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Stop Chasing Rock Stars and Learn Why “Average” Hires Are the Real Secret Weapon for Building a Thriving Business

“A-players hire A-players; B-players hire C-players.” This quote is often attributed to Steve Jobs, and whether he coined the phrase or not misses its point. The sentiment is obviously about a fundamental strategy to succeed in business. So, many entrepreneurs subscribe to this belief, thinking it’s practically infallible. However, that’s simply not the case because plenty of business owners have discovered that chasing top talent is the proverbial carrot on a stick. Instead, they adopt an alternative approach and seek out “average” individuals instead. Here’s why.

The Toxic Obsession with A-Players and Why Reliability Beats Credentials Every Time

Business owners love to brag about landing “top talent.” They chase Ivy League degrees, flashy LinkedIn profiles, and candidates with “elite” pedigrees like they’re drafting the next Stephen Curry or Tom Brady. They post sky-high salary ranges, offer unlimited PTO, and bend over backward in interviews just to get a résumé with the right keywords.

Then the superstar shows up, demands a corner office and a six-figure signing bonus, works 60-hour weeks for three months…and ghosts you for a better offer from a competitor. Sound familiar?

It’s time to admit the truth. The truth being, the obsession with “A-players” is quietly destroying more businesses than it builds. The smartest move most owners can make right now is to stop hunting unicorns and start deliberately recruiting solid, average candidates who actually show up, grind hard, and stick around. Here’s why “average” is the new competitive advantage.

1. Top Talent Treats Your Company Like a Stepping Stone

High-credential candidates are often professional nomads. They’ve been told since kindergarten that they’re special, so they expect rapid promotions, constant praise, and a red-carpet career path. When the shine wears off—or when another recruiter dangles a 20% raise—they’re gone.

Average candidates? They’re usually thrilled to be a part of a stable, well-run company that values them. They aren’t constantly scanning LinkedIn for their next move because they know the grass isn’t always greener. They stay longer, learn your systems more deeply, and become institutional memory instead of expensive transients. Lower turnover isn’t just cheaper; it’s the difference between a cohesive team and a revolving door that kills momentum.

2. Work Ethic Beats Credentials Every Single Day

A 4.0 GPA and a prestigious internship don’t clock in at 7 a.m. or stay late to fix a broken process. They don’t volunteer to train the new kid or notice the small details that save your company thousands.

“Average” candidates often do—because they’ve had to hustle their whole lives without a safety net. They solve problems with grit and street smarts rather than quoting business school frameworks. They don’t wait for perfect data or the perfect title; they roll up their sleeves and figure it out. That practical resourcefulness consistently outperforms theoretical brilliance in the messy reality of running a business.

3. Loyalty Is the Ultimate Force Multiplier

Loyalty compounds. An average employee who feels respected will defend your brand in the community, refer their friends, and protect your culture from toxic attitudes. They become the quiet backbone that keeps everything running when the market gets tough.

The superstar? They’re loyal to their own personal brand first. When the economy tightens, or a shiny new opportunity appears, loyalty is the first thing they negotiate away.

4. You Can Actually Afford to Keep Them—and Scale With Them

Hiring “top talent” forces you into a compensation arms race. You’re paying premium prices for people who may deliver average results once the honeymoon ends. Meanwhile, solid, average candidates are available at market rates, often with far less ego and far more hunger to prove themselves.

That cost savings isn’t pocket change—it’s money you can reinvest in training, tools, or bonuses that actually motivate the team you already have. You build depth instead of flash. You create a culture where people grow with the company rather than use it as a launchpad.

5. Real Problem-Solving Comes From People Who’ve Had to Solve Problems

Elite credentials often produce people who are great at looking smart in meetings but freeze when the server crashes right before the work’s done or a key client throws a curveball. Average hires have spent their careers making things work with limited resources. They improvise. They test. They ship.

That scrappy, can-do mindset scales businesses far more reliably than another polished résumé.

How to Start Hiring “Average” on Purpose

Stop writing job posts that scream “only superhumans need apply.” Instead, emphasize reliability, attitude, and cultural fit. Ask interview questions like:

“Tell me about a time you had to fix something nobody else wanted to touch.”
“What does showing up look like to you when things get hard?”
“Describe a process you improved even though it wasn’t your job.”

Look for candidates who light up talking about teamwork, ownership, and long-term growth rather than their last big title or salary jump.

You don’t need to hire underperformers. You need to hire normal, capable people who are hungry to do good work for a company that treats them right. The quiet majority of the workforce is full of them—people who never made the highlight reel but will quietly carry your business to the next level.

The rock-star chase is exhausting, expensive, and mostly theater. The real winners in business aren’t the ones with the most impressive org chart. They’re the ones who built a team of loyal, hardworking, average people who actually stay, solve problems, and get the job done—day after day, year after year.

So, stop recruiting for flash. Start recruiting for substance. Your bottom line will thank you.

Want to Accomplish More?

Do you want your company to grow faster and earn more while spending more time with your family doing everything you started your business to do?

We can make that dream a reality. Give us 30 minutes, and we will show you how to get your life back. Skeptical? Good! Put us to the test.

You can call us for your free appointment at 480-636-1720, or, if you prefer, Waters Business Consulting Group to learn more about us and the services we offer.

