This is really the first critical question you must ask yourself. This person didn’t work full time for you before. Maybe they’ve consulted for you before to help you through a rocky situation, but they’ve never worked for you as a direct employee because you’ve not seen the need before. Why now? What’s changed?
Are you going down this path now out of a euphoric feeling they’ve provided by getting you through a crisis? Are you just trying to show how much you value them? Or is this turning into an ongoing need? You have to ask yourself these very important questions before ‘having the discussion’ or ‘making the offer.’ Possibly they’re a network specialist and your business has grown enough and you see expansion coming and you do really need them full time. Then do you need them full time for a three-month window or full time forever? Carefully consider your true needs before moving forward.