Comments on: You Can’t Afford Not to Hire Someone

By: Alyson Stanfield

Sun, 17 Nov 2013 16:40:25 +0000

Ashe: Did you sign up for my free 6-part video series? I think it might help you reframe this. It’s at http://artbizcoach.com (you can’t miss it).

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By: Ashe Skyler

Sun, 17 Nov 2013 02:53:32 +0000

I must be a very atypical artist. I love data entry and paperwork. I’ve spent more time working at a tax firm than I have as an artist with services to sell, and this year I’ve been promoted to be one of the tax return preparers. And right now somebody would have to pay ME to relinquish the job of packing an artwork for shipping because I have fallen in love with my new utility-knife-box-cutter-thingie.
The thing I really need help with is socializing and MARKETING. Oh, evil, evil marketing! My idea of advertising is tacking a business card or flyer to the bulletin board at the local grocery store so I can avoid the awkwardness of attempting to casually mention my hobby and then blurting it out mid-conversation instead.

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By: Improving my Working Skills | KFMasterpiece

Wed, 02 Oct 2013 14:33:15 +0000

[…] https://aaartbizold.wpengine.com/2013/09/hire-help.html?inf_contact_key=d25ce41cf6bec0d6bf3fbc3e767866e7255… […]

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By: Lesley Frenz | Artsy Forager

Sat, 07 Sep 2013 02:42:58 +0000

Such a timely post, Alyson! Over the past few years, I’ve had so many artists come to me for just the kind of help you’ve described. I helped out as much as I felt I could at the time and mentioned that I might eventually offer such services for hire through my blog. And last week, that time if finally arrived! I’m offering writing & editing services, as well as research, curation and social media management services to artists, designers and other creative folk.
I think that those of us who think we can do it all ourselves ( admittedly I am one! ), eventually realize that the monetary expense is sometimes a small price to pay to lift a bit of the burden off our own shoulders.
More information on my services can be found here: http://artsyforager.com/services-2/

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By: Sari Grove

Fri, 06 Sep 2013 00:46:35 +0000

William…Lol! (am going now to look for your blog so I can laugh some more, thanks…)

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By: Sari Grove

Thu, 05 Sep 2013 13:57:35 +0000

In reply to William Hagerman.

William…Notice how after hiring the kindergarten sign designers, that you got inspired to design the sign yourself? After years of getting my hair done by professionals, I learned to do it myself…After hiring professionals to do my accounting, I finally figured out an internet based accounting system & do my taxes myself…I don’t think this was the spirit of this post, but I have found that I learn alot by hiring others…Possibly I am a thief…(Shhh)!

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By: William Hagerman

Thu, 05 Sep 2013 13:45:23 +0000

We’ve heard the saying that if you want something done right, do it yourself. I would say that can be true if you actually have the skills to accomplish it. I pretty much know when I’m lacking. I couldn’t build a bird house even if someone gave me the materials to do so. Same goes for preparing a tax return. I’d rather have a root canal. So a CPA does that.
I also have a picture framer with whom I’ve worked with for over 20 years make my stretcher bars for my canvas. I’m also thinking about having him stretch the canvases for me on a regular basis now, even though I’m perfectly capable of doing it myself and have been doing it.
However, in delegating it’s also important that you have confidence in the person doing the work. So in the beginning you need to check their work as well, before giving a final OK especially with design work. For example: I had need of a window sign, so I went to a professional sign company. I communicated what I wanted, had a photo of the store front and a general concept with a rough draft from which they could work. The initial consultation went well, with good ideas on type style was given. I also saw other examples of their work and I was thinking this was great, because I won’t have to design a sign. When I got the proof of what they designed, I realized I should have hired a kid out of kindergarten. Everyone who I showed it to essentially said: “You’ve got to be kidding??” Yes, it WAS that bad even to an untrained eye. Fortunately I did have some skills in design having had training as a layout artist and working for a printing company early on in my career. So I designed the sign and went to another sign company who actually put the sign up. Then when the time came for another sign, I went back to this company thinking I had found someone to whom I could delegate. I was told I would get a phone call with an estimate. I never did. Even after repeated phone calls, leaving messages on the business phone and the owners cell phone and even stopping by the business. So even in trying to delegate there are pitfalls that can cost you money and time! So if you do find someone who does a good job consistently, consider them as GOLD keeping in mind you may have to dig and sift through a lot of dirt to find them.

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By: linda billet

Thu, 05 Sep 2013 12:52:24 +0000

My passion is glass. I learned the delegating lesson when I started making frames to accommodate my weird glass shapes. The frames were adequate but certainly not inspired. When I asked a woodworker to make the same frames they were such an upgrade to my work.
There are people that are passionate about bookwork and things that I do not enjoy doing. Therefore, they not only do a better job, but they do it in less time. They are as happy about doing it as I am NOT doing it. That has got to translate into a better work place. OK, I have talked myself into hiring a bookkeeper.

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By: Stefanie

Thu, 05 Sep 2013 03:47:47 +0000

Alyson: didn’t want to be all “sales-pitchy” but since you gave the ok :D. My website is http://www.craftyhelper.com I help local crafters/artist with in house tasks (Madison,WI area) but most of my clients are virtual. They let me know what they need help with or taken off their plate and I let them know if its something I can do. I help artist load up paintings on their website, blog topic research, scheduling blog interviews. Really whatever an artist/handmade business needs I can help figure a way to get it done for them 😀

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By: Alyson Stanfield

Thu, 05 Sep 2013 03:19:45 +0000

In reply to Rebecca Collins.

Rebecca: Oh, I’m sorry to hear your trusted help is leaving, but I’m happy you have new help coming on board.

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