The Art of Delegation

Let’s face it. Being a coach or a coarse creator is hard work. The daily list of everything that needs to get done can be overwhelming, to say the least.

So, why aren’t you delegating? 

Newsflash: it’s because it’s hard!

Delegating takes trust, time, and money.

And I’m guessing you have issues with at least one of those. Let’s dive in and take a peek at why it is that you probably suck at asking for help.

You have a strong work ethic.

Ahh. The American work ethic. Do it all, do it well, and brag (complain) about how busy you are. 

I was raised by a rancher in Wyoming, so I get it. And I'm here to tell you that it’s wrong.

Just because you can do it all doesn't mean that you should. (And, you might not be as good at doing everything as you think you are…)

And this mindset can hurt your business. Examples: 

–A conversion copywriter is a research fanatic and designs your emails with your ideal client in mind every step of the way. 

–A bookkeeper can save you money on your taxes.

–A virtual assistant can make sure that every email is answered.

–A house cleaner will actually clean behind your toilet.

By delegating, you now have time for your business. That’s right: you can get back to whatever it is that you love.

Design. Photography. Construction. Caring for people.

Delegate, so you can get back to doing the nitty-gritty that brought you to your business in the first place.

Your mindset needs a little help.

This one is hard. Do you have a poverty mindset or are you genuinely on a budget? I say assume both, and get to fixing it. Here are some ways to get low-cost or free help in the beginning.

–Trade your services. 

–Ask a student. Offer a testimonial in exchange for their work.

–Apply for a grant.

–Include freelancers in your startup costs.

–Check your mindset. Do you really not have the money? Prioritize your expenses, and delegate wherever a professional should take over (shameless plug: a good copywriter earns you more money). 

You are too embarrassed to ask for help.

This one stumps me every time. I can’t tell you why, but so many people are embarrassed that they need help. Let’s tackle this one head-on. 

I don’t know how to build a house, so I hired a carpenter. You don’t know where your client is in their buying journey? No worries. That’s why you are hiring an expert.

And yes, I know that you think you should know how to do it. Well, stop shoulding yourself, and allow a professional in the field to get it done.

And while they are making your life significantly easier, feel free to make more money by focusing on your personal expertise. 

You are a control freak

I can say it because I get it. As a recovering control freak, I could never delegate because only I could get it right. And do it on time. In my brand’s voice. The exact way I wanted it. 

What I didn't realize is that I was doing things wrong. Because I didn't have a team, or delegate where I could, I only had myself to double-check it all. So I lost clients, and I lost money.

And I missed out on years of wonderful collaborative relationships that made my business and my life better. 

How do I Start Delegating?

Great question. Here’s a list of options to get you started.

Copywriter. You need blogs to help establish your expertise, not only with your clients but also with Google. You need an emails to nurture your leads, convince them to watch your webinar (and a couple to remind them to show up), and get them to buy your course. Speaking of websites, you need that written by a copywriter as well! SEO optimized, so Google finds you.

Virtual assistant. They screen your phone calls, schedule appointments, and do your research. And more. 

Bookkeeper. Your taxes will thank you. 

Legal Writer. Seriously. Hire someone who knows what they are doing, so your contracts and terms and conditions have a legal leg to stand on.

Web designer. DIY websites are pretty easy (for some people) these days. But if you have a complicated site, with multiple things to sell, and a brand that you want to be highlighted, a web developer is the way to go.

Graphic Designer. Yes, you can do it yourself. Or, you can have lovely logos and other marketing designs done for you. Yes, please.

Delegate at Home.

Hire a house cleaner (my personal favorite). A nanny. A cook. A landscaper. Pick Your least favorite thing to do and pay someone else to do it for you. Remember, this isn't money lost. It’s giving yourself time to focus on your business (or your children, dog, and flyfishing).

Don’t be Afraid to Ask for What you Want

Take your time and tell your newfound helper what you want. That's right. It’s time to get picky. They can’t get it right if you don’t help them. Take the time to interview. Have a brand kit? Send it to them. 

In the beginning, it may take more work than you thought it would. Don’t let this stop you. The clients that I have adored the most took the time to tell me what it is that they really want. 

In other words, now is the time to make your dreams come true. And that may take some training/education/patience on your part.

And don’t forget: once they get it, stop micromanaging. Let them be the pro so you can get back to making money (or playing, you choose).

Need more reasons to delegate?

–Asking for help is self-care.

I am assuming that as a small business owner, self-care has been on the back burner for a while. Give yourself the gift of more time. Stop doing that thing that you hate doing! 

–Delegating supports other small businesses.

You are giving the gift of work to another small business. Don’t underestimate the impact of supporting other entrepreneurs. 

–Your time is worth money.

I mentioned this earlier, but it’s worth bringing up again. Spend time working on what you are passionate about! Build, create, teach, coach, or counsel. 

And delegate the other stuff. Learn to spend your time doing the things that you were meant to do. 

Are you wondering where to begin? Hiring a copywriter is a great place to start! You can learn more at copybyruby.com.