The Art of Delegating Tasks
You’ve finally decided to bring on a virtual assistant to support your business growth, but now what? Where do you even start with delegating tasks that only you’re used to doing? This part alone can feel a little overwhelming, and I completely understand. It’s a big deal to hire someone that you likely don’t even know (beyond a discovery call) and that you now have to just be able to trust with your business.
I’ve worked with plenty of small business owners and each one has been an entirely different experience. I’m here to tell you a few ways to learn how to let go and let your virtual assistant handle tasks you usually handle yourself. You will thank yourself for learning how to delegate effectively!
5 Tips to Ease your Way into Delegation
Typically, your virtual assistant will have an onboarding process that will ensure the successful start to your new working relationship. My own welcome package includes an overview of my operations and detailed list of next steps. Relaying to my clients exactly what they need to do from the start will only start to build trust!
Start Small
Begin by delegating smaller or less critical tasks to your virtual assistant. As you see successful outcomes, you will start to gain trust and build the confidence to start sharing more significant responsibilities.
Tip: If you’re nervous about sharing your login details, use a secure password sharing app such as LastPass.
Understand the benefits
You are an expert in your industry, and your virtual assistant is one in theirs. Focus on the fact that delegating is a strategic move to boost your own productivity and free up time. Your virtual assistant is there to help you do exactly this! Here are some of my favourite benefits of learning how to effectively delegate tasks:
increased productivity
reduced stress
deeper client focus
better work-life balance
reduced burnout
3. Communication is key
Provide your virtual assistant with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). These are procedures specific to your operation that describes the activities necessary to complete tasks in accordance with your standards. This can even be a simple Google Doc! Also, have open communication with your virtual assistant and be available to answer any questions they may have about completing the tasks. Provide constructive feedback to help them improve and better align with your business goals.
Tip: Record Loom tutorials to show your assistant exactly the way you’d like them to complete a task that is more complex.4. Be Open to different approaches
You’ve been the only one completing these tasks in your business thus far, so you have a certain expectation of the way they should be done. Realize that your assistant may have a different approach to doing things, and this is not necessarily a bad thing! If their way and outcome still aligns with your objectives, be open to their suggestions and approach! They may even have a better way of completing a task, or offer a different perspective to improving your back- end structure.
5. Set realistic deadlines
Most virtual assistants will have a turnaround time for completing tasks. For example, mine is 24-28 hours and I also prefer if same day tasks are not assigned. Most virtual assistants are business owners too, and have multiple clients that they support. Avoid rushing or setting unrealistic expectations as this can create frustration for both and potentially subpar results.
Final Takeaways
Remember that delegation is a learned skill. Be patient with yourself as you practice this and you will only experience the benefits of effective delegation. Truly successful delegation involves effectively communicating your expectations and fostering a collaborative relationship with your virtual assistant. Give it some time, but you will start to experience the freedom to focus on the creative side of your business and channeling your energy towards your clients.
Happy delegating!
