Thoughts on the final 'Offer' stage. If it's your startup, be brutally honest with your first hires. Put yourself in their shoes when you make the offer. Explain it like you would explain it to yourself.

- Tell them, unprompted, key difficulties that may lie ahead (in an upbeat manner)

- Sell them on the goal, but don't sell them that they are the right person - that's their choice

- Do not make promises you can't keep. Let me repeat this. Do not make promises you can't keep

The reason for doing the above is a) You will have tough times together - this is your team - you must start well b) If they can't handle these conversations you probably don't want them c) You're human, behave well if you can

Context disclaimer - this is from a London, UK perspective while hiring senior people. YMMV.