Have you ever wished that you could clone yourself to come up with a carbon copy, an identical version of your overworked, underpaid and stressed self?
If you’re an entrepreneur or operate a business, then the answer to that question is likely a resounding “Yes“!
We’ve all been in that position and simply wish that we could count on somebody who could do all the work without any complications or problems.
You’re not alone in imagining that your services are irreplaceable and that you are indispensable when it comes to, not only the overall direction of the business, but the day-to-day activities as well. But notice the key word there – imagining – you’re actually being unrealistic and will need to make some changes if your business is to succeed.
No one likes to be told that they’re doing something wrong, especially if they happen to be rather pleased with their position right now. You may be fairly happy with your efforts running a solo or small business over the past few years. Everything is turning over nicely and money is coming in, but somehow you’re still working more than 12 hour days, perhaps everyday per week.
What about your partner or significant other? Are they happy when you take a mountain of paperwork home each night, or devote your Sunday afternoon to accounting and other mundane work? Even though you may think you are providing for your family by working this hard and are doing everything that you have to, ultimately your lifestyle is suffering and in terms of family cohesion you may be driving a wedge, without knowing it.
Does this sound familiar?
How did this happen and what can you be doing wrong?
Two heads may well be better than one in this situation. Unless you are also a mad scientist of some kind, you have no way of cloning yourself so you will have to work out how to share the workload. There may be certain tasks that you and you alone need to focus on, especially if they generate sales and income. However, there are innumerable tasks that other people are quite capable of taking care of, so long as you provide the initial guidance.
Don’t worry! You don’t have to think about employing someone with all the red-tape that entails, not yet anyway. You can outsource to a freelancer who will support you on a flexible basis.
The entrepreneur who does not outsource is probably destined for failure in the long run. You are good at a specific job and should be focusing on business expansion and growth, not the general day-to-day operation. There are experienced freelancers such as Virtual Assistants, who are particularly skilled at, and enjoy, business maintenance tasks. With some upfront guidance and direction from you, a VA will be able to take a lot of heat away from your working day.
You will be surprised when you see that everything is ticking over nicely after having outsourced a sizeable portion of the daily grind. You will be able to focus on more important things – not only business expansion, but also home life, your social interactions, your golf swing and so on!
Alternatively, if you want a chat to discuss how a Virtual Assistant may assist you and your busines endeavours, book a no-obligation call direct in my diary.
For inspiration on the tasks that can be delegated and outsourced, download my FREE guide to the 150 Tasks You Can delegate to a Virtual Support Professional.
By the way,
when I inform people I’m a Virtual Assistant, they often joke that, as I’m virtual, that I’m not really there!
This is as close as I’m likely to get to cloning myself…
If you need some ideas of work that can be delegated and outsourced, then download my FREE guide to the 150 Tasks You Can Delegate to a Virtual Support Professional.