It all starts with that first hire.
If you’re a real estate agent and you’re ready to hire your first assistant, there are a few things you need to know before you start your search. Time and time again, I see agents rush into their first hire, only to discover that they’ve made a BIG mistake. And, as you might have guessed, making the right hire the first time is crucial to your success!
Join me today to learn the five things you need to know before you hire a real estate assistant. Let’s dive in.
#1: There is no such thing as a "deal" when you're making an offer to a candidate.
Just like houses, the market dictates the price – i.e. the market dictates what assistants are paid in your area. As a new employer, you may need to make some compromises, because you won’t be getting a “deal” on a rockstar assistant. (And if you are, that’s a red flag!)
Salary isn’t the only reason someone takes a job. They may be looking for growth, flexibility, or an office that’s closer to their home. So, when thinking about your opportunity, figure out what you offer that makes you stand out! This can make top-quality candidates want to work for you – even if it means that they have to adjust their salary expectations.
#2: You have more work for someone to do than you think you do.
Yes, an assistant is there to handle your email and your calendar, but there is so much going on in your office! Your job as an agent is to prospect, negotiate and close deals. This is something your assistant can not only help you do, but help you do better. Sit down and write out a list of tasks you’d like to delegate. You’ll be surprised by how much you come up with.
By the way, if you think that you might have 30 hours of work per week – go for a full-time assistant. You need them!
#3: It doesn't matter how experienced your new hire is, you're going to have to train them.
It doesn’t matter if you’re hiring an experienced assistant or an unexperienced one: training is paramount. In your office you do things differently and your process is unique, so your assistant needs your help to understand their role.
I know how much people hate to train. Trust me. But when you enlist the help of a professional, the result is incredible. For example, when assistants go through Kathleen Metcalf’s 90 Days to Thrive program, there is about a 3% chance the hire won’t work out. When clients do their OWN training and onboarding, there is about a 20% chance they’ll need to replace the hire. Training matters.
#4: Admins think differently than you, and this is a good thing.
Look: you’re an entrepreneur. You’re a salesperson. You have a high-risk, high-reward type of mentality… and admins DON’T operate that way.
Remember, you’re not looking for your mirror image – you’re looking for your compliment. This person will moderate you, create systems that don’t exist and follow them consistently so you can provide a higher level of service. Your admin is searching for stability and consistency, and it’s up to you to provide that for them.
#5: Leadership is a skill that can be learned.
Far too many real estate agents know that they need help, but they don’t want to put in the work to become a good real estate leader and manager. Because of that, they often have a rotating door of candidates.
Believe it or not, real estate teams have a 50% turnover rate in staff every YEAR. To give you perspective, a healthy turnover rate is 10%! Why is that? Well, agents hire the wrong person, then they fail to train and onboard them, and they fail to manage them.
This is a vicious cycle, and it all starts (and ENDS) with you. You’re responsible for the people in your care, and it’s up to you to get the help you need to become a better, stronger leader and to give your team the support they’re looking for
VANESSA ROSENBLUM
PRO R.E.A. STAFFING & HIRE LAB FOUNDER
Continue the conversation with her here.
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