If you’re having the little thought that you might need an assistant, you definitely need an assistant. On today’s episode, Matt and Garrett break down everything you need to know about hiring an assistant, navigating that working relationship for optimal success, and what you can do to ensure your assistant performs at the highest level possible long-term.    Our hosts explain the importance of having a solid foundation in place when hiring an assistant, as well as making your expectations and job descriptions clear from the beginning, and encouraging open communication with one another. As you’ll hear, having F.O.R.D. (Family, Occupation, Recreation, and Dreams) conversations with your assistant can yield amazing results, and even introduce new ideas that will not only help your business run smoother, but also free up more time to focus on income-producing activities.    As you begin your business planning for 2022, today’s playbook for hiring an assistant will show you how to make the most of this relationship, and set yourselves up for a rewarding dynamic in which you both play to your greatest strengths and skill sets, and reach your mutual goals together.   Join the Ninja Selling Podcast group on Facebook at Ninja Selling Podcast Facebook where you share ideas, ask questions, and connect with other Ninjas. You can also leave a voicemail with your direct feedback at 208 MY-NINJA. And visit Ninja Selling Events for more information about upcoming open installations. Or if you’re interested in taking your goals a step further, visit Ninja Coaching to check out all of our amazing coaches.   Episode Highlights:  Proper etiquette around hiring an assistant and navigating that relationship Have a plan, clear expectations, and a solid foundation Preventing communication breakdown between agent and assistant Make a list of low dollar producing activities that can be delegated to someone who’s not licensed, and who truly enjoys looking after those tasks Disassociate from the idea that you need to hire another “you” A licensed assistant could also be an option Hiring someone with specific skill sets This frees up time for other valuable activities Number one reason assistants leave or get fired is lack of effective communication initiated by the agent themselves F.O.R.D. questions and encouraging open dialogue with your assistant Be open to their ideas and suggestions Have your assistant document what they’re doing for you Hire an assistant before you need them   Quotes:   “There are some things you can do when you first decide to bring in an assistant that'll make everything go smoother, long-term.”   “Let's have a process in place so that they know what they're going to be doing.”   “You need to get a clear idea of what your operations look like, which is what is so beautiful about business planning.”   “How many times have I seen people say, These are all the things that I get bogged down in, but they don't write it down.”   “That's a very important point that people should pay attention to is that when you're hiring somebody - you're not trying to hire another version of you. You're not trying to duplicate yourself so that you can be in more places at one time. You're looking for somebody who can be a strength in an area that you either just don't want to be strong in, or it's a weakness, or it's just not an income producing activity.”   “When you free up time, it allows you to then free up the ability to communicate with your assistant.”   “Where can I build a process and build some systems so that there's clarity when I bring somebody in? And now I have the freedom to communicate.”   “The number one reason for an assistant either blowing out and running away, or getting fired, is lack of communication set up initially by the actual real estate agent themselves.”   “Because of the lack of communication, these things fester and fester and fester.”   “What am I doing to make sure that this person has everything they need to d