One of the biggest struggles I hear from women business owners is this: “My biggest challenge is learning to trust others so I can confidently outsource and free up my time to build the business.”
I get it. Outsourcing feels like a HUGE deal – because this is our BABY. We’ve created it from scratch, put blood, sweat and tears into it, and we’re worried about handing any of it over.
But I could not have built my business without outsourcing. And these days, it’s easier and more affordable than ever.
Why Outsourcing Changed Everything For Me
I can do everything in my business. EVERYTHING. But it doesn’t mean it’s the best use of my time.
I found a virtual assistant and even a couple of hours a month made a massive difference. She freed up my time AND my mental space – all those nagging tasks I’d been avoiding were finally off my desk.
In those freed-up hours, I focused on what I’m really good at – creating content, coaching clients, building programmes. That’s where the money is.
5 Tips For Outsourcing Successfully
1. Track Where Your Time Actually Goes
Spend a week tracking how you spend your time (use the Toggl app if you want to be precise). Be honest about how long you spend fiddling with Canva graphics, trying to edit Reels, or doing your bookkeeping. Work out which tasks can ONLY be done by you – then outsource the biggest time drains first.
2. Be Clear On What You Need
There are thousands of VAs and freelancers out there with different specialities. Some are brilliant at social media management, others are tech wizards, some specialise in podcast editing or Pinterest management.
Where to find them: Facebook groups for VAs, Fiverr and Upwork for one-off tasks, PeoplePerHour for UK-based freelancers, or ask for recommendations in your business community.
3. Set Clear Expectations From Day One
Set out exactly what you expect – what needs doing, by when, and how. Use shared tools like Google Drive, Trello or Asana to keep everything organised. Record short Loom videos to show your VA exactly how you want things done.
4. Start With A Trial Period
Put a trial in place – say 6 weeks. This gives you both time to work out if it’s a good fit. No hard feelings if it’s not working.
5. Give Feedback Regularly
If something is bothering you, SAY SOMETHING! Your VA is not a mind reader. A quick weekly check-in on Zoom or a voice note on WhatsApp can keep things running smoothly.
Start Small
You don’t need to hand over your entire business. Start with one task – maybe scheduling your social media, or managing your inbox, or editing your podcast. Even 2-3 hours a week can be transformative.
And don’t forget – AI tools like ChatGPT and Canva’s AI features can also take tasks off your plate. Use them for first drafts of emails, brainstorming content ideas, or creating social media graphics in minutes.
It might feel like giving your baby away, but your business can’t grow if you’re doing absolutely everything yourself. Start small and I promise you won’t look back!