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Over the previous few days, I have been pleasantly stunned at a rise in productiveness and “good work” by my newly employed COO. I should not be stunned, however I’m. See, prior to now, I’ve employed low cost labor to do “duties,” like video modifying, weblog writing, graphic design and extra.
Many people small enterprise homeowners rent freelancers to assist fill within the gaps in our day-to-day enterprise wants, and that is good. Nevertheless, there is a tragic mistake many people are making.
Freelance expertise, or “digital assistants,” can solely take us to date. In some unspecified time in the future, you get uninterested in answering all of the questions, correcting the errors and considering of all of the concepts. You get uninterested in being the visitors cop within the heart of every little thing. You have to work ON your small business and never simply IN your small business.
By means of my mastermind group, I noticed I wanted to uplevel my recreation and make investments extra in higher-skilled expertise.
Hiring somebody within the Philippines for $7-$10 an hour is a fairly good hourly charge for them. Nevertheless, at that charge, the digital assistant is commonly simply task-focused.
I tripled the speed and began to search for a COO, somebody who got here with a better stage of not solely expertise however THINKING as effectively. They’re nonetheless from the Philippines, however their enterprise expertise and skillset are way more superior.
I wanted somebody who may assist me develop my enterprise, not simply do duties. So, I began to search for a “thought accomplice,” an “integrator.” This time period comes from Traction: Get a Grip on Your Enterprise by Gino Wickman, a preferred e-book that many entrepreneurs learn.
In a single day, I seen a distinction. The duties I assigned weren’t solely getting finished however had been getting finished with a unique, greater stage of thoroughness.
So, what are some key suggestions you can use to rent the precise freelancer or digital assistant to assist your small business?
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1. Craft an in depth job description
Earlier than you begin your search, create a complete job description. Define particular tasks, required expertise and anticipated outcomes. This readability will entice extra appropriate candidates and set the inspiration for a profitable working relationship.
2. Outline clear success metrics
How will in case your new rent is performing effectively? Set up concrete, measurable targets from the outset. Whether or not it is assembly deadlines, attaining high quality requirements or hitting particular KPIs, having clear success metrics will assist each you and your freelancer keep aligned.
3. Perceive your work fashion, and discover a match
Each enterprise proprietor has a novel means of working. Do you favor frequent check-ins or a extra hands-off method? Are you detail-oriented or targeted on the large image? Be trustworthy about your work fashion, and search for freelancers whose method enhances yours.
4. Suppose long-term
Whereas you’ll have quick wants, contemplate your small business’s future development when hiring. Search for freelancers who can probably develop together with your firm and tackle expanded tasks as your small business evolves.
5. Keep away from the “jack of all trades” lure
It is tempting to seek for a unicorn who can do every little thing, however this method typically results in disappointment. As a substitute, deal with discovering specialists who excel in particular areas essential to your small business wants.
Associated: 4 Methods to Rent and Hold the Greatest Freelancers
6. Assess talent necessities
Consider whether or not the function requires high-level experience or if it includes duties that may be discovered on the job. This may assist you to decide the expertise stage to search for and the coaching you may want to supply.
7. Prioritize perspective and character
Whereas technical expertise are essential, do not underestimate the worth of an awesome perspective and powerful character. Search for freelancers who’re dependable, communicative and aligned together with your firm’s values. These traits typically matter greater than technical prowess in the long term.
8. Take a look at the waters
Think about hiring two to a few freelancers for a small undertaking or trial interval. This method means that you can consider their efficiency in real-world situations earlier than committing to a longer-term association.
9. Be open to enter
Do not forget that freelancers and digital assistants typically carry helpful expertise from working with numerous shoppers. Be open to their recommendations and insights — they could introduce modern options or efficiencies you have not thought of.
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10. Keep common communication
Do not rely solely on e-mail for communication. Schedule common video calls or conferences to debate progress, handle challenges and keep a powerful working relationship. This face-to-face time, even when digital, can considerably enhance collaboration and outcomes.
Keep in mind, the aim isn’t just to fill a place, however to search out companions who can contribute to your organization’s development and success.
