Good employee, potential competitor?

Question

I have a small Internet business. Due to expansion, I decide to hire an assistant. Luckily, I found a very qualified candidate. The only problem is, when I asked 'why do you want to work here and what do you want to do 2 years from now?' Her answer is, I want to have the same business as you do. This makes me worry. I definitely do not want this employee to learn everything in 2 years, take all my resouces and then become my competitors. Although I can ask her to sign a contract for confidentiality and non-competition, I doubt whether that would work at all. I've heard stories like this from many other small business owners, where their employees left, stole clients list, open a business under whoever's name it is but is actually in control. What do you think? Will you hire someone who can probably make your life easier now, but then leave and took away all of the skills and knowledge and become a threat? Anything I can do?

Answer 1

I've had exactly the same thing happen when I've been interviewing people, and I never hired any of them. You gave all the reasons not to in your question.

Answer 2

I would hire someone that was bright enough but with aspirations in another area. A college student would be great - preferably someone that wants to work in a completely different field. You could also hire a retiree that needs some extra cash. This potential candidate, while bright, will walk away with everything you have.