Common Delegation Mistakes Freelancers Make and How to Avoid Them
When you’re running your own business and handling every aspect, from social media marketing to accounting, the chance to outsource tasks to a virtual assistant can be a real relief!
However, there is an art to delegation.
Perhaps you’re worried about handing work over. Or maybe you’ve tried collaborating with a VA and found that outsourcing didn’t work.
If either of these resonate, then read on as we look at some common delegation mistakes freelancers make and how you can avoid them.
Could you benefit from delegating to a virtual assistant?
Freelancers and small business owners explore working with virtual assistants (VA) for a whole host of reasons. Delegating is an excellent way to streamline your operations so you can move towards your business goals. It can be especially useful if you:
Are feeling burnt out from handling every aspect of your business.
Feel your business has reached a plateau, and you’re wondering how to move forward.
Don’t enjoy admin and systematic processes and would prefer to focus your time on other areas of your business.
Find yourself facing bottlenecks or missing deadlines because repetitive tasks are taking your focus away from what you do best.
If any of these feel familiar, it could be time to consider delegating to a VA who’s not only a self-confessed #organisationgeek but has also been in your shoes as an entrepreneur.
Common delegation mistakes freelancers make
Delegating the wrong tasks
It’s important to remember that effective delegation isn’t simply a case of handing over your whole to-do list. If you want to scale your business, knowing what to outsource is a vital first step.
Some freelancers try to outsource too much, delegating the core creative side of their business. The problem is, these elements can be very subjective and tricky to teach. For example, if you’re a ceramicist with a very unique style, trying to delegate pottery creation will be challenging, and you’ll find that the results are missing your unique flair. It can also take away the parts you enjoy best!
So, what are the best tasks to outsource?
Think about the repetitive tasks that require a systematic approach. Scheduling social media posts, uploading products to your eCommerce site, and organising email inboxes are all examples of ‘outsourceable’ tasks.
Delegating these to a virtual assistant can be an asset and help free your time while keeping the essentials ticking over. Most importantly, they allow you to continue working on the areas that specifically require your input.
Skipping the onboarding process
Before delegating, it’s important to make sure your virtual assistant has been fully onboarded. Sending over an email list or login details for your CMS is a practical start, but without further details, you may face crossed wires, misaligned working, or the need to micromanage.
It’s helpful to spend some time walking your VA through your processes so they understand,
Your business goals
How you work
The deliverables you want from them
How they should track time or progress
Onboarding also offers them the chance to ask any questions, so they have a clearer picture of what you need from them and can work independently.
Not providing feedback
A ‘set it and forget it’ approach can result in you being unhappy with the results and feeling the need to re-do the work yourself.
When you first start working with a virtual assistant, it’s natural for there to be tweaks while they’re getting settled, I mean we have all heard the misconceptions and truths about working with a Virtual assistant but if they don’t know that the work isn’t quite what you’re looking for, then they won’t know how to change anything! So communication is key.
Whether they are supporting you with document organisation, website maintenance, or client communications, it’s helpful to set up regular check-ins, make sure they can contact you with any questions or issues, and address any changes in a clear and respectful way.
Getting the most out for working with a virtual assistant
When approached with a bit of strategy, working with a VA ‘properly’ can be straightforward and incredibly valuable.
If you’re feeling drained or overworked, let Bizzybee take some of the load off. From admin assistance to accountability and body doubling, see how I can help you find the space you need to focus on what you do best. Get in touch today.
