Part III: How to Delegate Like a Business-World Exec
By Jessica Delgado
You have your name out there, you have your web
site running, and you are swamped! Now you have clients calling
and e-mails coming in, and now there is no way you can do it
all. You either do it all and never see your family again, or
find some way of balancing this mess. How do real-world exec's
do it? First, they don't do it all. Second, neither do you. Here
are a few tips on how to keep your sanity and continue your
business.
First, get organized. Make a list of what you can and cannot do.
What you like to do, but know that you cannot possibly do. In
other words, if you had an assistant, what would you make
him/her do? He/She would most probably take care of your mailing
lists, e-newsletter, web site updates and management, creating
your flyers, etc. I know, you like it, but you have to set your
priorities. You are a business owner now. You need to think and
act like one. Your job is to not only create/manufacture your
product line or service, but you need to bring in more clients.
You are your sole marketing department. Believe me, you have
enough to do.
Now that you have your list, create a schedule. It's best to try
to schedule things a week in advance, but if you can't, put your
list together the night before. Notice I said, "PUT TOGETHER."
Do not sit there the night before and try to make a list. Jot
things down in your palm pilot or planner as you go along your
day. In the evening, or when you get a spare moment, prioritize
your list.
Now that you have your list completed, you realize you can't do
all of this on your own. You definitely need help. If you cannot
hire an assistant, do not want a stranger in your home, do not
want the hassle of having to train someone, then opt for a
virtual assistant (VA). If the things you need done are just
enough to take away time from your busy day, but not enough to
require hiring
someone full-time, it may be the best route. Outsource what you
need done, and concentrate on what you yourself need to do.
Outsourcing for small businesses/SOHO (Small office/Home Office)
is becoming very affordable these days. Virtual assistant and
web assistant offices are becoming increasingly popular. They
are offering to take over your mailing lists, e-mail replies,
e-newsletters, and just about anything you can imagine. One of
the benefits is you get the assistance that you need without
having to
hire a staffed assistant. Just like you, they may be a small
business specializing in making your small business grow.
Finding a virtual assistant or web assistant is much easier
these days. You can search for an assistant on-line through
guru.com or AdminProf.com. Interview your VA or WA (Web
Assistant) as if you were interviewing a new employee. Make sure
you tell your soon to be assistant about what your needs are. If
they cannot meet your needs, they may be able to refer you to
someone who can.
Now that you have your list in hand, schedule set, and the
mundane tasks out of the way, you are free to take care of your
existing clients and find new ones.
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