Family

Have you ever wished you could clone yourself to create a carbon copy, an identical version of your overworked, underpaid, and stressed self? If you’re an entrepreneur or operate a small business, the answer to that question is a “resounding” yes. We have all been in that position and wish to “count on” somebody who could do all the work without complications or problems. You’re not alone in imagining that your services are irreplaceable and indispensable regarding the overall direction of the business and the day-to-day activities. But notice the key word there – imagining – you’re just being unrealistic and will need to make changes if your business is to succeed.

No one likes to be told they’re doing something wrong, especially if they are pleased with their current position. You may be pretty happy with your efforts over the past few years and think that you have come through the global economic downturn relatively well. Your business is turning over nicely, and money is coming in, but you still work more than 12 hours a day, at least six days per week. How can you be doing something wrong, you may say?

Two heads may well be better than one in this situation. Unless you are also a mad scientist, you have no way of cloning yourself, so you must work out how to share this workload. There may be specific tasks that you and you alone need to focus on, and that’s all very well. However, there are innumerable tasks that other people can take on for you so long as you provide the initial guidance, training, and resources.

How is your spouse reacting these days? 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 doing “everything that you have to,” your lifestyle is ultimately suffering. Regarding family cohesion, you may be driving a wedge without knowing it.

The entrepreneur who does not outsource is probably destined for failure in the long run. You are good at a specific job and should focus on business expansion and growth, not maintenance. Other people – i.e., virtual assistants, are particularly good at business maintenance tasks and, with the proper amount of upfront guidance and direction from you, can take a lot of heat away from your working day.

You will be surprised that everything is ticking over nicely after outsourcing a sizeable portion of the daily grind. You will be able to focus on more important things like business expansion, home life, social interactions, golf swing, and so on!