Hiring an Assistant... You will know when it is Time!

Kathy, good luck with your hire! I hired my first assistant pretty much the same way. Business was booming and a friend of mine, another Realtor, had a smart, funny friend who was studying for her real estate license and looking for a job. I hired her and we drove each other crazy for the next two years! As much as I loved her (and still do), we were too much alike and finally another friend of mine told me, "Shannon, if you don't fire her, I will do it for you." I learned a lot about what I need -- and don't need in an asisstant. One of the things I suggest to anyone is to do DISC profiling of an assistant and make sure that they are hiring to their weaknesses. Most agents are either high "D" (driver) or high "I" (inituitive/outgoing people people) and most great assistants are "S" and "C" (stable and careful/detail oriented). My first assistant and I were both off the charts "D" and both wanted to be in charge ... of my business. I hope your hire has a better outcome than my first one did!

Hi Kathy,

Good luck in your new endeavor. And I too have had former clients (and we all have remained friends) for assistants since the 70's and they've been wonderful to work with.

And I'd say ditto on Shannon's comment about understanding the DISC formula, it's been a huge help for me. So far  the assistants I've had are not at all like me and that's exactly what I need.

This sounds like you are ready to take that leap Kathy; good for you! I believe that we hold ourselves back at times because we are so busy doing things others can and want to do.

Looking forward to hearing about the benefits in the future.

Kathy, best of luck to you as you make this leap. I look forward to hearing how it goes and what you learn. I keep thinking it might be time for me to do the same thing.

Cal