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Delegation For The Control Freak

Go ahead; admit it. You’re a control freak - one of those people that doesn’t like to leave anything to chance. You’re a firm believer in the creed: “if you want something done right, do it yourself.” After all, that’s how entrepreneurs are born.

It’s when you become a successful small business owner and really need to focus on time management that this outlook can get you into trouble. But fear not, that’s where delegation becomes a viable solution for even the most ardent perfectionists among us.

The first thing to do is to remember why you went into business in the first place. Next, go through an average workday and ask yourself how much time you spend on things other than those you do best. Don’t be surprised if this number is depressingly high.

Now imagine what you could be doing if those tasks that aren’t your forte were competently handled by someone else. Resist your natural urge to say that the odds of you finding someone competent and affordable are slim. That’s the control freak in you trying to sabotage your delegation efforts before they get off the ground.

Start with administration. . How much of your day is spent reading email, answering calls, filling out forms, and just generally keeping your business going. Odds are it takes up quite a chunk of time. The good part is: this is the easiest portion of your business to delegate.

There are thousands of people who have studied the best methods for administration. More than likely, you’ve just been using the same techniques that have worked for you since you started your business. There are several outsourcing sites on the internet where you can find people who will be willing to perform all your administrative tasks for a relative pittance, especially when you consider the amount of money you could be making if these tasks were taken off your plate. You can also check at the local university for any internship programs they may have.

When you interview, don’t be shy. Get to know the person, and you’ll get a feeling right away if they would be a good fit for your business. If you give these people a chance, they might surprise you by how much they can improve your daily operations.

Time management is critical for any small business owner, especially as you expand. If you can force yourself to explore the delegation of at least the administrative aspects of your business, your potential will rise exponentially. And once you’ve successfully delegated one position, the possibilities of using delegation to grow your business will become crystal clear.

By: Craig Prescott

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