PeopleConnect CEO Max Shapiro with some must-read advice on hiring

In this episode of IvyBrain, angel investor and veteran startup recruiter Max Shapiro, CEO of PeopleConnect Staffing, tells host Reena Jadhav how to recruit the right team on a shoestring budget.

I urge all young entrepreneurs to get a cup of coffee, turn off the Blackberry and listen to his insights. These simple words of experience could mean the difference between your venture's success and failure!

Here are some sample questions:

What's an "A player" and is there an objective definition?

It's about the attitude and the personality, but mostly it's about their track record. Don't listen to what they say they're going to do. Look at what they've done! Prior startup experience is critical.

What's a shoestring recruiting budget? What are top executive compensation ranges these days?

"Employees without paychecks" program offered by PeopleConnect Staffing, where experienced executives will join without pay for 3 months or more -- and even lead fundraising to help cash-strapped startups.

Some of the other questions answered include:

-what is critical in hiring right

-what are the top reasons recruiting fails

-how do you reconcile who the board wants to hire with who the founders want to hire

Max requires all candidates to take a 20 minute online personality test which you can try out here. His parting tip for entrepreneurs is to do extended references, which he describes in detail, even if you love your candidate. Sage advice that could mean the difference between success and failure!