You Don’t Need Another You: Hiring the Right Virtual Assistant

Let’s be honest – hiring someone new can feel like a daunting task. Whether you’re looking for a virtual assistant or bringing someone into your business for the first time, it’s easy to fall into one common trap: thinking you need to find someone exactly like yourself.

Now, I get it. When you’re rattling off the qualities you want in a new hire, you’ll naturally start describing yourself. You might say, “I want someone no-nonsense, someone who’s straight down the line,” or “I need someone who gets the job done like me.”

But here’s where the irony hits – you’re looking for someone to take on tasks you don’t like doing, yet you're searching for someone who’s just like you.

Here’s the real talk: you don’t need another you.

What you need is someone who complements you – someone whose strengths are your weaknesses. If you’re hiring for the first time, or even adding to your team, the goal should be to find someone who balances out your natural tendencies.

Let me break it down.

If you’re a bit chaotic, always flying by the seat of your pants and reacting to things as they come, you don’t need another person to keep up with your pace. What you need is someone who can slow things down and create structure. Someone who’s organised and proactive, who can step in and bring a sense of order to your chaos. They’re not there to make you go faster in the same direction – potentially the wrong one – they’re there to steer you straight.

Opposites Attract (In Hiring Too)

Think of it like this: you’ve got your style of working, and there are things you’re brilliant at. But let’s face it, there are tasks you either don’t enjoy or just aren’t your strong suit. Maybe it’s managing schedules, organising files, or even making sure small details don’t fall through the cracks. That’s okay! That’s where your virtual assistant should come in.

The beauty of hiring someone who’s different from you is that they’ll handle the things you struggle with. If you’re reactive, they’ll be proactive. If you’re big-picture, they’ll focus on the details. Together, you’ll form a team that covers all bases.

So before you dive into your next hire, take a moment to really think about what personality traits will help balance your business. Instead of listing out qualities that mirror your own, consider what you truly need to thrive.

The Bottom Line

Hiring a virtual assistant (or any new team member) isn’t about finding someone who works just like you – it’s about finding someone who can fill in the gaps, support you, and help your business grow in a way that plays to both your strengths.

You don’t need another you. You need someone who’s better in the areas you’re not.

And trust me, that’s where the real magic happens.