How can you build a successful, cohesive team? Team building isn't always cut and dry, so here are some suggestions to help you bring the right employees into your culture.

Try to achieve a balance of personalities. Know that it's important to hire individuals with varying personalities as long as your employees are true, real and reliable

When interviewing a prospective employee, communicate the culture of your business. As a result, the candidate can decide whether or not they see themselves as a fit. Make sure you also put a word about your culture in the job description. During the interview, ask the candidate to talk about themselves. What are their passions? What activities are they involved in? Be sure that other members of your company are present during the interview process. This gives the team ownership of the hire.

Once you've selected a good candidate, get a background check on them. Call their references, previous employers and others that might know them. Companies don't typically wish a bad employee on another company, so you'll usually receive fair and honest responses.

Lastly, consider a remote addition to the team. Outsourcing is a great opportunity for those businesses that are either tight on money or short on time. Don't neglect this possibility as you continue to grow your team and your business.

If done correctly, team building can be a positive process that benefits your corporate culture. Real Living strives to build successful teams in every area of our business. For more information on this topic, check out pp. 131-133 of Real You Incorporated: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs.