As a small business owner, you're always aiming to grow. But as your business expands, you might find yourself wondering if you need an extra pair of hands. Before you rush into hiring, it's essential to take a step back and evaluate your situation. Let's break down three crucial things to consider before bringing someone new on board.
A few years ago, hiring virtual assistants became quite the trend. Everyone seemed to have a VA for this and a VA for that. While it can be tempting to jump on the bandwagon, it's important to take a hard look at your current workflow first.
For many of us, the ins and outs of our business are locked up in our heads. We know how everything runs because we've been doing it ourselves for so long. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it does mean that if your operations are chaotic, adding another person to the mix can exacerbate the problem.
So, ask yourself:
Do I operate off a to-do list?
Is my schedule well-organized?
Do I often forget tasks or have to reschedule meetings?
If you're disorganized, now might be the time to tidy things up before hiring help.
Once you're organized, it's time to dive into the nitty-gritty of what you do daily. This step involves a process of self-evaluation that can take anywhere from a day to a month. The key here is to document everything you do, no matter how small.
As you go through this phase, you'll find that some tasks are things only you can do—think high-level strategy, key meetings, or specific services that require your expertise. But, there will also be tasks that someone else could handle. Common examples include:
Social media posts
Blog posts
Newsletters
By the end of this process, you'll be able to sort your tasks into two categories:
Tasks only you can do
Tasks someone else can help with
With your tasks sorted, it's time to get specific about what a new hire would do. Start by detailing the tasks someone else will handle. Outline how frequently each task needs to be done, the expected standards, and any nuances they would need to know.
Questions to consider:
How often should social media posts go out?
What's the schedule for newsletters?
By the end of this phase, you'll have a job description, a to-do list, and even some training materials ready. This preparation will be invaluable as you bring someone new into your business. They’ll have a clear understanding of their role, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’ve set them up for success.
Hiring help can be a fantastic step towards growing your business, but timing and preparation are everything. Make sure you're organized first, know exactly what tasks you need help with, and have a clear job description ready. By following these three steps, you'll be well on your way to successfully integrating new team members into your business.
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