Tell me what you want, what you really really want! In the infamous words of the Spice Girls – what do you really want? You want to save time, you need some help, you need to outsource, you need a virtual assistant. Let’s drill a little deeper.
Knowing what you want is a key component to hiring the right person. Throughout your planning process, you have defined the tasks that you want or need help with. It’s time to think about the skills and attributes that person needs to have.
Make a list of the soft skills that you would like. We certainly all want to work with someone who is trustworthy, professional, caring, detail oriented. But what other qualities do you want? Ask yourself:
- Do they need to make decisions on my behalf?
- Do I want them to be self-starters?
- Are they idea generators?
- Can they handle conflict?
- Do you need creativity?
It is said that we need to hire for our weaknesses. Are there areas that you would like someone to help you strengthen? Personalities and strengths are all different so you need to decide what the right fit for you is.
Make a list of the hard skills that are required. Most likely, they are technical but there are other skills as well.
- What software programs are you using?
- Do you need in-depth tech support (server or connectivity)?
- Do you need a sales expert – cold calling?
- Do they need to be experienced in project management or event planning?
- Should they be fluent in another language?
These lists will help you narrow down the right candidates. A job description or posting is a great idea. You can take the answers from the two areas above, add in the tasks that you’ve defined, and easily create the description or posting. Then when you start searching, you have something concrete to find the best person for the job!
Hiring the right person starts the partnership off on the right foot, saves you time and money, and leads to a successful start.
Okay, let me hear you … What is it that you want … what you really really want?
Marianne D’Alessandro
TimeFlies-Admin Services
Marianne D’Alessandro is a virtual assistant and owner of TimeFlies-Admin Services. With over 30+ years as an executive assistant, Marianne works in partnership with her clients. She offers consulting for entrepreneurs looking to hire the right virtual assistant as well as productivity and time-saving workshops. Sign up for monthly Tips & App Features.
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