When you’re first ready to start scaling your business, the first major challenge is finding the time to even think about what scaling your business looks like. Before you can even think about new programs, writing a book and your next “big” launch you need to create processes for your business so team members can begin handling more of the day to day work freeing you up to think about vision and additional income streams.
This leads to the following (oh so common) questions:
What else can I take off my plate?
Who should I give these tasks to?
Do I need to hire another team member?
These questions can feel really overwhelming AND you haven’t even started “scaling” yet. Before you decide to burn your business down or hire someone (anyone!) to help, take a step back and consider the answers to these questions. The answers will give you the time and space you need to, ya know, scale!
What else can I take off my plate?
Start by making a list of your daily tasks – and make it exhaustive. I mean really write down EVERY task you do. You might even want to keep a sheet of paper next to you for a week or two so you can write down all the projects your responsible for. Trust me, I get it. You’re probably thinking – “really, everything?? I don’t need a sheet of paper, I need a freaking notepad!!!”
I know, I know. And that’s ok! But if you’re EVER going to find more time you have to spend a little (just a little) right now by making a list of everything that needs to be done in your business day to day.
Separate the list into 2 columns. In column 1, list all things that require your superpower. The things that really only you can do. In the second goes everything else. THESE are the tasks that you will hand off (either immediately or eventually).
Who should I give these tasks to?
Knowing which team member should be handling which tasks aren’t always black and white, especially at this stage in your business where one team member may be wearing a couple of hats. Begin by grouping together like tasks. You’ll likely start to see that certain tasks really make sense for your VA to do, a social media manager or a designer. These tasks you can immediately start passing off.
Do I need to hire another team member?
Look for any gaps, i.e. a group of tasks that don’t require your superpower but don’t really make sense for one of your current team members to do. Next, figure out how much time this group of tasks requires. If we’re talking about a couple of hours a month, it may not make sense to invest in an additional team member at this point. BUT if this group of tasks takes you a few hours a week, then it’s probably time to consider adding a member to your team to fill this gap.
Before you rush to start interviewing, do a little research first.
How much will a team member with the needed skill set cost?
Will you need them temporarily to get through a couple of projects or do you need someone long term?
Once you know these answers you can begin budgeting and saving for making the new addition.
I know it never feels like a good time to do this BUT remember the definition of insanity? Don’t keep doing the same thing over and over expecting different results. If you want more time, you need to MAKE more time!
To help you start making more time, I created this simple but powerful spreadsheet to help you track your daily responsibilities and begin identifying who can take them over.
If you need help answering any of these questions, consider scheduling a strategy session. We’ll spend 60 minutes digging into what’s on your plate, what tasks you can pass off and if you should consider adding a team member.