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How to Prioritize Your Business’s Goals for the New Year

December 29, 2023 No Comments

How to Prioritize Your Business’s Goals for the New Year As we step into a fresh new year, it’s the perfect time for small business owners to reflect on their accomplishments and set new goals to propel their businesses forward. However, setting goals is just the first step; the real challenge lies in prioritizing them effectively. In the following article, we’ll explore the most practical and persuasive tips to help you prioritize your business goals and set the stage for a successful year ahead. So, here we go! Reflect on the past year. Let’s start by taking an inventory and getting perspective on the time that’s just passed. Before diving into the new year, take a moment to look back at the past year. Evaluate your successes, failures, and lessons learned from both ups and downs. This will help you identify which goals were met and which were not, and why. Understanding your past performance will give you valuable insights into which goals should be prioritized in the new year. Align your goals with your vision. Ensure that your goals are aligned with your overall business vision. This will help you stay focused on what truly matters and avoid getting sidetracked by less important tasks. Clearly define your long-term vision and break it into smaller, achievable goals to help you progress toward that ultimate destination. Focus on your strengths. Prioritize goals that leverage your strengths and core competencies. By focusing on what you and your team do best, you’ll be more likely to achieve your goals and deliver high-quality results. This doesn’t mean you should ignore your weaknesses, but rather, allocate resources strategically to maximize your potential. Set SMART goals. Make sure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART). This will help you create a clear roadmap for your business and ensure that your goals are realistic and attainable. Additionally, this approach will keep you grounded and help prevent you from taking on tasks that aren’t realistic. Prioritize goals based on impact. Prioritize your goals based on their potential impact on your business. This can be measured in terms of financial gains, customer satisfaction, market share, or any other key performance indicators that are relevant to your business. By focusing on high-impact goals, you can make the most of your resources and achieve significant results. Break down those goals into actionable tasks. Once you’ve prioritized your goals, break them down into smaller, actionable, and attainable tasks. This will make your goals more manageable and help you stay on track. Assign deadlines and responsibilities to each task, and monitor your progress regularly. Be flexible and adaptable. As a small business owner, you know that the business landscape is constantly changing. Be prepared to adjust your priorities as needed. Keep an eye on market trends, customer preferences, and industry developments, and be willing to pivot your priorities if necessary. Prioritizing your business goals for the new year is a critical step toward achieving long-term success. By reflecting on the past, aligning your goals with your vision, focusing on your strengths, setting SMART goals, prioritizing based on impact, breaking down goals into actionable tasks, and remaining flexible, you’ll be well on your way to a prosperous new year. Remember, the key to success lies in staying focused and committed to your goals, and continuously reassessing and adjusting your priorities as needed. Here’s to a successful new year for your small business! Want to Accomplish More? Do you want your company to grow faster and earn more while you spend more time with your family doing all the things you started your business to do? Let’s solve your biggest challenge – right now! We invite you to a FREE 30-minute consulting session where you can describe your biggest business challenge and we will then gladly share our 150 years of combined business experience solving that challenge. We have worked with hundreds of clients with challenges just like yours. Call us for your free appointment at 602-435-5474, or, if you prefer, send us an email. You can also visit us at Waters Business Consulting Group to learn more about us and the services we offer.

Employees Have These Skills You’re Probably Overlooking in Your Business

November 14, 2024 No Comments

Employees Have These In current conversations about emerging technologies like AI, workplace experts consistently highlight the critical role of human skills.

3 Effective Ways to Emerge from the Pandemic Even Stronger

October 9, 2020 No Comments

With every crisis, there is a conclusion. Each economic downturn eventually transforms into recovery. Sometimes, the two are extreme and stark contrasts. Other times, they are mildly separated, yet perceptible. It’s how businesses act and react that is most important. Unfortunately, too many business owners react in a reflexive, impulsive way. Meaning, they don’t fully think through the situation overall, rather they merely act in the moment. Conversely, business owners that see long-term benefit even when there’s an economic downturn. Those companies come out stronger after the crisis passes. Seize Opportunities When they Arise Property investors who buy when the real estate market slides hold their assets until the market recovers and sell for a profit. Similarly, investors buy stocks when they fall amidst economic turmoil. When the crisis subsides, the temptation will be to turn back that progress and retreat into old behaviors. But entrepreneurs need to shift from overload to shared load, and to practices that can transform team performance to find unexpected growth–and lower unsuspected risk. —Inc.com These savvy people also sell when the prices begin ticking up again. There’s most definitely a pattern here and a lesson to be learned. That being, it’s possible to turn an otherwise bad situation into a beneficial one with the right moves. These individuals understand that the laws of physics do work in reverse when it comes to economic circumstances. Ironically, what goes down must inevitably go up. These people use that counterintuitive dynamic to their advantage. 3 Effective Strategies for Emerging Out of an Economic Downturn So, just how do some business owners make the proverbial lemonade out of a bowl of lemons? These entrepreneurs don’t get caught in a negative mindset. In fact, they look at things pragmatically and create strategies that benefit them. Here are three ways to come out of an economic downturn stronger: Know the numbers. The very first thing you need to do is fully understand precisely where your business stands at this point in time. If you don’t know the numbers, any plans you come up with will only reveal the true matter of the situation and this could be very costly. Take the time to get into the numbers to know exactly what you’re dealing with. Devise a realistic, workable plan. Next, you’ll need to devise a realistic, strategic, and actionable play-by-play plan. It’s okay to look at the big picture, but be sure to address possible scenarios with contingencies. You don’t have to plan for every possible set of circumstances, but you should definitely have ways to work through the most likely. Invest heavily in strategic relationships. Another smart strategy is to invest as much as you can in strategic relationships. Good entrepreneurs know this intuitively and leverage these relationships in ways that benefit everyone. Come up with ways that are advantageous to all parties involved and work towards those goals. What other steps would you suggest to overcome an economic crisis? Please take a moment to share your thoughts and experiences; it could prove very helpful to others! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.