Q: Training Team

From time to time we answer your questions about the organizing industry.

I’m in the process of growing my team. Do you have any tips for hiring or training assistants?
– Amanda W.

Hiring and training are two very different things.

When hiring an assistant, you want to look for someone who

does not want to run a business, or it will be a temporary hire as they will leave to start their own biz.
understands that working for someone else means the pay scale will reflect that they are not paying for their own marketing
likes to be a “doer”
is inspired to follow your lead
can be directed and can take initiative
is skilled and competent for the job

When training any kind of assistant or employee, you want to be prepared for any circumstance, because you are essentially the boss, payroll, and human resources rolled into one.

Create a procedures manual so you are clear about expectations
Create forms and checklists so jobs are completed to your satisfaction
Take time to supervise at first until you are sure they can do the job
Allow assistant to work independently after training, and provide useful feedback

Assistants who are independent contractors working as an organizer with you have a different set of rules than true employees. If you are contracting an assistant, the rule of thumb is this:
You can tell them the result you want, but they can get to the result as they see fit. Independent contractors also use their own tools (in general).

If you are telling your assistant what to do every step of the way and providing the tools, you essentially have an employee who can seek employee status.

This IRS page has more information about independent contractor vs. employee status.

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