Hire a temp to test the waters

Bringing in an employee is a big step for any small business. One way to test those waters and figure out if you really need a full-timer is with a temp.

"If you discover that you don't need the position or you want to revamp what the position is, you don't have to worry about firing or laying off a temp," writes AllBusiness.com today in its e-mail newsletter. "Temporary workers may also prove good permanent hires--you can try them out without the risk of being stuck with them forever."