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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Comments
You’re so right, Mikelann! As business women, we try to do it all ourselves because that’s what we’ve been used to doing. But, as a Virtual Assistant, I have seen the impact that I’ve made on my client’s business and their stress levels! I think you’ll be extremely happy with the results. Just don’t be afraid to let go of a few things
Melodee Patterson
February 1st, 2008
I’m a Virtual Assistant and I’m considering using a Virtual Assistant as my assistant. I have control issues, also. You think no one can do it the way you would and desire.
Rita Cartwright
February 2nd, 2008
The whole idea of an assistant is one I struggle with also. I need one but the work that I need done is mainly on premises so a VA is out. The last time I looked for someone, I was so overwhelmed by the response that I received! Not looking forward to doing the search again. For me it is less about control and more about the dread involved in re-opening the search.
Elizabeth M. Johnson
February 2nd, 2008
My business started out as a virtual assistance company, and one thing I rapidly learned was that many business owners will use money as the excuse not to hire a VA, but the real truth is that it means they have to make their time valuable if they are delegating work. This scares them. And I never quite understood this phenomenon until recently, when I decided I needed a VA. Now I *have* to get that book written, which is scary. No more excuses because I’m too busy!
Betsy Talbot
February 3rd, 2008
Hi Mikelann
The issue for me is that I need help in my office not virtually. I need to physically hand off stuff. However I don’t need full time help, just a few hours a week to keep me organized. So finding the right person has not been something I have made a priority for because of my limited time. The catch 22 is that I need time to give myself more time, additionally I am doubtful I canfind someone to work for such limited hours.
Irene
February 6th, 2008
A virtual assistant? I’ve never heard of this concept! Please, elaborate! I want to hear more!
Erica DeWolf
February 9th, 2008
Hi, Mikelann. I’m so happy for you! As our guest speaker a few months ago, you know the Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce is the go-to spot for competent, qualified Virtual Assistants.
If any of your readers is interested in hiring a Virtual Assistant, we have a Client Guide to help understand the concept and how it works, a Virtual Assistant Directory, an RFP Center and a ton of other resources for business owners.
Here are the links:
Client Guide
http://www.virtualassistantnetworking.com/client-guide.htm
Virtual Assistant Directory
http://www.virtualassistantnetworking.com/directory/
RFP Center
http://www.virtualassistantnetworking.com/rfp-center.htm
How to Hire a Virtual Assistant
http://www.virtualassistantnetworking.com/how-to-hire-a-virtual-assistant.htm
Get to Know Our Virtual Assistants
http://www.virtualassistantnetworking.com/subscribe.htm
Danielle Keister
March 22nd, 2008