Working With A Virtual Assistant
A challenging aspect of managing people is trusting them to take some of the load off of you. The reasons to do so can be many. Some include more free time for marketing, fitness, social pursuits, hobbies, etc. Sharing projects and working together towards symbiotic goals sounds so simple but some entrepreneurs find it nearly impossible to give away tasks to others, while some do it too hastily while offering scant guidance and support. Your virtual assistant is your best ally in this! I can suggest ways of delegating to improve your work atmosphere and that of other folks as well. Contact us if you are ready to delegate and want time for that longer lunch. We have lots of experience working with those who are new to delegating. Do you need constant reminding? We don’t mind. That is exactly what we are here for!
The Reasons Some People Have For Not Delegating:
- Everyone is as busy as me.
- I don’t want to do a bad job by handing a project off.
- I’m not sure that someone else will do the job as well as I would.
- It takes too long to explain something. I may as well do it myself. This is a very popular excuse and one that we see quite often.
Delegation Benefits:
Time Management: Sometimes delegation is essential or the project simply won’t get done.
Mentoring and Training: Giving someone a task that is a sample of what you do helps to train them for future success, makes them more confident and more motivated and satisfied.
Succession Planning: Stuff happens. Delegation helps to train someone to do what you do in case you can no longer be in the role or the job. (An Operations Manual is essential in this component. A virtual assistant can help you put yours together. I have done many of them. Contact me for more information).
Pointer: Delegation can be seen as a way of employee/contractor development, mentoring and training. Not just a way to lighten your workload.
How to Delegate Successfully:
- Assign a task that has real and achievable goals and offer a realistic timeframe.
- Communication is key! Make sure that you give your team all the collaterals and details that they need to do a great job. This includes logins, any attachments, etc.
- Be available for consult to help your staff achieve their goals.
Delegation For Solopreneurs and Entrepreneurs:
Successful business owners take on so many jobs at the start of their career. After some time goes by they start feeling overwhelmed and overburdened. They can experience burnout. Sharing your tasks not only takes some of the burden off of you, it can offer you more time to enjoy life and help to train a possible new assistant or partner to help you manage and grow your business.
Business owners do not need the permission of others to delegate workload. They are their own boss and can do as they see fit. Take advantage of this luxury and improve your life while you are at it.
Conferences and training seminars are wonderful opportunities to practice delegation. A strong team surrounding you in your career helps to propel your chance of success ten fold.
An experienced virtual assistant and online business manager can actually help to teach you to delegate. The wisest choice for a business owner who is just starting out. Whether you are in the music industry and need a virtual assistant, or in the health fields, business, film, or media, we can help you and will take great care of you. We look forward to working with you!
What are some of your tips for successful delegation? I would love to know!
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Author bio: Taryn Merrick is a Professional Virtual Assistant and Online Business Manager (OBM). As Principal of Merrick Management And Media Services, she has over 20 years of administrative management experience. Taryn works to promote the Virtual Assistant industry and to make it stand out as a true profession of excellence. Her style is easy going, yet precise, with emphasis placed on exceeding customer expectations, client communication and satisfaction.
©2003-2019 Would you like to republish this entire article? You are free to do so in .pdf format as long as you include a link back to the full post, attributing the author, Taryn Merrick.
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