Tips for Mom Entrepreneurs on Delegating to VAs
In a previous blog post I shared some great advice from Erin Blaskie, The VA Coach, about how mom entrepreneurs can delegate tasks to a virtual assistant (VA). During our interview Erin also shared some great tips on delegating effectively that I wanted to pass on to you:
- Make a list of the things you know you want to delegate out. This will help during the interview process because you’ll know what questions to ask.
- Track your time for one week. Track everything – whether you’re answering emails, with a client etc. Track your billable and non-billable time. This will help you see what is sucking up a lot of your time so you can delegate more effectively.
- Communicate your business vision. To make sure you’re clear on your vision you can write it out for yourself. Also write out your expectations for yourself and the people who work for you and share it with your team.
- Consider your virtual assistants as partners, not employees. That’s an important distinction. If you empower your assistants to be a part of your company, you’ll see bigger results.
- Utilize their expertise. Part of why you’re bringing them on board is that they know things that aren’t your expertise. They’re probably much more up-to-date on administrative and technical things so utilize their expertise in those areas.
If you are running at maximum capacity right now and are frustrated that you can’t get it all done, then it’s time to seriously consider hiring a VA. Many mom entrepreneurs hold back, thinking it will cost a lot of money. Or you’re worried about control and think, “No one will do it quite as well as I do it” or, “I don’t want to have to explain that, so I’ll just keep it.”
Start with baby steps. Delegate out one thing at a time and see how it goes. Before you know it you’ll see how it frees up your time and energy and makes you more money. Soon you’ll be thinking, “What else can I delegate out?”
(FYI – If you want to learn more about the different kinds of virtual assistant there are or how to find someone reliable, download my interview with Erin Blaskie.)
Tags: delegate, Erin Blaskie, Kim DeYoung, mom entrepreneurs, VA, virtual assistant
