What to Have in Place Before You Hire an Assistant (Hint: It’s Less Than You Think)
One of the most common things I hear from overwhelmed business owners is this:
“I want to hire an assistant, but I need to get my systems in place first.”
They think they need a complete playbook, perfect SOPs, or a color-coded task list before they can even think about delegating.
Let me bust that myth real quick—because it’s not only wrong, it’s delaying the help you desperately need.
The Myth That’s Keeping You Stuck
The idea that you need to have everything perfectly mapped out before hiring is a trap. It’s just another version of procrastination in disguise.
If you had time to build a 47-tab SOP tracker, you probably wouldn’t be looking for help in the first place.
So no, you don’t need a fully baked plan. You just need a starting point.
What You Actually Need in Place
Here are three simple things I recommend thinking through before bringing on an assistant:
1. A Rough Vision for Your Role
What should your day-to-day look like?
You don’t need a perfect org chart—just a general sense of what high-value tasks you want to focus on (and what’s pulling you away from them right now).
2. A Sense of What Good Support Feels Like
Is it less stress? More follow-through? Fewer missed deadlines?
Before you hire, clarify how you want to feel with the right person by your side. That will help guide what kind of support you actually need.
3. A Willingness to Let Someone In
This one’s big.
Delegation requires a little vulnerability. You have to let someone into your mess—and trust that they can help clean it up with you, not just follow your instructions.
If you can get clear on those three things—even just roughly—you’re ready to bring in support.
Curious About what a VA Could do for you? Get your what to delegate checklist!
Stop Waiting for a Slower Season
Here’s the truth:
There’s never going to be a perfect time. The “I’ll do it when things calm down” lie keeps people in survival mode for months (or years).
Delegation is how you get out of the chaos—not what you wait for after it’s over.
Need Help Finding the Right Assistant?
We help leaders hire dedicated U.S.-based assistants and train them to work with your imperfect systems and your evolving needs.
You don’t need it all figured out. You just need someone who can jump in, take initiative, and help you get out of the weeds.
🎯 Ready to stop overthinking and start delegating?
Book a consult here.