When I saw Jonathan at Barcamp Tampa in September 2010 talking about the rigorous but fruitful hiring practices of the Grasshopper Group I knew I wanted to learn more about how they make things happen. I spent a little time talking with him after the conference over a beer and learned some very interesting techniques and I wanted to bring that same experience back to our community here at UMS.

Specifically talking about their hiring practices we learn that Grasshopper doesn’t play around. For one thing they really want to make sure someone they are going to hire and work with for the next 5 to 10 years (yes they think long-term) fits well with the team. To do that you have to dig deeper than the resume shows and often according to Jonathan can take up to 5 or more interviews. But it’s not just putting someone through their paces, it’s really about getting to know them and making sure they are going to fight as hard as you are to build the business.

Jonathan also talked about helping people being the best part of his job. I have to agree on that, one thing I love doing here with UMS is helping build awareness of other people’s ideas. But if you think about it, that’s the best way to ally yourself with someone else, be genuine and help them succeed in some way. If it’s as simple as blogging about their company or services or passing on their information to another person who needs what they offer. I think Jonathan truly believes this and since i’ve met him i’ve seen posts with Jonathan that prove that point.

About Grasshopper Group

Founded by two entrepreneurs, Grasshopper Group has been making it easier to start and grow small businesses since 2003. Back then, we started out with our first product, the Grasshopper Virtual Phone System, and to date have served over 100,000 entrepreneurs (and we’re still growing).

Today our commitment to helping entrepreneurs is stronger than ever, and we continue to develop new and innovative products to help them change the world.

– From the Grasshopper Group website

Grasshopper Products:

The main company. grasshoppergroup.com
Virtual Phone System. grasshopper.com
Online Recurring Billing System. chargify.com
Online Referral System. spreadable.com

Follow Jonathan Kay as the Grasshopper Group’s Ambassador of Buzz @GrasshopperBuzz