Part 2: Hiring Workers and Assigning Roles
Li Mei was aware that the success of her business depended heavily on the quality of her team. She needed individuals who were skilled, reliable, and able to work as a cohesive unit. Given the nature of the work, her focus was on hiring locals who understood the land and had prior experience with herbs and natural remedies.
Li Mei placed ads in the village market, asking for skilled laborers for specific roles in her workshop. In a matter of days, several people applied, and after careful consideration, Li Mei hired the following individuals:
1. Herb Preparers (2 Workers):
These workers would be responsible for gathering, preparing, and drying herbs. One of the women, Zhang Lian, was experienced with wild herbs, while Chen Yu, the second worker, was known for her ability to harvest rare medicinal plants. Both of them had worked for local healers in the past and were proficient in the art of herb drying and preservation.
2. Mixers and Blenders (3 Workers):
The mixing team was the backbone of production. Li Mei wanted workers who could handle delicate formulations and maintain the integrity of each recipe. She hired Li Jun, who had a natural aptitude for mixing compounds, and Zhou Xi, an experienced herbalist. Liu Min, the third member, was known for her attention to detail and precision in measuring herbs. Each worker would be responsible for blending the herbs into a specific remedy, ensuring that the potency and effectiveness remained consistent.
3. Packagers (2 Workers):
The packaging team would handle the final stage of production, where the remedies were bottled and sealed. This job required careful attention to detail, as the finished products needed to look neat and professional for customers. Mei Fang and Xu Yan were both hired for this role due to their previous experience in artisan work.
4. Accountants and Salespeople (2 Workers):
Li Mei was also aware that the finances of her growing business needed to be closely managed. She hired Luo Xiu, a trustworthy individual with basic accounting skills, and Wang Qian, who had previous experience working as a sales representative for a local merchant. They would help Li Mei track the cost of production, manage the profit margins, and maintain accurate customer records.