The Cost of Doing Everything Yourself
Running a business solo means wearing a ridiculous number of hats—marketing, sales, admin, content creation, and customer service. While this may feel like the only option, the reality is not delegating is costing you far more than you think.
I personally love learning how to do everything, but that led me to never being an expert in one thing. And here’s the thing—the real value is in mastery. If you want to grow, you have to bring in other experts where you need them:
✔ Finance (Bookkeeping & Taxes)
✔ Legal (Contracts & Business Protection)
✔ Social Media & Marketing
✔ Business Management & Operations
✔ Sales & Client Handling
If your goal is just to sustain what you can handle alone, that’s okay. But if you want to grow, delegation isn’t optional—it’s necessary.
My Realization That Doing It All Wasn’t Sustainable
Back when I ran my photography business, I realized I needed:
✔ A marketing team to increase visibility (but I struggled with ROI)
✔ Someone to handle phone calls & sales (because answering made me anxious)
✔ An assistant on shoots to adjust lighting and help with styling
✔ A hair and makeup artist to elevate the client experience
At first, I resisted delegation because I thought I couldn’t afford it. But the hidden costs of NOT delegating quickly became clear:
❌ Burnout—Doing everything alone was exhausting.
❌ Missed Opportunities—I couldn’t scale because I was too busy with small tasks.
❌ Slower Growth—Without support, I couldn't focus on my strengths or attract more clients.
💡 Lesson Learned: If you’re spending more time on tasks that don’t generate revenue than on actually serving your clients, it’s time to delegate.
How to Determine What Tasks to Outsource First
A common mistake? Delegating the wrong things first. Many business owners start with what’s easiest instead of what’s most time-consuming or draining.
Signs It’s Time to Delegate a Task:
✔ You dread doing it or avoid it altogether.
✔ You spend hours researching how to do it (and still struggle).
✔ It doesn’t directly generate revenue, but it’s necessary for growth.
✔ You know someone else could do it faster or better.
💡 Rule of Thumb: Start with the task that sucks the most of your time. For many, that’s social media. While posting might seem simple, quality content involves video editing, engagement, creating graphics, and running ads. If that’s not directly getting you clients, delegate it.
Where to Find Reliable Freelancers & Staff
Hiring the right person can feel overwhelming. You have two main options:
1. Online Platforms
✔ Upwork, Fiverr – Good for short-term projects but may take trial & error.
✔ LinkedIn, Facebook Groups – Great for networking & industry-specific freelancers.
✔ Local Recommendations – Ask business peers for referrals.
2. Within Your Network
I’ve had the best luck finding professionals within my own circles:
✔ I had a lawyer friend help with my photography contracts.
✔ I hired a graphic designer I met through gaming to design my logos.
⚠️ Important Reminder: Hiring someone in your circle does not mean discounts. They are business owners too—pay them fairly.
Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring:
❌ Expecting cheap = good—Quality work costs money.
❌ Not setting clear expectations—Be upfront about deliverables, timelines, and pay.
❌ Not doing a test project—Start with a small task before committing long-term.
💡 Before Hiring, Ask Yourself:
✔ What problem am I solving by hiring this person?
✔ Is this an ongoing or one-time need?
✔ Do I have a clear process for working with them?
Delegation Planner: Your First Steps to Handing Off Tasks
If you’re afraid to delegate, start small and low-risk.
1. Easiest Tasks to Delegate First:
✔ Cleaning – Hire a cleaning service for your business or home to free up time.
✔ Admin Work – Virtual assistants can handle emails, scheduling, and invoices.
✔ Editing & Graphic Design – A freelancer can save you hours of DIY frustration.
✔ Social Media Posting – A manager can keep your brand active while you focus on strategy.
2. Take the First Step, Then Evaluate
If you’re unsure whether delegation is helping, give it a 30-day test.
- What changed in your productivity?
- Were you able to focus on more important work?
- Was it worth the cost?
💡 Final Thought: The best investment you can make in your business is buying back your time. Let go of what’s slowing you down and focus on what you do best.
🚀 Need help identifying where your time is leaking? The Energy Leaks Workbook can guide you through the process. Download It Here
