Hey friends! In this episode of the I Do Wedding Marketing Podcast, I'm diving deep into something I’ve never talked about here before: human resources and team building — and trust me, this is the episode every wedding pro needs.

I'm joined by Kira La Forgia, founder of Paradigm Consulting and your new favorite HR expert, especially if you're growing your business beyond just you. We get honest, unfiltered, and even a little vulnerable about what it really takes to expand your team legally, sustainably, and with your mental health intact.

💡 Here's what we unpack in this power-packed episode:

• The real difference between a 1099 contractor and a W-2 employee (and how misclassifying can cost you big!)

• What the recent Department of Labor ruling means for small business owners like us — especially in the wedding industry.

• Why your assistant showing up on wedding day probably has to be an employee (I panicked a little too).

• How a virtual assistant arrangement can work — without breaking any laws.

• How to know if you’re financially ready to hire (it’s just math... sort of 😅)

• The underestimated power of a well-written employee handbook.

• How HR support can be your secret weapon to avoiding burnout and staying in your zone of genius.

• What it actually looks like to work with Paradigm’s signature 90-day service.

• My favorite part: how building a team can help you find fulfillment again in the business you love.

Kira also gets real about her own journey from corporate burnout to building a values-aligned consulting business — and we swap stories about bad bosses, neck tattoos, and employee handbooks used as weapons (yikes).

🎯 Whether you’re a seasoned planner, creative vendor, or a solo entrepreneur dreaming of your first hire — this episode is for you.

• 📄 Download Paradigm’s FREE HR Self-Assessment Checklist

• 🎧 Listen to Kira’s podcast: On the Up and Up

• 📱 Follow Kira on Instagram @theparadigmconsulting

• 🌐 Visit: www.the-paradigm.com

Podcast listeners can save 20% off on the ChatGPT for Wedding Marketing Course using code IDOPODCAST | https://idoweddingmarketing.podia.com/chatgpt-for-wedding-marketing?coupon=IDOPODCAST

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✨ Let's keep the conversation going. If this episode brought up questions (or fears!), feel free to DM me or Kira — no judgment, just support.

And if you’re ready to stop panicking about payroll and start building the dream team you deserve? You know who to call.