I'm sure many of us have been in the spot where you feel work is piling up, everything feels urgent, and you think hiring someone to help (like a Virtual Assistant) is the way to go.
Most of the time, it doesn't help, and it just adds even tasks to your plate. This is what is known as reactive hiring. You hire based on emotion vs. what is sustainable long term. We don't want this.
As someone who has helped dozens and dozens of business owners navigate their first, third, 6th, etc., hire, the best time to prep for hiring is when you're busy but not in panic mode. This allows you the space to make clear decisions.
In fact, I'm doing this now because I did a lot of reactive hiring over the years, and while the professionals I hired did the job I wanted, I failed to plan out whether the task was something I needed long-term, so it ended up being a waste of revenue.
So, how can you tell if you're ready? Here are a few things I like to keep in mind:
1) Can I afford to pay this person for at least a quarter even if revenue takes a hit?
This includes the time it may take to train (if you hire employees), and mistakes that may happen
2) Is the work consistent or just by the project?
I've seen firsthand businesses hiring during their peak season, then letting people go during the slow period. It sucks for the professional who may not have known that this was seasonal work. Knowing the fluctuations of your business before you hire really goes a long way.
3) Can you write out a job description?
If you can't explain what needs to be done, you're not ready yet. I recommend you jot down all of your tasks that you would love to delegate and start making sure you have SOPs for them prior.
If you have the delegation bundle, I will walk you through these things.
Once you've answered these questions, it's time to test things out!
Instead of jumping into adding a whole new team member, hire out a small project. See if the person has any additional questions about your process. This is where the gaps lie and you can tweak them as you go.
Utilize AI and Automation first. I HIGHLY recommend doing this as a first step, especially if your revenue isn't consistent yet. You can go far with the right tools in place.
Keep track of how long it takes you to do tasks. If it takes you 4 hours to do something, why would you expect someone else to do your process in 1 hour? It keeps it realistic.
I know it feels backwards to slow down and document when you're already overwhelmed. But I promise you, taking the time to build the foundation now will save you SO much heartache later.
What's your next hire going to be? I'm genuinely curious - hit reply and tell me what you're thinking.
P.S. If you want templates for onboarding, documentation, and team-building stuff, keep an eye out for Lazy Systems Club.
