As the economy improves, so does the outlook for small business. That may mean you'll find way too many things to do and not enough time for you or your staff to complete them. Or maybe you've been solo for a while and have decided your business is growing enough to need help.

What do you do? Hire full or part time employees? Outsource to an independent contractor?

Before you decide, take the time to define the position. Create a job description. What do you want the person to do? What are you willing to give up total control over? What level of experience or education must the person have? Documenting the responsibilities of the position will help you decide. And it will help you hire the right person the first time.

Consider the IRS' 20 point checklist when determining employee vs. independent contractor. A good interpretation of that checklist can be found at http://www.prounlimited.com/20guide.html