I hired an assistant.

The first employee I hired was my mom. She was super helpful and ‘on call’ when I needed it. She helped my process payrolls, did lots of back-end work like receipt entry and that kind of thing. 

As I got busier, I decided to hire an operations assistant but she outgrew the job, so I decided to hire a dedicated junior bookkeeper. 

Then I kept getting bigger. Everything seemed to balance out and for awhile my junior bookkeeper and I kept on top of it all. 

… Then I got hired as a consultant, then I got a lighthouse client, then I got 5 more clients. 

All while I was trying to do all the business stuff on my own. Finally, my business coach intervened: 

“Erika, you need to hire a VA. You can’t do this on your own anymore.”

She was right. So even though the last two ‘official’ employees I had went through an extensive interview process I immediately reached out to a trusted friend. 

“Hey, I need an assistant; are you looking for a job?”

We got on a call and I went through everything I needed help with; website, email, organization, research, blogs, social media, onboarding clients, ordering things, etc. 

That was a Friday and they started the following Monday. Within the first week, they had me ‘brain dumping’ things I’ve been thinking about forever or wanting to do. They helped me with my internet issue, they had a strategy doc ready to go for the new projects, and also had my schedule all fixed.

Next, they’re organizing my google drive which may sound silly, but oof, it’s a mess.

It’s only a part time gig, but it’s been an absolute life saver. I have more capacity for work with my clients, mentees, and future work projects.

Business owners: hire that employee. It’s worth it.