# Hiring & Delegation Guide

## When to Hire

**The Formula (Tom Panos):**
- Solo agent: 3-4 sales/month capacity
- Agent + 1 PA (admin): 5-6 sales/month
- Agent + 2 (admin + sales PA): 7-8 sales/month
- Agent + 3 (admin + buyer's agent + sales PA): 10+ sales/month

If you're consistently turning away business or working 60+ hours, it's time.

## Your First Hire

**Always admin first.** Free up your Finder time. Tasks to delegate:
- Scheduling viewings
- Preparing particulars / marketing materials
- Data entry and CRM updates
- Correspondence and chasing
- Social media scheduling
- Filing and compliance paperwork

**Cost justification:** If your average fee is £5,000 and a PA costs £25,000/year, you only need 5 extra completions to cover the cost. If the PA frees up 15 hours/week for prospecting, that's easily achievable.

## The Hiring Process

### 1. Identify
Define the specific tasks, skills needed, and outcomes expected. Don't hire a generalist — hire for the specific gap.

### 2. Search
- LinkedIn (professional roles)
- Indeed / Reed (admin/support)
- Your network (word of mouth is often best)
- Social media (attracts people who already follow you)

### 3. Sift
- Technical roles: test their skills
- Creative roles: review portfolio, test their thinking
- All roles: culture fit matters as much as skills

### 4. Trial
- UK: typically 3-6 months probation
- Clear expectations and measurable goals
- Weekly check-ins for the first month, fortnightly after

## The One-to-One Template

Monthly team reviews — 30 minutes:

**About You (10 mins):** How are things? What would you like to do more/less of? Career progression?
**About Us (10 mins):** Things we're planning, things to discuss
**The Future (10 mins):** Stop doing / start doing / keep doing + action items

## Delegation Rules

1. **Delegate the task, not just the work.** Give context, not just instructions.
2. **Accept 80% quality initially.** They won't do it exactly like you.
3. **Don't take it back.** If they struggle, coach them.
4. **Your time has a value.** If you earn £200/hour selling and spend 3 hours on admin, you're losing £600.