Thanks for your comment – You are right about the headaches and resources needed to maintain a team of employee.

You are also right about the goal-driven business model. It’s a matter of your management style, and what you are going to achieve, really.

As for myself, I like the hands-off business model, that although employees are complex issues, they are the main actor in my management style.

Thanks for sharing your valuable insight, Ed! :)

I think the business model an entrepreneur chooses is based on what their goals might be. There was a time when I’ve had a half dozen employees and my peers have dozens of employees in the graphic design/marketing fields. As much as have others do for you – you are also creating a monster. Employees bring with them personal issues and government regulations. Here in Canada, an employee has more rights than the employee. The headaches are doosies.

Myself, I enjoy a lean operation. Less stress and when I need assistance I contract out to independants. I would suggest using your model for success with contract NOT full-time employees. This way when the market slows you have no obligations to a contract person. Employees on the other need regular documentation to be laid off, and if you wish to let them go for good there are entitlements due.

One more thought on building a design monster, my one friend must net 150 K a month just to make payroll. Their rewards are impressive, but the stress to feed the beast takes its toll in many ways.

I enjoy your discussions here on entrepreneurs – my favorite people.