Over the past few days, I have been pleasantly surprised with the increased productivity and “good work” from my newly hired COO. I shouldn't be surprised, but I am. See, in the past, I've hired freelancers to do “assignments,” like video editing, blog writing, graphic design, and more.

Many of us small business owners hire freelancers to help fill the gaps in our day-to-day business needs, and that's fine. However, there is one tragic mistake that many of us are making.

Independent talent, or “virtual assistants“, can only take us so far. At some point, you get tired of answering all the questions, correcting the mistakes, and thinking of all the ideas. You get tired of being the traffic cop at the center of everything. You have to work FOR your business and not just in your business.

Through my mastermind group, I realized that I needed to up my game and invest more in higher skilled talent.

Hiring someone in the Philippines for $7-10 an hour is a pretty good hourly rate. However, at that rate, the virtual assistant is often only focused on the task at hand.

I tripled the rate and started looking for one COOsomeone who came with a higher level of not only skills but THINKING. They are still from the Philippines, but their experience and business skills are much more advanced.

I needed someone who could help me grow my business, not just run errands. So, I started looking for a “thought partner”, an “integrator”. This term comes from Withdrawal: Take control of your business by Gino Wickman, a popular book that many entrepreneurs read.

Overnight, I noticed a difference. The tasks I assigned were not only getting done, they were getting done with a different, higher level of accuracy.

So what are some top tips you can be used to hire the right freelancer or virtual assistant to help your business?

Related: 6 mistakes smart people make when hiring a virtual assistant

1. Create a detailed job description

Before you start your search, create a comprehensive job description. Describe specific responsibilities, skills required and expected results. This clarity will attract more suitable candidates and lay the foundation for a successful working relationship.

2. Define clear success metrics

How will you know if your new hire is working out well? Set concrete and measurable goals from the start. Be it meeting deadlines, meeting quality standards or meeting specifications KPIhaving clear metrics of success will help you and your freelancer stay on track.

3. Understand your work style and find a match

Every business owner has a unique way of working. Prefer frequent checks or a simpler approach? Are you detail-oriented or focused on the big picture? Be honest about yourself work styleand look for freelancers whose approach complements yours.

4. Think long term

While you may have immediate needs, consider the future growth of your business when hiring. Look for freelancers who can potentially grow with your company and take on expanded responsibilities as your business evolves.

5. Avoid the “jack of all trades” trap.

It's tempting to look for a unicorn that can do everything, but this approach often leads to disappointment. Instead, focus on finding specialists who excel in specific areas essential to your business needs.

Related: 4 ways to hire and keep the best freelancers

6. Assess skill requirements

Assess whether the role requires high-level expertise or whether it involves tasks that can be learned on the job. This will help you determine the level of experience you should be looking for and the training you may need to provide.

7. Prioritize attitude and character

While technical skills are important, don't underestimate the value of an excellent one attitude and strong character. Look for freelancers who are reliable, communicative and aligned with your company's values. These traits often matter more than technical skills in the long run.

8. Test the waters

Consider hiring two to three freelancers for a small project or trial period. This approach allows you to evaluate their performance in real-world scenarios before committing to a long-term deal.

9. Be open to input

Remember that freelancers and virtual assistants often bring valuable experience from working with different clients. JOIN open to their suggestions and insights—they may introduce innovative solutions or efficiencies you hadn't considered.

Related: Hiring a Virtual Assistant? Watch out for these red flags

10. Maintain regular communication

Don't rely solely on email for communication. Schedule regular video calls or meetings to discuss progress, address challenges, and maintain a strong working relationship. it face to face timeeven if virtual, it can significantly improve collaboration and results.

Remember, the goal is not just to fill a position, but to find partners who can contribute to the growth and success of your company.