261 - Getting Started with a Virtual Assistant with Rick Liston

It's no secret that I've automated and outsourced everything but the absolute necessities in my photography business, but it wasn't always that way. For the first 7 years of my business I did it ALL myself... and it nearly killed me.When necessity forced me to change my approach, I hoped it wouldn't destroy the personal, high-touch brand I'd worked so hard to cultivate. Imagine my surprise when it not only improved my client's experience, but had a profoundly positive effect on my bottom line (not to mention my mental health and work/life harmony).Today my guest is Rick Liston, who had a similar journey in his wedding photography business. He is sharing how the success he achieved through automation and delegation ultimately led him to start a parallel company that connects photographers with virtual assistants trained specifically to work in the photo industry.Rick talks about how you can begin to recognize the tasks you can outsource, and how doing that will free you up to spend more time and energy focusing on higher-level tasks that will ultimately allow your business to grow.Even if you don't think you're ready for a VA yet, I want to encourage you to tune in and visit Rick's website. You might be surprised at how affordable and effective hiring a VA can be!Links:  Visit Rick's website where he connects you with vetted and trained VA's specifically for portrait photographers. Use code TCBTH to get your first week free. Resources:New to the podcast? Go to thiscantbethathard.com/welcome to get access to 3 of Annemie's best free resources.Join our community! We'd love to welcome you into our supportive, business-focused private Facebook group. Go to facebook.com/groups/thiscantbethathard to request access.Long-time listener? Leave a review!