Tips for Hiring a Personal Assistant

Many people start their home business or small business because they want more control over how they spend their time and how they make their money. Unfortunately, the operation of a small business can be extremely time consuming and difficult to manage. In fact, during the first five years of the business's operation the business will take up most of the owner's time. In many cases the business begins to own the owner. If this is something that you want to avoid then consider hiring a personal assistant.

What Is a Personal Assistant?

A personal assistant is more than just an administrative assistant. Their job responsibilities include organizing your personal and business calendars, running errands, keeping track of your accounts and completing secretarial and reception duties. All in all, they are your right hand.

What to Look for in a Personal Assistant

A good personal assistant will have a number of qualities. The first quality is that they are very organized. This is essential in a good personal assistant, as they will be in charge of organizing both your professional and personal life. They should also have a proven track record as an administrative assistant or as a personal assistant. You do not want to hire someone that has no experience in the tasks that you need them to do, after all you need them to hit the ground running. Finally, you need a personal assistant that is compatible with your lifestyle and professional vigor. This means that you need to mesh with them personality wise, and you need a personal assistant that is capable of keeping up with the hours that you work.

How to Find a Personal Assistant

There are several avenues that you can take to find a personal assistant. The first option is to select someone that is already on your staff. The second option is to conduct an outside search on your own using newspapers, the Internet and other media sources. The third option is to work with a headhunter. These organizations will be able to scour the countryside for someone that has the exact qualifications and personality traits that you want and need. Your final option is to work with a basic employment agency. These organizations will help you to get the word out that you are looking for a personal assistant and they will conduct the initial screening of applicants for you.

How Much to Pay a Personal Assistant

The final issue that you need to think about when hiring a personal assistant is how much to pay them. Their compensation package needs to commensurate with the amount of work and responsibility that they will be charged with and how many hours they will be required to work each week. You will also need to take into consideration how much experience and how skilled the assistant is. Generally, these individuals will be paid more than an office manager. To make the position more appealing, it is also good to offer other perks to your personal assistant, such as insurance and retirement planning options. You can also offer discounts on company merchandise and services and the use of a vehicle. These perks, however, are up to you.

References

http://www.onlineorganizing.com/ExpertAdviceToolboxTips.asp?tipsheet=100