How to be a good assistant

Today I was thinking about all the people that send me emails and approach me asking can they work with me in some form or fashion. It’s so funny because most of them drop the ball before they even get started.

I don’t think I come off as some sort of diva or snooty booty but I do expect a certain type of professionalism if you plan on working with me. I turn down so many people that email me because quite frankly, I DONT KNOW YOU LOL. I was talking with some celebrity friends the other day and they were saying the exact same thing. It’s just so personal that it’s not funny. I also know that working with family can be a bit stressful too. I always say that I need an assistant but I’m looking for that “special” one. I will know it, when I see it. I had someone recently say they wanted to work with me but they didn’t even get through half a day without dropping the ball lol.

I just laugh because people think it’s a joke out here. That’s why I rather do things myself, because I can be very funny acting when it comes to doing certain things. Especially in this business.

Before you plan on interning or assisting someone or whatever ,here are some simple rules of the game(I’m trying to help you out here) lol.

  • Please and I repeat, please have a car! There is no need in applying if you have no transportation. We live in Atlanta,Ga for pete’s sake!
  • If you have a family, it just might not work out. Husbands and Wives get very jealous when you start spending time with your employer. Your kids might miss their mom or dad too.
  • It’s very long hours in the entertainment business. If you have some place to be or go, you might want to find something else to do. Sorry we can be places for hours or end.
  • The entertainment business is very “SPONTANEOUS”. We can get something within hours, there is no 1 week notice of any sort! Are you serious?
  • Have your own equipment. If you have a computer,laptop, digital camera, video camera etc. Let your future employer know that. Be an asset to your employer,thats very helpful!
  • No one wants to hear your excuses! You reached out to me! If you say you want to intern or be an assistant,than act like it,suck it up!
  • You never know where one job will lead. If you do a good job, chances are we can make a phone call to somebody else. Referrals are key in the entertainment business. You never want to burn that bridge or piss off your employer!
  • If you happen to see something you shouldn’t have seen. Don’t yap about it all over town. Our circle is small, we will know where it came from.
  • Never talk about one employer to the next employer, in the entertainment field especially. Your killing your chances big time! They will wait till you leave, then call that person. I’ve seen that happen.
  • Do a good job or perform to the best ability you know how to.
  • Be tactful in anything you do. If someone is talking bad about your employer you may have to be willing to stand up for them.Otherwise you may be looked at different.

These are some things I wanted to share with you. I hope that they were helpful and trust me, I started out as a 35 yr old intern. Now look at me. I’m doing my own thing now and I owe it all to my friend producer Andre Thomas. He gave me my first break! Toodles!

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