Hire an assistant and earn your worth?

I am bursting at the seams. The problem with being self-employed is that we have to do everything— from taking out the garbage, to updating our websites, to seeing clients. But do we have to do everything? If we truly want to earn our worth, we must learn to delegate. But who do we delegate to? In the past couple of years, I’ve used an increasing number of sub-contractors. Sometimes it is simple. They do things that I can’t. (I can’t build a website. Re-write: I chose not to spend my time learning web development.) Other times it is blurry. I COULD enter the 125 names into my database, but is that the best use of my time? I make more per hour (earn what I’m really worth) by seeing clients or creating products etc.

We’ve all heard versions of this—spend your time doing what you like, what you are good at and what makes you money. The theory says that if you do this, you will earn more. But in reality, this is scarier. Who do we give it to and how much do we pay? Yes, yes, it takes money to make money. But in my head I hear, “Just because you want an assistant doesn’t mean you can afford an assistant.” So what is the answer? Frankly, I think this is more of a control issue for me. I think money is a lovely rational reason to stall, but it’s not really the reason I haven’t hired more help. I’d have to give up some control. Well, now that I’m so busy that I can’t remember to drop my child off at school, it’s time.

I was in the middle of hiring an assistant when I started thinking about using a virtual assistant instead. I need help with managing my database, internet marketing, you name it. I’ve been reading some great things about virtual assistants and how to use them. Stay tuned. I think I’m hiring one. Tomorrow, if possible. Maybe today. In reality, desperation helps make the final decision. If I’m going to keep earning what I’m truly worth, I can’t be spending my time entering names into my database!!!!

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