In order to have a successful working relationship with anyone, you need guiding ground rules. You need employee policies and agreements, and boundaries have to be established, especially when you're working with family. It can feel unnecessary to enact these formal arrangements with those close to us, and yet it's even more important to have them when you're navigating the relationships that mean the most. In this episode of The Art Biz, I talk with Trudy Rice about her working relationship with a family member. Trudy reflects on what her business was like before her sister Jenny started helping her, the specific tasks that Jenny is responsible for, and how they structure their business partnership to make sure each is happy and fulfilled.

Highlights

• The point at which Trudy realized she needed help in her art business. (2:20)

• Why hiring her sister was a perfect fit for Trudy. (6:17)

• Writing a job description for a relative—or any employee—is an essential first step. (9:00)

• Establishing an appropriate pay rate to compensate for the skills your new hire brings to your business. (11:48)

• Structuring a typical week when you're scheduling more than just yourself. (15:20)

• Maintaining your voice when someone else is writing your social media posts. (21:24)

• Communicating effectively in between weekly meetings. (24:01)

• What Trudy wishes she had known before hiring her sister as her assistant. (28:25)

• Identifying the areas that would allow you to accomplish more if you turned them over to someone else. (32:24)

• Trudy's advice to anyone that is considering hiring help. (34:54)

• A look at what is coming up next in Trudy's studio. (37:18)

Mentioned

• Loomly

• Asana

• Creative Market

Resources

• Show notes, images, and listener comments

• Grow Your List program at Art Biz Success

• Free e-course: 31 People Who Can Help Sell Your Art

Guest Bio

Artist and entrepreneur Trudy Rice has been a professional artist for more than 10 years. Based in Melbourne, Australia, Trudy has a diverse business consisting of original artworks on paper, paintings, commissions, large projects, wallpaper, and linen homewares. Her artworks are inspired by our natural world, particularly flora and fauna. Her works on paper and paintings are created with mindful observation, the initial drawings are etched in the very sun and water from which the original specimens are found.

First posted: https://artbizsuccess.com/working-with-relatives-podcast