Viewing an assistant as a cost, rather than an investment is to totally misunderstand the role.
Let’s take a look at how an assistant adds value to the bottom line of an organisation.
Assistants free up time to allow managers to focus on higher-value activities that contribute more directly to your goals or revenue.
With an assistant handling scheduling, correspondence, and other time-consuming tasks, you can achieve a more streamlined workflow. This efficiency not only boosts your productivity but can also improve the overall output of your business or projects.
Assistants often bring a diverse skill set and expertise that can complement your own strengths. Their ability to implement process and procedure for example is one of their key skills but they will also have specialized knowledge in areas such as event planning, travel arrangements, research, project management, data analysis and even digital tools or platforms that streamline operations.
By delegating tasks that are necessary but may not be the best use of your time or skills, you can reduce your workload and stress levels. This can lead to better decision-making, creativity, and a healthier work-life balance.
The concept of opportunity cost plays a significant role here. The time you spend on administrative tasks could be better spent on opportunities that directly contribute to growth and revenue. An assistant allows you to reallocate your time to these higher-value activities.
As your business or personal brand grows, an assistant can help manage the increasing workload, making it easier to scale. They can take on more responsibilities as needed, allowing for a smoother expansion process.
Having an assistant can also enhance your professional image. Prompt and efficient communication, well-organized meetings, and timely follow-ups with clients or stakeholders can improve perceptions of your professionalism and attention to detail.
So while there is a direct cost associated with hiring an assistant, the indirect benefits they provide—such as increased productivity, time savings, and stress reduction—can result in a positive return on investment.
And a word to the wise – if they are spread too thin, because they are trying to look after too many people, their potential impact is lost.
If we get it right, every hour they save each of the managers they look after, is an hour of the manager’s salary dropping directly to the bottom line.
We need to change the perception and position an assistant as a strategic asset rather than non-revenue generating ‘headcount’.
