Many times, when talking with clients, I find that they tolerate employees with less than stellar performance.  When I question them as to why they are allowing that to occur I sometimes find that the employer is worried that they won't be able to find anyone to fill that employee's position.  This, invariably, leads to a discussion about how that business finds employees.     Businesses should treat finding employees at least as important as they treat finding other necessary and required resources to make their business run.  Merely posting an advertisement isn't good enough.  The platinum rule in recruiting is, "It isn't good enough to be the best employer.  You have to be known as the best employer." 

Think of recruiting creatively.  If you are filling a position that you can do openly (meaning you aren't trying to find someone to replace someone who is currently employed) use your local community colleges and tech schools.  Send your employees to network at schools that have programs that might feed into your business.  Ask the staff who they might recommend based on the position description. Don't forget about online networking sites such as Linked In, Twitter, and Facebook, when there is an open position.  And if it's a position that you don't have to hire for on the "down low" use resources like, well, your employees.   Ask them if they know anyone for the positions for which you are hiring.  If you find your employees willingly refer friends and family, you are probably fulfilling the platinum rule.