If you’re anything like me, you know that running your own business can be both exhilarating and exhausting. But here’s the thing: It doesn’t have to be that way! Today, I’m gonna talk about the benefits of hiring help and how they can help take some of the load off.
Before I took the leap, I was frazzled and spread way too thin. Even though I felt like I couldn’t afford my first hire, I did it anyway. Within weeks I was freed up to do more, and more of the things only I could do that I was passionate about. And that made me much happier. When you’re happier, you’re more motivated, and the good news, additional time and increased money naturally follow.
So, before you say hiring help is out of your budget, or that you’re not “big enough” yet in your business, listen to what I have to say. You need not hire a full-time staff (unless, of course, you want to). Start small with just one part-time VA and see how it goes! I almost guarantee you’ll love it, and the life a little help provides.
Hiring Help: VA’s Versus Staff
For many years Bret and I had a large, local staff. These were individuals who came into our HQ daily, had benefits and were required by law to follow California’s guidelines. For me (someone who works best when not distracted) this became a huge challenge. I wanted everyone to get along and be happy, so a lot of my energy went to that. I’m also an empath, so if someone was sad, sick or going through a difficult time, I’d let it get to me and affect my mood and performance.
Like many business owners in 2020, we moved to an all virtual staff and made several people contractors instead of full-time employees. This turned out to be a godsend for us! We all became more productive, less distracted and everyone can now work the hours that suit them best, which creates a pretty cool culture at Team Johnson.
Virtual Assistants
Now, let’s get clear on what a virtual assistant is. Simply put, a VA is someone who provides administrative, business development, social media, marketing, and other business-related tasks remotely. They can help with everything from calendar management and bookkeeping to customer support and creating marketing materials. Plus, they work from a location of their choice, which means you don’t have to worry about providing them with an office or workspace.
Now, I know some of y’all might be hesitant to hire a VA. Maybe you’re worried about the cost, the quality of work, or losing control over your business. But let me tell you, there are some definite signs that you could use a little extra help.
How To Know You Need Help
- You’re in a constant state of burnout. If you feel like you’re working all the time and can never seem to get a break, it might be time to hire a VA. You deserve to take some time off and recharge, and having someone else take care of tasks like scheduling and email management can help you do just that.
- Administrative tasks are taking over your life. If you find yourself spending more than 40-50% of your time on administrative tasks like invoicing and social media management, it’s time to bring in some help. These tasks are important, but they shouldn’t be eating up all your time.
- You’re turning down work that could help your business grow. If you’re so busy with administrative tasks that you don’t have time for new clients or projects, it’s time to delegate some of those tasks to a VA. You don’t want to miss out on opportunities to grow your business!
- You don’t have the skills for certain tasks. Look, I get it. You can’t be an expert in everything. If there are certain tasks that you don’t have the skills for (like bookkeeping or digital marketing), it’s time to bring in someone who does.
Now, let’s talk about the benefits of hiring a VA. There are so many, but here are just a few:
- You’ll gain valuable time back. When you have a VA taking care of tasks like scheduling and social media management, you’ll have more time to focus on the parts of your business that really matter. Plus, research shows that hiring a VA instead of a full-time employee can save entrepreneurs up to 78% of operating costs per year.
- You can fill skill gaps. Like I said before, you can’t be an expert in everything. When you hire a VA, you can fill skill gaps and complement your weaknesses with their strengths. This can help you build a better, more substantial business overall.
- You’ll save money. Yup, you read that right. Hiring a VA instead of a full-time employee can save you a ton of money. Plus, you won’t have to worry about things like providing office space or benefits.
So, there you have it. Hiring a VA can be a game-changer for your business. Don’t be afraid to delegate some of those administrative tasks and focus on the things that really matter. Trust me, your business (and your sanity) will thank you for it!
Hiring Help: The Breakdown
When is the right time to outsource? Hear me break it all down right here!
I’m obsessed with outsourcing, and you should be too! Check out these resources:
The Benefits of Hiring Part-Time Employees
How Many Team Members We Have & Their Roles
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