When you buy a $10 pair of shoes, what do you expect from it? What about from a $100 printer or $1000 car?
I’m often asked about the standard $10-an-hour pay offering by those advertising for assistants on Craigslist. I must assume that these entrepreneurs get responses because otherwise, they would stop asking.
For my part, I usually respond to this inquiry by saying—they probably got what they paid for.
There probably is a reason that the ad answers are willing to settle for this wage. The bottom line is, they accept $10 an hour because (for whatever reason) they are not able to get someone to pay them more than that.
Even if there are extenuating circumstances, I feel that the small business runner would be taking a big risk. Once a good assistant begins to realize that he/she is being underpaid and is able to command a higher price elsewhere, then the entrepreneur will either have to step up and match the demand or be willing to start all over with someone new and of perhaps a lower quality.
When you own a business, I know that business is you. And you deserve an administrative professional who is capable, experienced, and trustworthy. Not someone purchased at a bargain basement rate.
Chicago artist George Berlin has a really interesting promotion going. For his Facebook friends and fans, he is creating special profile pictures in his distinctive style.
See some of the ones he has already completed at his Facebook profiles blog post.
Some of the larger companies understand this and work to create a corporate culture within which all employees are able to represent the company effectively. For small businesses and self-employed individuals though, the willingness to understand the need for consistent sales is so much more important.
When you represent your business, almost every interaction is a sales opportunity. This does not mean giving your pitch to everyone on the street, but it does mean that with everyone you meet, you are making an impression.
Perhaps the new person at the dinner party works with someone who works with someone who needs your product or service?
Or perhaps the mail carrier is aware that someone on his/her route is in need of some help, which just happens to be the kind of assistance your company offers?
But also keep in mind, all this may not come about until months or even years down the road. While no one can be vigilant all the time, an entrepreneur has to be aware of the potentials that are all around.
It will serve you well to develop and project a confidence in yourself and confidence in your ability to do what you do. Learn to communicate your business concisely and with impact.
Leave these positive impressions with those who meet you.
Detour Services (www.detourservices.com) provides quality and affordable freelance business support to Chicago's busy small business owners and self-employed professionals. Hire your freelance executive assistant or personal assistant today!
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Detour Services (www.detourservices.com) strives to be a busy entrepreneur's one-stop shop for administrative support. If you do not have a full-time executive assistant, personal assistant, or project coordinator, let us help.
When you buy a $10 pair of shoes, what do you expect from it? What about from a $100 printer or $1000 car?
Some of the larger companies understand this and work to create a corporate culture within which all employees are able to represent the company effectively. For small businesses and self-employed individuals though, the willingness to understand the need for consistent sales is so much more important.