In today's episode of The Venue Podcast, Kinsey Roberts steps in solo, as Lindsay Lucas dedicates time to her thriving one-on-one venue consultations! You can reach out to Lindsay here about Venue Consulting: https://thelindsaylucas.com/ We're chatting and brainstorming about all things HIRING when it comes to your first or next Marketing Assistant. 

Recognizing the Right Time for a Marketing Hire

Three pivotal signs indicating it's time to bring a marketing professional on board: 1. Growth Signals: Your venue might be experiencing a surge in bookings, or you're aiming to upscale your brand or delve into new market segments. An overload of leads you can't manage alone also points towards this need. 2. Strategic Shifts: Whether it's a brand overhaul, targeting a new customer demographic, or significant enhancements to your venue's offerings (like adding accommodations or a decor line), these changes necessitate specialized marketing expertise. 3. Expertise Gaps: Realizing the complexities of digital marketing or identifying areas beyond your skill set are clear indicators that a marketing expert could significantly benefit your business.

Finding Your Marketing Match

Four places to scout for the perfect marketing assistant: - Industry Networks: Engaging with professionals through industry associations or social media groups can lead you to potential hires. - Job Platforms: Utilizing job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, or FlexJobs can open doors to candidates with the specific skills you seek. - Referrals: Tapping into your industry contacts for recommendations can yield valuable leads. - Freelancing Platforms: For those not ready to commit to a full-time hire, exploring freelance marketers could be a strategic initial steps. Pre-Hiring Steps to Success

To ensure you're making an informed decision, preparation is key:  1. Define Your Goals: Clarity on what you aim to achieve with your marketing efforts is crucial. 2. Audit Your Current Marketing: Understanding what's working (or not) will help tailor your search for a marketer with the necessary expertise. 3. Budget Accordingly: Determine your financial readiness for this addition, keeping in mind that effective marketing strategies are an investment that pays off. 4. Develop a Job Description: Crafting a detailed job description will attract candidates aligned with your needs.

Engaging Interview Questions

In the episode, we detail six specific questions to ask your potential hires to gauge their skillset and understand if they're the best fit for the position you're hiring for. We also share the benefits of having candidates perform a small sample project.