HIRING AN ASSISTANT: SCARY OR EXCITING?

TOP TIPS FOR REALTORS AND BUSINESS OWNERS

Hiring an assistant can feel overwhelming. It is a big step in any business, whether you are a real estate agent, a small business owner, or an entrepreneur. The thought of handing over control can be intimidating, but the right assistant can transform your business by increasing efficiency and freeing up your time to focus on revenue-generating activities. Today, we are sharing the top three tips on hiring an assistant so that you can make the right decision for your real estate or small business.

When Should You Hire an Assistant?

Most agents and business owners wait too long to hire an assistant. The best time to hire is when you find yourself consistently overwhelmed with administrative work, missing opportunities, or unable to focus on income-producing tasks. If you are spending more time managing paperwork and less time with clients, it is time to consider hiring help.

Top Three Tips for Hiring an Assistant

1. Define the Role and Responsibilities

Before hiring, create a list of tasks you need help with. Start by tracking your daily activities for a week and identify which tasks could be delegated. These tasks might include:

Transaction coordination

Scheduling appointments

Social media management

Email marketing

CRM management

Video editing

Once you have the list, draft a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that outlines how these tasks should be performed. This ensures that your assistant knows exactly what is expected and that tasks are done consistently.

2. Choose Between a Virtual or In-Person Assistant

There are two main options when hiring an assistant: virtual or in-person. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Virtual Assistants (VAs):

Lower cost, especially if hiring from overseas

Flexible hours and project-based work

Ideal for administrative, marketing, and creative tasks

Use platforms like Fiverr or Upwork to find qualified professionals

In-Person Assistants:

Better for client-facing tasks

More direct supervision and accountability

Ideal for transaction coordination and in-office duties

If you are hiring a virtual assistant from overseas, be mindful that language barriers and time zone differences may impact communication. However, these challenges can often be overcome with the right training and tools.

3. Decide on Compensation and Employment Type

There are three main options for hiring an assistant:

Freelancer/Subcontractor: Pay per project or hourly; great for specific tasks (e.g., social media, video editing).

Part-Time Employee: A more affordable option that allows flexibility while keeping control.

Full-Time Employee: Ideal for scaling your business but requires a stable workload and financial commitment.

Many agents and small business owners hesitate to hire because of cost concerns. However, a well-trained assistant pays for themselves by freeing up your time for higher-value tasks like lead generation and closing deals.

Bonus Tip: Leverage Team and Brokerage Resources

Not ready to hire a full-time assistant? Consider joining a team where administrative and marketing support is already built-in. For example, the 21 Mike Team provides transaction coordination, lead generation, and marketing support, allowing agents to focus on selling more homes.

Brokerages like Century 21 HomeStar also provide valuable admin support. Unlike some brokerages where agents must do everything themselves, HomeStar agents have listing input assistance, training, and compliance support. These resources can help streamline your business without the need for a personal assistant.

Final Thoughts: Is it Time to Hire an Assistant?

If your phone is constantly ringing, you are buried in paperwork, and you are missing out on business opportunities, it is time to take the next step. Hiring an assistant does not have to be scary—it can be the best investment you ever make for your business.

For more training, coaching, and business growth tips, subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow 21 Mike Team on Facebook. If you need guidance on hiring an assistant or growing your business, schedule an appointment at 21mike.com or tonytalk.net.

Your success is our success. Let us help you take your business to the next level!

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