good help is hard to find..

[ndsimm]

So, I'm needing someone to help me with client contact and honestly not sure how to go about it..

I've tried college students, but they are not that excited about "selling" and I've thought about maybe using a past client or a stay at home mom but figured I may have to do too much training. I've considered even getting someone in training, but didn't want them "stealing" business from me and advertizing themselves

For those that have hired someone as an office assistant, how did you do it? how long did you interview? Does age make a difference? Were there any risks from hiring another photographer?

[gaea106]

Might try for an older graduate level college student that is in a marketing program. Or you could try getting someone experienced in sales, like someone that has worked as a telemarketer or collector. Sounds bad, but those people are usually on overdrive as far as sales skill if they are any good. This way neither person would compete for your business because they aren't a photographer.

[HotHolly]

Nathan, what is client contact for you? Is it maintaining exsisting clients, getting new clients, or something else? When it comes to selling, I found out the hard way, not to hire it out. Last Jan I was so bogged down with sales and non-stop phone calls that I hired someone to manage the phones. The phone is the primary contact point for most clients. They called, I sold them a session, and they came in. Feb was totally dead. The girls answering the phones couldnt sell the session. Not sure what your needs are, but keep that in mind.

[bondarnes]

My best success has been with older women who have experience in direct sales such as Mary Kay or some similar party plan company. They already know how to keep in contact with a client without being obnoxious and how to book a party (session). Look for someone that doesn't need the money for living expenses, but is just wanting some extra fun money. You may need to be flexible on work schedule, but in the end it will be well worth it. These women are also very organized and goal oriented and may push you to exceed your current goals.

And even though I have had good success in the past, I would not hire a photographer to do anything but photography. I went into it knowing that I was probably training my competition and in several instances this proved to be correct.

[ndsimm]

Originally Posted by HotHolly

Nathan, what is client contact for you? Is it maintaining exsisting clients, getting new clients, or something else? When it comes to selling, I found out the hard way, not to hire it out. Last Jan I was so bogged down with sales and non-stop phone calls that I hired someone to manage the phones. The phone is the primary contact point for most clients. They called, I sold them a session, and they came in. Feb was totally dead. The girls answering the phones couldnt sell the session. Not sure what your needs are, but keep that in mind.

it's getting new clients (I get quite a few inquiries from my web site and don't follow up NEARLY as much as I should)and you're right, that is my main concern...getting someone who can't sell.
I do like Don's idea though

[bondarnes]

We have used personality profile testing from Zig Ziglar's company. It helps you identify strengths and weaknesses of a job applicant. It also helped us know how to give employees assignments that they could be successful with. I think they were around $50.00 each which is pretty cheap if it keeps you from hiring the wrong person. I would highly recommend them for the type of employee you are looking for.