5 reasons people fail with Support Assistants & how to fix it
Stage One Startup
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Episode breakdown
You know as every startup knows, there is so much to do. And so many times, we try to do it all ourselves because we cannot afford to hire staff or we cannot find the right people. But actually, support assistants and outsourcing when you get it right, can be a real game-changer for any startup.
- Challenges that business owners face
- What a Support Assistant can really do
- Being clear to what tasks to delegate and skillsets you need for your business plans
- The number of Support Assistants you need and what a general Support Assistant can do
- Training and onboarding requirements
- Letting the team know where the business is going
- A support assistant is an assistant, not a business strategist
- Layout task that has to happen in a quarter
- People will pay money to solve a problem
- Creating systems and processes, and continuously look at your processes to spot gaps that may cause mistakes
- How creating a clear recurring tasks list helps your business moving
- Clear and open communication, and reporting channels
- Recruiting, Training and Managing support assistants
A Support Assistant will definitely not help to clear the fog—they will clear the backlog, but not the fog.
In this episode
00:00 - Introduction & Overview
Barbara is introduced as the founder and CEO of Virtual Angel Hub, discussing the common pitfalls in hiring support assistants.
00:41 - Biggest Mistake #1: Unrealistic Expectations
Many entrepreneurs expect Support Assistants to handle a wide array of complex tasks without proper training, leading to failure. The importance of understanding that Support Assistants are skilled individuals, not mind readers, is emphasized.
11:31 - Biggest Mistake #2: Driving Through the Fog
Entrepreneurs often lack a clear strategy, which can lead to mismanagement and confusion. Barbara advises creating a simple one-page strategic plan for better communication with the team.
19:54 - Biggest Mistake #3: Process Allergy
A lack of structured processes can hinder business operations. It’s essential to establish efficient systems to delegate responsibilities effectively.
24:55 - Biggest Mistake #4: Absent Pied Piper Syndrome
Barbara describes how businesses often underestimate the need for leadership post-hiring. A leader’s vision and direction are crucial for team cohesion and success.
26:57 - Biggest Mistake #5: Lemon Squeezer
Providing unrealistic demands on Support Assistants can create an overwhelming work environment. Barbara stresses the need to balance productivity expectations and employee well-being to foster a positive work culture.
29:25 - Closing Remarks
Barbara summarizes the five common pitfalls and encourages entrepreneurs to reassess their hiring, training, and management strategies to succeed with virtual teams.
