Given the cost and time involved in hiring, many businesses start by working with consultants. These are not full-time employees, so you do not have to provide a benefits package, which full-time staff will expect along with their salary. If you offer specific insurance coverage (such as health insurance), you have to offer it to all employees—but you can vary the percentage of participation you provide to different staff members. Use a professional em- ployee organization (PEO) to get a better rate on these benefits policies and lower your risk. Make sure you follow regulations around tax and filing of relevant paperwork. Often, it is simpler, and in the long run cheaper, to work with someone that has done this before for other startups. 54