The opinions expressed by Entrepreneur authors are their very own.
Over the last few days, I have been pleasantly surprised by the increase in productivity and “good work” of my newly hired COO. I should not be surprised, but I’m. You see, in the past I’ve hired low cost labor to do “jobs” like video editing, blog writing, graphic design, and more.
Many of us small business owners hire freelancers to assist fill the gaps in our every day business needs, and that is a good thing. However, many of us make a tragic mistake.
Freelance talent, or “virtual assistants,” can only take us so far. At some point you will get uninterested in answering all the questions, correcting mistakes, and considering of all the ideas. Tired of being the traffic cop in the middle of every thing. You have to work ON your business, not only IN your business.
Thanks to my group of geniuses, I noticed that I needed to enhance my skills and invest more in higher-skilled talent.
Hiring someone in the Philippines for $7-10 an hour is a pretty good hourly rate for them. However, at this rate, a virtual assistant is often simply focused on the task at hand.
I tripled the stakes and began looking for a COO, someone who had a higher level of not only skills, but also THINKING. They are still from the Philippines, but their business experience and skills are much more advanced.
I needed someone who could help me grow my business, not only complete tasks. So I began looking for a “thought partner”, an “integrator”. This term comes from Traction: deal with your business by Gino Wickman, a popular book that many entrepreneurs read.
At night I noticed a difference. The tasks I assigned weren’t only accomplished, but were performed with a different, higher level of accuracy.
Here are some key suggestions You Can you hire the right freelancer or virtual assistant to assist your business?
1. Create a detailed job description
Before you begin your search, create a comprehensive job description. Outline specific responsibilities, skills required and expected results. This transparency will attract more suitable candidates and create the basis for a successful working relationship.
2. Define clear success metrics
How will you know if your latest worker is doing well? Set specific and measurable goals from the very starting. Whether it’s meeting deadlines, achieving quality standards, or hitting specific KPIs, having clear success metrics will help each you and your freelancer stay on track.
3. Understand your work style and find a fit
Every business owner has a unique way of working. Do you like frequent check-ins or a more hands-off approach? Are you detail-oriented or do you focus on the big picture? Be honest about your working style and look for freelancers whose approach complements yours.
4. Think long run
While you might have immediate needs, consider the future growth of your business when hiring. Look for freelancers who can potentially grow with your organization and take on more responsibilities as your business grows.
5. Avoid the “all deals” trap.
It’s tempting to look for a unicorn that may do every thing, but this approach often results in disappointment. Instead, focus on finding specialists who excel in specific areas that are key to your business needs.
6. Assess skill requirements
Assess whether the position requires a high level of specialised knowledge or involves tasks that will be learned on the job. This will provide help to determine the required level of experience and training you might need to offer.
7. Prioritize attitude and character
While technical skills are necessary, don’t underestimate the value of a great attitude and strong character. Look for freelancers who are reliable, communicative and consistent with your organization’s values. In the future, these features often matter greater than technical prowess.
8. Test the waters
Consider hiring two to three freelancers for a small project or trial period. This approach permits you to evaluate their performance in real-world scenarios before committing to a long-term contract.
9. Be open to feedback
Remember that freelancers and virtual assistants often bring priceless experience from working with a number of clients. Be open to their suggestions and observations – they could introduce revolutionary solutions or improvements that you simply have not considered.
10. Maintain regular communication
Don’t rely solely on email communication. Schedule regular video calls or meetings to debate progress, address challenges, and maintain strong working relationships. These face-to-face meetings, even virtual ones, can significantly improve collaboration and results.
Remember that the goal is not only to fill a position, but to seek out partners who can contribute to the development and success of your organization.