If you’re working at a company right now, spend your time noticing people. Ask yourself: “If I left today and started my own company, who would I hire?”
For example, maybe there’s a sales guy who is massively underrated. Make a mental (or physical) note: If I ever need someone in sales, he’s the first one I reach out to.
Then, when the day comes and you actually need a sales guy, you reach out to him and say:
“I have no idea if you’re available right now, but a while ago I made a list of the 5 people I’d like to work with someday, and you were on it. That day is here. What are you up to now?”
The goal is to spot the heavy hitters early.
That way, when you finally start your next thing, finding great talent won’t be your limiting factor.