If your business is growing and you’re struggling to manage it all, it’s time to find someone to help! But if you’re like so many business owners, finding the right help to grow your business can be just as hard as finding the right spouse. When you find someone that fits your personality, talent and budget, don’t let them go! Here are some tips on how to find and hire the right strategist or virtual assistant to help you scale your business, once and for all. 

1. Reach Out to Your Network.

When you’re looking to bring someone new into your business, it’s definitely not a decision to be taken lightly. A little research goes a long way. But before you do your own research, see if anyone in your network has any recommendations. Ask colleagues or connections you highly respect to see if they have anyone in particular in mind. If they give you some individuals or businesses who have their stamp of approval, chances are they have had an incredible experience. They’re much more likely to satisfy your needs over others, who may or may not be as great to work with. It makes the process go even faster than if you had to personally vet a bunch of people or companies. This is a particularly great strategy if you’re in a pinch for whatever reason. But definitely don’t rush! Forming relationships (whether we’re talking customers or teammates) is definitely a long game.

2. Look at Their Portfolio to See if Their Work is a Good Fit For Your Needs.

So you found some people that potentially might be a good fit for your company. But it’s time to really see who they are and what they’re about. Check their social media platforms, website, google my business, etc. for testimonials. See what other people say about their work. Do they have great customer service? Have there been any consistent notable issues? There will always be a nasty few people out there who will always leave a bad review no matter the experience, so be weary of that. However, if there’s more than one or two reviews that say the same thing, that’s something to consider. Plus, do they have a lot of experience in their field? This is going to determine how much you will have to manage them. If you are looking to delegate, chances are you will want someone with more experience. But if you want someone to do something a specific way for your business and you don’t mind training for a little bit, it’s okay to bring on someone who’s more green and new to that skill.

3. Consider How Often You’ll Need to Meet with Them.

Depending on the tasks needed and their experience level, the cadence for meetings and collaborations will vary. As you scale towards six and seven figures, maybe you’d like to meet with certain members of your team once a quarter. If you’re hiring a strategist, they’re an expert in their field that is able to direct and execute, and may only need your input once every so often. But, if you’re just starting out with an entry-level assistant, you may need to meet with them every few days or once a week to make sure everything is going according to plan.

4. Ask About Their Experience Working With Clients Like You in The Past.

If you’re able to get case studies from the business or individual showing how they have helped business owners like you, do it! This shows that they have a history of success with businesses like yours, and that they have a replicable model. You’ll be able to see what life will be like as a customer, and see exactly how their service works.

5. Hire Them

When you feel like the strategist or virtual assistant is both great for your business needs and your company’s culture, don’t hesitate to bring them on. That feeling is exactly what you’re looking for, and it can be hard to come by. Otherwise, you’ll experience some high turn-over and keep jumping from person to person, or business to business. When you find something that works, try to hold on to it for as long as possible. Relationships are key to business success, and a happy, experienced team is a rising tide that lifts all ships.

If you need some more tips on how to build and train a successful team, I’m here to help! Schedule your consultation, or send an email to dedee@fittoprofit.com.