Self Marketing Tools
Personal Profile
Writing a personal profile can help you see what it is that you are looking for in a PA.
It may help you sort out more of your needs, wants, preferences and where you are willing
to compromise.
It can give you more of an idea of what is important to you. Look over the example profile
on page 40 and worksheet for you on page 41. We all have personal preferences and some are
non-negotiable, such as whether a person smokes, drinks, or has very active social life.
You may not want a steady stream of visitors. You may enjoy a lot of people coming to
visit.
A Personal Profile may be more useful if you are needing a PA's to live-in.
Job Description
Take a look at the job task list and make a detailed list for yourself. It helps to have
the list of tasks you need done to go over with the potential PA. Include it in your
application packet so they know exactly what it is you need assistance with.
A job description helps in evaluating their performance if it is not meeting your needs.
It gives you a more objective tool if you need to talk with your PA about not getting
tasks done.
Work Schedule
Some of the times we need assistance are not flexible, such as getting out of bed or
going to the bathroom. You may be more flexible about the day of the week the household
chores need to be done or grocery shopping. Put your schedule on the worksheet to give to
the potential PA so it is clear what is needed when it is needed.
Advertising: Where & How
There are a few places that are more likely to result in a response to advertising for a
Personal Assistant. Your list could include the following depending upon the community you
are living in:
- Employment office
- Community agencies such as Catholic Community Services
- Grocery stores near you
- Senior centers
- Social service agencies
- Businesses near you
- Community Colleges, disabled student services, career center
- Hospitals
- Tell friends, acquaintances, neighbors
Prepare an 81/2 x11 flyer or 3x5 cards: you can hand deliver, have someone do it for
you or make some phone calls and find out a contact person. You could then mail the flyer
or 3x5 card to them.
What to include in the newspaper
ad?
Include some positive, personal qualities. This may help you to attract a more likely
person. Mention an area of interest that highlights you as a person rather than a medical
condition; then communicate your needs.
You might consider spending more money on the ad and build in some kind of screening
technique. One suggestion is to require the potential PA to call during a certain time of
the day. This helps you see if a person can follow directions. Also it leaves you off the
hook for being available at all hours.
Some telephone responses are a warning of trouble. You may want to become alerted to.
If you specifically state you want a female and a male calls supposedly for a female
friend or wife and he asks personal questions.
Someone calling to lay their desperate plight on you. They have to get a job and/or a
place to live right away.
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