So you started a business…against the odds and against all the statistics about business failure. But I have a secret to tell you and I’m sorry that I’m the bearer of bad news but you’re still in danger of failing. Why? Because if you’re a solo-entrepreneur who does everything, you really don’t have a business – you have a hobby or a part-time/side job.
So how do you break free of the hobby/side-job trap? Stop doing everything, stop wearing all the hats (marketing, bookkeeping, sales, building your widgets). Stop being a Jack-Of-All-Trades, Master-Of-None …or Jill-Of-All-Trades. Just STOP!
Most new business owners (and even veteran business owners) get nervous when thinking about not doing everything themselves. Automatically thinking that the only way to stop doing everything is to hire an employee… the cash register of the expenses racking up starts sounding off in their heads & the budget starts going all wacky but it that’s not necessarily the case. There is an answer, in my opinion that answer is…Outsourcing.
I know it is scary and it might feel like a big step but outsourcing non-essential tasks to a virtual assistant or a freelancer might be the saving grace for both you and your business.
Here are a few suggestions/tips for outsourcing:
- Get Organized – set clear expectations, it’ll save you and your freelancer some heartache in the long run
- Task Oriented – find a freelancer that works by task not time spent on the task
- Do What You Love – if you love it, have a passion for it, even if the task is non-essential, do it… and get rid of everything else on your plate
Joyce is a CPA who has spent the better part of almost 20 years honing her craft as an accountant with companies in the Greater Baltimore-Washington, DC area – growing, mentoring & managing accounting teams. It’s this experience that she brings to the Common Cents services & training programs, including QuickBooks Basics.
Connect with me on Google+, Facebook and Twitter!
