Delegation is an essential skill for small business owners who want to scale, grow, and maximise their productivity and efficiency. Delegation as a small business owner is essential if you want to grow your business. There’s only one of you, and you can’t do it all! There will reach a point where you hit an income ceiling because you’re spending too much time working in your business and not enough time working on your business. If you’re wondering how to delegate as a small business owner, here are some steps you can take to delegate effectively.
Identify tasks to delegate
Start by making a list of tasks that you can delegate. These may include administrative tasks, bookkeeping, customer service, social media management, writing blog posts, creating content, email and diary management, for example. Identify the tasks that are time-consuming and do not require your direct involvement. The tasks that can be done by ‘another pair of hands’ that don’t require your specific expertise. Or, tasks that require the expertise of others, for example, marketing.
Find the right person
Look for someone who has the skills, experience, and knowledge needed to complete your business tasks successfully. It isn’t always easy finding the right person for the job, but it’s worth the time and investment. Consider hiring an employee, outsourcing to a freelancer, or delegating to an existing team member.
If you’d like to find out more about delegating to a Virtual Assistant, we can help! Get in touch for a free, friendly and informal chat with one of our team.
Communicate clearly
Clearly communicate your expectations and goals for the task, as well as any deadlines or specific instructions. Make sure the person understands the task and what is expected of them. Experienced remote assistants are used to being delegated to, and will work with their clients to prompt and help the delegation process where necessary.
Provide resources and support
Provide any necessary resources and support to help the person complete the task successfully. This may include access to software, tools, or training. By providing them with a brief and everything they need upfront, you will minimise the need to go back-and-forth and this will speed up the delivery of the work.
Establish accountability
Set up a system to monitor progress and ensure accountability. This may include regular check-ins, progress reports, or feedback sessions. Virtual Assistants are experienced in working in this way and will work closely with their clients to help set up processes, SOPs and project management systems where necessary.
Trust your team
Once you have delegated a task, trust your team to complete it successfully. Resist the temptation to micromanage or take over – you will soon start to reap the benefits and experience how empowering outsourcing can be. Put your trust in an experienced Virtual Assistant who’s as invested in your business as you are.
Remember to give feedback
Feedback is essential for any professional and should be welcomed by the person, or people, you delegate to. Once the task is completed, provide feedback to help your team understand what they did well and what they can improve upon in the future.
You’re not the only one who has to do your job
Let’s free up your time and get your business moving forward. Need an extra pair of hands? Discover how an experienced remote assistant can help you and your business.
