the population of working women will continue to grow and that we will profit from that expansion. This projection is based on the fact that many well- established firms have located here and more are expected to do so. Nevertheless, if for any reason general industry declines, or a significant number of local companies fail or move overseas, we could face some problems and might have to change our marketing strategy.     C. Personnel Plan     Chances are that youll need some help to run your business. Its hard to overestimate the impact employees have on small businesses. First, your paperwork explodes when you hire the first employee. Many government agencies regulate your relations with your employees, and youll need help if youve never employed anyone before. Your accountant can help with payroll forms, and your local employment development agency can help with other regulations.     Second, how to successfully hire, manage and fire people is a fine art, which this book cant possibly cover. If you have any doubts about your abilities in this area, make sure you get guidance from employment agencies, the local employment development department or a private consultant.     Fortunately there are some basic steps you can take that will increase your chances of making hiring decisions correctly. Many business owners fail to be clear in their own minds about basic details affecting an employee; thats a mistake almost guaranteed to cause trouble.     1. Analyze Your Business Personality     Every business has a personality that customers and suppliers spot right away. Your employees help create that personality in their daily interactions with customers, suppliers and each other. Your job as the business owner is to decide what personality you want your business to have. Once you are clear about your business personality, you can easily look for employees who fit in well. Take out a blank sheet of paper or open a computer file and write a statement of the personality you want your business to have.           Antoinettes Dress Shop: Business Personality     The impression I want my customers to receive is that our store provides the best selection of merchandise in our clothing category. We also provide prices and service that take the worry, regrets and hassle out of shopping. Our employees should be sincerely helpful and dedicated to solving our customers problems. I want them to be very knowledgeable so that our customers consider us as their clothing advisors, in addition to the best store.     2. Write Your Staffing Schedule     Now that you know what sort of people you want to hire, your next job is to decide how many people you need. (You may have completed this already in Chapter 6, Section D, line 4a.)     The following example shows how Antoinette thought through her staffing schedule. You will make your decisions a little differently, depending on the needs of your particular business.