I’ve noticed a lot of people making the same mistake when it comes to hiring an assistant. They’re looking for the wrong things. And trust me, I get it—finding the right person can feel overwhelming, and you probably think the solution is hiring someone with travel agent experience or a local assistant. But let me stop you right there… because that might just be setting you up for a revolving door of employees.
Here’s what I’m seeing happen, and what I recommend instead:
1. Looking for Industry Experience
You might be thinking, “If I hire a former travel agent, planner, etc., they’ll know exactly what to do.” But this is setting you up for heartbreak. Why? Because once they build their own book of business, they’ll move on.
What you actually need: Someone committed to supporting you long-term—not building their own business. Hire for skills like organization, attention to detail, and the ability to manage systems that free you up to focus on your high-value tasks. This way, you're investing in someone who sees their role as supporting your growth for the long haul, not just a temporary stepping stone.
2. Hiring Someone Local
I know the idea of hiring someone nearby might seem easier, but don’t overlook the incredible value (and talent!) of overseas assistants. You’ll get highly skilled professionals at a lower cost, and guess what? They can work just as efficiently—and sometimes even better—than local hires.
What you actually need: Someone who understands your systems and knows how to communicate effectively, regardless of where they’re located. Overseas VAs often come with a strong work ethic, great tech skills, and the flexibility to work during your business hours.
3. Expecting Them to Come Fully Trained
The truth? Nobody comes fully trained for your business. So, looking for someone who knows everything off the bat can lead to frustration on both sides. The perfect assistant is someone who’s willing to learn and adapt to your way of doing things.
What you actually need: Someone who’s eager to learn and adaptable. Invest time in training them the right way, and you’ll have an assistant who knows your business inside and out. This short-term investment of time pays off in the long run.
4. Trying to Find Someone Who “Does It All”
You might be tempted to hire a jack-of-all-trades who can do admin, social media, client management, and more. But here’s the thing—this usually leads to mediocre results across the board.
What you actually need: Hire for the role you need most right now, and prioritize specialized skills. Whether it's admin support, social media, or bookings, focus on finding someone who excels in that specific area. As your business grows, you can always expand their responsibilities or hire additional help.
5. Choosing Someone Who Wants to “Learn the Industry”
Sure, hiring someone who wants to learn the industry might seem like a win-win. But remember, if they’re looking to become a travel agent, planner, etc., they’re likely going to leave you once they’re ready to take off on their own.
What you actually need: Someone who thrives on operations, organization, and support. You need a VA who wants to be behind the scenes making your life easier—not someone who’s using the role as a stepping stone to their own business.
6. Prioritizing Familiarity Over Skills
You might think hiring someone who knows the industry is the answer. But really, you should be focusing on someone with the right skills—like managing workflows, using tech tools, and organizing the backend of your business. These are the skills that will actually save you time and help your business grow.
What you actually need: Look for skills like tech-savviness, project management, and strong communication. They don’t need to know every detail of the travel industry—they just need to have the tools and mindset to support your business efficiently.
7. Hiring for Personality Over Skills
Don’t get me wrong—having an assistant you click with is great. But don’t let that be your main hiring factor. The assistant who “gets along” with you may not be the best fit for executing tasks and managing details.
What you actually need: Hire for skills first, personality second. You need someone who can handle the work efficiently and has the mindset to grow with your business. Personality is important, but don’t let it cloud the key capabilities that will actually move your business forward.
8. Hiring as a Short-Term Fix
I’ve seen many hire assistants to get through busy seasons, thinking it’s just a temporary need. But if you approach it this way, you’re not setting up your business for sustainable growth.
What you actually need: An assistant who sees your business as their long-term gig. Someone who’s invested in the systems and strategies that will help you scale, rather than just patching things up during the busy season.
9. Hiring Someone to “Mirror” You
You might think you need someone who works exactly like you do. But what you really need is someone who complements your strengths and fills in the gaps. You don’t need another “you”—you need someone with skills that help cover what you don’t have time for.
What you actually need: An assistant who complements your weaknesses. If you’re great at sales but terrible at organizing, find someone who’s amazing at setting up systems and workflows. You want someone who fills in the gaps and strengthens your business.
Final Thoughts
If any of this sounds like you, don’t worry—you’re not alone! But if you want to hire an assistant who will stick with you, support your business long-term, and actually make your life easier, it’s time to shift your focus. Look for the skills and mindset that truly matter, and you’ll end up with an assistant who helps you grow, scale, and finally reclaim your time.
Ready to get everything you need to hire the right person with confidence? Let’s talk! I’m here to help you find someone who can truly transform your business.
P.S. - I also cover ALL of this and more in depth inside Systems and Assistants That Work! We've helped hundreds of individuals just like you start reclaiming their time and focusing on what's most important with an Assistant That Works!
