When we first start a 360 photo booth business, we usually handle all the events ourselves, and that's great.
However, as the business grows, you'll realize that you're working every weekend and many evenings. If, like many of us, you have a full-time job to start with, it can become quite overwhelming.
Maybe you're in a situation where your schedule is packed, and people are starting to inquire about available dates.
You want to expand by adding more 360 photo booths, but then the question arises: who will operate them? How can you scale your business?
I faced this exact situation when I started. I was working a full-time job, and every weekend and evening, I was at events, sometimes dragging my husband or friends along to help out.
As I acquired more 360 photo booths, I needed more people to assist. If you're at a stage where you're considering hiring staff, then this video is for you. I'll be sharing five tips on hiring the right people.
Tip 1: Hire Early
If you review your quarterly schedule and realize you have many bookings for the upcoming months, it's time to think about hiring someone.
One common mistake is waiting until the busy season is already here to look for help. Remember that you'll need time to train your new hire and work together effectively.
So, check your calendar, figure out when you'll need additional help, and consider starting the hiring process early.
You can begin by hiring an assistant and later transition them into a primary booth attendant who can manage events from start to finish. Starting early is crucial.
Tip 2: Post Your Job Listing Everywhere
While platforms like Indeed are great for posting job listings, consider exploring other avenues.
Look into Facebook groups, such as networking groups, mom groups, and second shooter groups.
Don't forget to check out college job boards as well. If you have a DSLR photo booth and need someone with camera experience who understands terms like ISO and shutter speed, consider hiring an intern from a local photography college.
It's an excellent way to get assistance from people who know their way around cameras.
Training might even be part of their curriculum, and you might end up with free training (though it's a good practice to pay your interns).
Tip 3: Clearly Define Your Job Requirements
In your job description, be explicit about the type of person you want representing your brand and company at events.
Do you want someone fun and energetic? Whatever skills you require, make sure they are clearly listed.
Additionally, be transparent about the responsibilities and expectations of the job. How much lifting will be involved? Specify that candidates must have a valid driver's license and their own vehicle. This is crucial because transportation is necessary to get the 360 photo booth to events. If you're unsure about writing a job listing, I've created some templates for you, which you can find in the description below. You can use them as they are or customize them to suit your needs.
Tip 4: Conduct Interviews
Whenever possible, conduct interviews in person, although virtual interviews have become necessary lately. During these interviews, ask key questions. Here are three of my favorite interview questions for 360 photo booth attendants:
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What do you know about our company? This question assesses whether they've taken an interest in the job by researching your company, perhaps by reading your website. It's important for them to fully understand the nature of your company's events, as not all 360 photo booths are the same.
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Why did you apply for this position? This question helps you get to know the candidate better and understand why they found the position appealing. It's also an opportunity to identify any red flags, such as vague or unenthusiastic answers.
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Do you have a valid driver's license and a car? Despite being mentioned in the job description, it's crucial to confirm that candidates meet these requirements. People often overlook details in listings, and you want to ensure you hire someone who can transport the 360 photo booth to events.
Tip 5: Don't Settle
I understand that it can be frustrating when you're hiring, and you're struggling to find the right fit. However, don't rush the process.
The right candidates will come along. Hiring someone out of desperation can lead to training them, only to have them not show up for events or quit after the first job.
You don't want to invest time and effort in training someone only to have them leave, leaving you back at square one.
If you're wondering how to train your new 360 photo booth attendants, stay tuned for our next video where we'll discuss that topic. If you found this article helpful, please let me know in the comments. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments as well. Make sure you're subscribed to our channel to get notified as soon as we release a new video.