Build Your Team With Interns!
Many wedding professionals get overwhelmed, confused and even down-
right intimidated by hiring interns. Well, I got my start in this incredible
industry through internships, so not only do I value interns, I’ve also built
not one, but two wonderful businesses with a team of interns and I firmly
believe that I could not have done it without them. So let’s go ahead and
get the pros and cons of hiring interns out of the way, okay?!
What are the pros of “hiring” interns?
• They’re F*R*E*E to you!!
• No hassle with taxes, payroll fees and paperwork, or benefits to
pay.
• They know social media and technology
inside and out.
• You’re helping someone gain valuable
experience for their future.
• You’ll have an eager and excited new
addition to your team.
• You f.ree up tons of hours of your OWN
time!
• As you add team members, your own
network of contacts expands
exponentially.
• As you train the interns, you can have them create an operations
manual for you (which will train future interns for you).
• They’re in school to learn more about your industry or marketing
(usually), so consider this **bonus**
continuing education for you.
• You can “clone” yourself for many
marketing projects and tedious office
work.
So, what are the cons of “hiring” interns?
• You have to trust people to help you and
see your behind-the-scenes operations.
• You’ll have to train them and manage them to represent your
company.
•You’ll need to interview interns to determine which are
the best fit for your company, and which are not.
•You may be intimidated by interns who are in college
if you don’t have a degree, or your degree is not in your
field of expertise.
•They may have little or no experience in the field
where you need help.
(That’s all I could come up with, so that’s not bad, is
it?!)
The Basic How-To’s of Hiring Interns:
1. Write out a detailed description of what you
need help with, like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn,
Blogging, Assistant Planners or Shooters, PR, Office
Work, etc…Include how much work is involved, the number of hours
(estimate) it will take, the location restrictions (do they need to be
local?), pay – or lack thereof, and any other requirements (like owning
a computer or flexible hours).
2. After identifying your needs, ask key people at colleges to connect
you with the right people. Email department heads, professors, and
career counselors for help. Include your description for the job in your
email and any other specifications to make this easy and as little effort
as possible for those helping you out. Colleges are hands-down the
BEST resource for interns because students know
the benefits of internships and are actively
searching for opportunities.
3.Set a Deadline. When do you want help? When
will you interview potential interns? When would
you want them to start? Put it on the calendar and
get organized and clear from the very beginning.
4. Interview Interns! Ask for cover letters and resumes to get the best
feel for their personality, experience up to this
point, goals, and areas of study. Then
interview them on the phone or in person
(depending on the job requirements). Ask
good questions, including your objections (see
some of the cons) and let them explain why
this will be a great relationship. (Hint:: don’t hire the ones you don’t
like, don’t see eye-to-eye with, or don’t get a good feeling about.
Chances are, things won’t change.)
5. Remember the “what’s in it for me” that I’m always talking about?
Well, this totally applies to interns too … at least when you want quality
help. It’s okay to get a reputation for being hard to get an internship
with (this weeds out a lot of icky people for you), but make sure to take
care of your interns. They’re working for you for f.ree, but not for
nothing! Help them network with the right people, put them in touch
with potential employers, and introduce them to the industry and your
community. After you help several interns get incredible positions,
word will spread around campus…Trust me!
6. Be a good boss and an even better leader! Most people who have
(chronic) bad experiences with interns and employees will find that it’s
with them, and not with the interns, who have the problem. Give good,
detailed instructions, be up-front with deadlines and expectations, and
be kind, generous and fair. Show them how to lead… Behavior and
results normally reflect leadership!
7. Give promotion and growth opportunities, when able. As your
interns prove their value to your business, give them incentive to stay
on-board. Transition them into paid positions when you’re able, and
even offer them long-term options when possible too. You’ll grow a
team from interns that are life-long bonds. Consider them custom-
trained just for you after going through this process!
Your Bride Attraction Assignment:
Imagine your Bride Attraction potential as you double your efforts and
productivity….for F*R*E*E! How can you not take advantage of this
opportunity? Get your pad and pencil out and start brainstorming today!
© 2008-2010 Soirée! Ltd.
Want to use this article in your E-zine or website? You can as long as you
include this
complete statement:
Event Planning entrepreneur Natalie Bradley publishes the “Bride
Attraction”
weekly e-zine. Get your F*REE audio course: “5 Ways to Recession-
Proof
Your Wedding Business…Starting Today!l” at
About Natalie Bradley
In 2003, Natalie Keene Bradley launched Soirée! Ltd., now Natalie Bradley Events, and it has become a very successful and prominent company. We have planned and designed hundreds of weddings and other social events, as well as consulted for many others. Natalie has discovered the keys to unlocking our clients’ dreams for their special occasions and have uncovered the essential tools needed to create fabulous events.
Many of our events illustrating fantastic event design and well-orchestrated weddings have been published in reputable magazines including Inside Weddings, Modern Bride Atlanta, The Knot Georgia, Lake Oconee Living, Weddings with Style, Brides.com Blog and Southern Distinction. From 2003-2007, Natalie penned the entertaining column for Southern Distinction magazine and has been the “lifestyle expert” on Georgia Living TV and Holiday Home. In addition, Natalie has been a special guest on BB Webb’s Living Life with Style TV show as well as being featured on Elizabeth Dalton’s and Barbara Dooley’s radio shows! Natalie has planned, designed and most recently chaired the very successful Girls and Guys’ Night Out Hope Haven fundraiser for the last three years, and is the President Emeritus for Athens Wedding Professionals.
We have worked with dozens and dozens of brides, grooms, hosts and families to create their dream weddings and other extraordinary events. Now, let me help you become a fabulous wedding professional too!
About the Author
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