A question I see often is “when should I outsource.” This is going to be different for everyone however there are signs you are ready to outsource. 

You’re Doing Repetitive Tasks

 We all have those repetitive tasks in our business. These repetitive tasks are where you can start when it comes to outsourcing. You should be focusing on what you do best, but instead your schedule is filled up with administrative tasks that someone else could be doing for you. Record a video of you doing the tasks and create a SOP (step-by-step workflow) of you doing those repetitive tasks so your new hire can do them for you. Think of how much time you will save to focus on income-generating tasks. 

You’re Working Every Weekend

As an entrepreneur you work when you want but you do need a day off. Weekends or whatever day you choose should be a time for relaxing and spending time with your family, but you’re spending most of it going over your emails, reply to your clients, or even to do some work. There are VA’s that work weekends because they may still have a 9-5, kids at home or simply how they work best. Save your weekends to do what you love while your business is still running. 

You Don’t Have Enough Time

There is just not enough time in the day! But actually there is. It’s just how you spend it. There’s so much work to do but not nearly enough time to get it all completed on your own. You’re working as fast as you can but getting closer to burnout. Deadlines are getting missed, and it’s just not working. Outsourcing can give you time back in your day, and ensure everything gets done on time. 

You Dislike Certain Tasks

At first, you were energized by all the things that needed to be done to build your business. Every step and process meant you were one step closer to your dream becoming reality. But after a while, some of those tasks have started to wear you down. The jobs you love and thrive at are what you need to pour your energy into because it will reflect in the business. The tasks that you hate need to be outsourced to someone who loves doing them as they will be much more efficient. There are VA’s who love to do general admin and this where they thrive. 

Lacking Creativity

When you are so bogged down with all the little tasks that need to be done, there’s no time for you to spend being the creative brain of the business, that driving force behind the meaning of your business. That creativity is what prompted you to start this business. You need time to focus on the life of your business so it can grow. Think of how much creative time you will have once you outsource. If you are like me you have a list of things you want to accomplish but don’t have the time. You will have the time if you outsource. 

Disappointing Levels of Growth

You want to scale your business, but it’s impossible with just you. As you attract more clients, you’ll need to add an assistant (or several!) to help keep up with demands and continued growth. We were not meant to do this on our own. We all need help and there is no shame in asking for it. 

Do you identify with any of these? Let me know in the comments. If you are still on the fence about outsourcing, book a free coffee chat and let’s get you back your time.