Hiring Your First Assistant

Back in July, I was juggling a corporate event in Milwaukee with 300 attendees. The client called me two days before the event, asking for a last-minute change to the seating arrangement. I was knee-deep in logistics and realized I needed help. That's when I decided it was time to hire my first assistant. If you're considering hiring event business staff, here's how to make that first hire count.

Identify the Tasks You Can Delegate

When you're running an event business, it's easy to get buried under a mountain of tasks. Start by identifying the tasks that take up most of your time but don't necessarily require your expertise. For me, it was managing client communications and handling vendor coordination. These are perfect tasks to delegate to an assistant.

Think about what you can hand off without compromising quality. Maybe it's managing your calendar, handling emails, or even some basic bookkeeping. The key is to free up your time for the high-impact tasks that only you can do. This is where a tool like EvoForce can help streamline your workflow, making it easier to track what needs to be done and by whom.

Set a Fair Pay and Trial Period

Once you've identified the tasks, it's time to think about compensation. Pay should reflect the complexity and responsibility of the tasks you're delegating. Research what others in your area are paying for similar roles. You want to be competitive but also fair.

Consider starting with a trial period. This gives both you and the assistant a chance to see if it's a good fit. A 30 to 60-day trial can be a great way to test the waters without a long-term commitment. During this time, assess their ability to handle tasks and adapt to your workflow.

Test the Fit with Real-World Scenarios

During the trial period, give your assistant real tasks to handle. This isn't just about seeing if they can do the job; it's about seeing how they handle pressure and unexpected changes. For instance, I had my assistant manage a last-minute vendor change for a wedding. It was a real test of their problem-solving skills and ability to stay calm under pressure.

Use this time to provide feedback and see how they respond. Are they proactive? Do they communicate effectively? These are crucial traits for anyone in the event business. The right assistant will not only take tasks off your plate but also bring new energy and ideas to your business.

Integrate Them into Your Workflow

Once you're confident in your assistant's abilities, it's time to fully integrate them into your workflow. This is where the right software can make a huge difference. With EvoForce, you can assign tasks, track progress, and ensure nothing falls through the cracks. It's about creating a seamless process where your assistant knows exactly what needs to be done and when.

Remember, hiring event business staff is about building a team that supports your vision. Your first assistant is a crucial step in that journey. With the right approach, you'll find someone who not only helps manage the workload but also contributes to the growth and success of your business.

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