Hiring Help: When, Who, and How to Start
Every business owner reaches a point where doing it all is no longer sustainable. The to-do list grows faster than you can tackle it, opportunities slip through the cracks, and burnout feels inevitable.
Here’s the thing: Hiring help isn’t a luxury—it’s the first step toward scaling your business sustainably. The question is, “Where do I start?”
Whether you’re considering your first hire or looking to build a team, this guide will walk you through when to hire, who to bring in, and how to onboard effectively.
When to Know It’s Time to Hire Help
It can be hard to let go, especially if you’ve been running your business solo for years. But if you notice any of these signs, it’s time to bring someone in:
You’re spending too much time on admin tasks. If emails, scheduling, or invoicing are taking up hours of your day, you’re likely sacrificing time that could be spent on growth-focused work.
You’re saying “yes” to everything but moving in circles. When every minute of your day is spoken for, there’s no room for strategy, creativity, or long-term planning.
Growth opportunities feel out of reach. If your workload is so overwhelming that you can’t take on new clients or projects, hiring help can unlock the capacity you need to scale.
Recognising the need for support is the first step toward building a business that works for you—not the other way around.
Who to Hire First: VA vs. OBM
One of the most common questions is, “Who should I hire first?” The answer depends on your business needs and goals.
Virtual Assistant (VA):
Best for handling repetitive, task-based work.
Examples: Email management, scheduling, social media posting, data entry.
Great for solopreneurs who need immediate support for low-value tasks.
Online Business Manager (OBM):
Best for strategy and managing operations.
Examples: Overseeing projects, improving workflows, team coordination.
Ideal if you’re scaling and need someone to manage systems or team members.
How to Decide:
If you’re drowning in admin work, start with a VA.
If you need help organising and managing your business, consider an OBM.
How to Onboard Your New Hire Successfully
Hiring someone is just the first step—onboarding them effectively is where the magic happens.
1. Set Clear Expectations:
Outline the specific tasks they’ll be handling.
Share your goals so they understand how their work fits into the bigger picture.
2. Document Your Processes:
Create step-by-step instructions for the tasks you’re delegating.
Use tools like Loom or Google Docs to make these guides easy to follow.
3. Schedule Check-Ins:
Regular feedback ensures everyone stays aligned.
Encourage open communication to build trust and improve efficiency.
The ROI of Hiring Help
Bringing someone into your business isn’t just about lightening your workload—it’s an investment in your growth.
Time Saved: When you’re not buried in repetitive tasks, you can focus on strategy, creativity, and revenue-driving work.
Increased Revenue: Hiring the right support allows you to scale faster and take on new opportunities.
Reduced Stress: With a reliable team, you’ll finally have room to breathe and lead with clarity.
The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll see the rewards.
By following these steps, you’ll not only lighten your workload but also set your business up for scalable, sustainable growth. It’s time to take that first step toward hiring help—and building the team that will help your business thrive