Ok, so you’ve taken the first and most crucial step and decided to hire a Virtual Assistant to support you in building your business. So what is next? As a small business owner you may not have the time, knowledge or connections to successfully recruit the right people to join your team. In a time of expansion, hiring the right people for the job can make or break a business, so it’s important that you do the groundwork and find the right fit for you.
Here are just a few key points you should first reflect upon:
1. Do your Groundwork
So you’ve made the decision to hire a Virtual Assistant? Great! Now what? It is a common pitfall of business owners, who recognise that help is needed, but fail utterly in quantifying exactly what kind of assistance is required. It is important to define the roles and responsibilities of the position you want to fill before you start looking for an assistant. You need a firm outline of exactly what is required and this needs to be communicated clearly to your VA. If you’re all over the place, disorganised or unclear you will not get the most out of your outsourcing partnership.
2. Motivation is Gold
Of course you want the most qualified person for the job, but a potential teammate doesn’t have to know everything about your industry or job role. You need to look for people with the right kind of attitude. Motivated self-starters are great for a small business. You need a doer who will keep the cogs turning, giving you space to focus on business development.
3. Keep it Casual
The interview process does not have to be some staid, clinical affair. Make a point of asking lots of questions that don’t relate to the role or the business. Ask about the candidates’ family circumstances, their hobbies or passions – get a feel for the type of person they are. If possible, introduce them to other staff members and gauge their reactions – are they comfortable around people? Will they work well as part of a team? All of this will help you in determining if the interviewee is a good fit for your business.
4. Patience is a Virtue
It’s tempting to settle for a candidate simply because they’re available and you’re desperate for assistance. This is not the way forward for your business. You need to be patient and keep searching for the right fit for your organisation. It may take longer and be more work but the long-term benefits far outweigh rushing into recruitment.
5. Keep it Classy
Yes you’re the boss, but it’s also important to ensure that the team of people you surround yourself with have fun and enjoy their job. Nobody likes working for a scrooge who demands results but offers nothing in return. Reward your staff – whether it be with a kind word of praise or a few paid days off, this generosity of spirit will return to you ten-fold in the form of happy team members who are willing to go the extra mile for you.
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