I would like to know (because im new to the industry) how to charge this person. Should she be a retainer or hourly. I really want to work with her. I did tell her the difference between a personal assistant and virtual assistant and I am NOT a personal assistant. So we made that clear. I do still have a full time job as well, so i do not want to over charge her when i can not always be attentive doing the day.

Also how can i deal with the booking part, honestly I am not a booking agent. How would you go about charging for booking for clients like her.


thanks for getting back to me...Okay this is what I need My main duty and goal as Ms. Maryland is Appearances until I go to nationals in July.. I work about 12hours from Mon-Thurs so my time is tight and focused on work, so I need someone who can just book my appearances plain and simple perferably 2 a week (fri-sat-sun). Find out whats hot that going on in DC, make a call get me booked thats it. Send my schedule to Armani, Amy (my Stylist), and if it something major we send it to Sephora Store in PG County (my makeup artist) so they can put me on their schedule..(one mass email would do it). And update my website Schedule/Events page. Sometimes if I come across something I'm interested in I will just send it to you and ask if you can call them for me...I might ask you to follow up with contacts at time...Everything I need is virtual, my current Assistant is in Chicago. I really just need somebody I can depend on..I'm already tired from working all day I dont want to have to stress about my Ms. MAryland duties, I'm really trying to turn this into a true paying business...We can do a flat monthly fee or a bi-weekly pay date.

Thank you

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Naomi Vela

Naomi,

I don't want to be a "Debbie-Downer" but this may be a job you'll want to pass on.

Booking can be difficult if you've never done it before and doing it for someone so much in the public eye will even be more difficult. She is asking you to not only make the calls and "sell" her to the venues but also to research any events going on in the DC area that she would be good for. Having a full time job will make this even harder as you may not be able to make these calls after normal business hours.

Maybe there is more to the job description than what you've posted here but, from just the above paragraph, that is the impression I get. Maybe you could offer to help her find someone more suited to her needs, that way she sees that you are willing to help and that will keep your name in the front of her mind in case she needs something more suitable for you.

~C

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~Christina|BD Mag|VOSTeam

Sounds like an awesome client to have, but I have to agree with Christina. I would think calls to book events should be made during the day. Possibly you could work with another VA - you do the research on events and she makes the calls. As far as billing is concerned, I don't think it makes a difference. Bill her whatever way you can to get the project, so she will be happy. Good Luck!

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Pam
www.adminetcetera.com

Thanks guys, I totally agree about the booking part. Its no way I can be attentive to her booking needs due to the fact of having a full time job still. She had an assistant that's from Chicogo (her hometown), but I wouldnt be sure if she wants someone from a far. I can ask her, finding someone would be a good idea.

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Naomi Vela

HI Naomi,

Sounds like she needs an Agent and not a Assistant. The calendar management and appointment setting sounds good. But you cannot guarantee a booking because they my not want her to appear. Don't mean to sound harsh. But if Ms. Marlyand wants to do it big, she needs a marketing/booking agent. But if I did take on the task, I would definately require a retainer.

Just wanted to share my thoughts.

Good luck with your endeavors.

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Sharetha Newsome, Principal
BAU Management and Administrative Services