Before the first day: write one clear brief
Choose a few recurring tasks that will make a useful difference to your working week. Write down the expected result, the deadline, the tools involved and the point at which your approval is needed. Share your time zone, working hours and preferred communication channel.
For a marketing business, a starting task might be coordinating client meetings: attendees, meeting purpose, time zones, calendar rules and a checklist for the invitation. A relevant professional background helps with context, while the brief explains how your own business works.
Day one: agree the operating rules
- Explain your current priorities and the people the assistant will coordinate with.
- Agree working hours, check-ins and how urgent requests are flagged.
- Decide which tasks can be completed independently and which need approval.
- Provide access only to the tools and information needed for the agreed work.
Use your organisation’s approved access-sharing process. Separate the ability to view information from permission to send messages, move appointments or approve a payment. Confirm the applicable confidentiality and data-handling arrangements with the provider.
Days two and three: delegate one complete workflow
Give the assistant a task from start to finish, then review the output together. For a meeting, that could mean finding a time, preparing the invitation and confirming the details, subject to the approvals you agreed. Record the decisions so the next request needs less explanation.
Days four and five: build a repeatable rhythm
Turn recurring instructions into a short checklist. Use a shared task list with an owner, due date and next action. Keep check-ins focused on blockers, decisions needed and upcoming work. Add more responsibility as the workflow becomes clear.
End of week: review what changed
Ask which tasks were completed, which still required your involvement and what information was missing. If you want to measure time saved, record an honest baseline and compare equivalent work over time. Do not turn a first-week impression into an unsupported performance claim.
With Sanad, use ongoing support to discuss the working relationship and adjustments to priorities. Confirm any changes to scope or hours before treating them as part of the arrangement.
Next: read the service guide or check the FAQ.