, ask candidates about times they've failed or made mistakes. Listen to how they talk about it. Do they take responsibility? Do they show they learned something? Hire people who are honest, humble, and accountable. And on your end, be transparent about the role's challenges. Sugar-coating doesn't help anyone.

Mistake #6: Letting Bias Sneak Into Your Hiring Process

Here's an uncomfortable truth: even as Black business owners, we can unintentionally let bias affect our hiring. Research shows companies are more than twice as likely to call minority applicants for interviews if they "whiten" their resumes. That's a systemic problem: but you can do better.

Why it holds you back: Bias limits your talent pool and can create a team that all thinks the same way. Diversity isn't just a buzzword: it's how you build a stronger, more innovative business.

The fix: Use blind recruitment. Remove names, ages, and other identifying information from resumes before reviewing them. Focus on skills and experience. Set clear diversity goals and track your progress. Building an inclusive team starts with intentional hiring practices.

Mistake #7: Not Investing in HR Support

Only 2.3% of Black-owned businesses have employees. Why? Many of us believe we can't afford help or that we should just "figure it out." But going it alone limits how much you can grow.

Why it holds you back: When demand increases and you're still doing everything yourself, opportunities slip through your fingers. You can't scale if you're stuck in the day-to-day.

The fix: Invest in structure and expert support. You don't need a massive HR department: you just need the right systems and people. Whether it's HR consulting, bookkeeping, or administrative support, getting help isn't a luxury. It's a smart business move.

That's exactly why Dr. Joy created Assisting you with Joy. We specialize in helping startups and small businesses build the infrastructure they need to grow: without the overhead of full-time hires.

Build the Legacy You Deserve

Black History Month reminds us that excellence isn't just about celebrating the past: it's about building a future. Every hire you make, every system you put in place, every smart decision you make today becomes part of the legacy you leave behind.

You don't have to do this alone.

If you're ready to stop making these hiring mistakes and start building smarter systems for your business, let's talk. Dr. Joy and the team at Assisting you with Joy are here to help you reclaim your time, streamline your operations, and scale with confidence.

Book a consult today or give us a call at (336) 792-9546.

Let's build something legendary: together.

Learn more about our virtual assistant services at joyloughenterprise.com/assistingyou.