A recent study has revealed a shocking truth: the average adult will spend a total of five years and five months of their lives doing admin!
The same study also revealed that 36% of individuals are 'overwhelmed' by the sheer volume of administrative work they have to contend with, and many simply don't have enough time to stay on top of it all.
If you find yourself nodding in agreement, you're not alone.
Admin tasks, though necessary, often feel like a burden and
can leave you longing for more time to focus on what truly matters. The
constant weight of admin can often play on your mind even when you're not doing
it - so, what if I told you there's a way to tackle the overwhelm and unlock
time for you to spend on more productive tasks?
Not many people realise that help is available in the form of a Virtual
Assistant. Even if the term "Virtual Assistant" sounds familiar, the
process of delegation can still seem overwhelming.
Whether you’re new to the concept, or curious to find out more, read on to discover how you can create a plan of action and take the first step toward reclaiming your precious time.
A trusted VA can be an invaluable asset to a small businesses or solopreneur. By outsourcing tasks to a skilled professional, businesses can save time, reduce costs, and focus on their core operations.
That’s all well and good, but if you’re sat there reading this, scratching your head trying to think of tasks to outsource, fear not - let's delve a bit deeper into the types of tasks that can be effectively delegated. Consider the below as a good starting point for identifying the sorts of tasks that you can easily get off your plate:
1. Repeatable tasks: These are the routine tasks that need to be done regularly. Provide a brief to your VA just once, and they'll handle the rest, whether it's a daily, weekly, or monthly task.
2. Tasks you don't enjoy: When you don't enjoy doing a task, it's surprising how much time you can waste procrastinating. Hand these tasks over to a VA and watch them get things done efficiently.
3. Tasks you lack the skills for: Every VA has their own unique skillset, and the VA community offers a wide range of services, from administration and marketing to SEO, design, and website maintenance. Partner with a VA who has the right skills to tackle these tasks for you.
If this has ignited your imagination and you're contemplating those tasks you'd love to offload, check out this article for 10 innovative ways to utilise a VA.
Perhaps you'll discover something that you hadn't previously considered…
Ok, so you’ve now worked out the sorts of tasks you can
delegate. Let's now explore the process of delegation itself.
One of the biggest challenges my clients face when they start working with me
or with a new VA is letting go of the reins. I get it – especially when you
start working with someone you don’t know very well. But here’s the thing; delegation
is fundamental to success in business. It's the key to getting tasks done
without eating into your own time and resources.
While it might be difficult to entrust someone new with your responsibilities, finding a reputable VA who meets your criteria is key. Soon enough, you'll experience the benefits of delegation, allowing you to focus on your goals and ambitions that often get side-lined due to daily tasks.
Delegation is a hands-on approach, not an abdication. So, even if you're used to maintaining complete control of business operations, rest assured your VA will ensure that you remain in the loop.
Need help figuring out what to delegate? I’ve put together this helpful outsourcing guide to help you identify the tasks that you can hand over.
If you find yourself overwhelmed by the amount of admin you have to do, see it as a burden, or simply don't have enough time to stay on top of it all, then hiring a VA might be the right choice for you. Just imagine all the things you could get done if you didn't have an endless stream of admin tasks weighing you down? This reality is attainable - you don't have to do it all yourself.
Recognising that you need help and taking the time to work out the tasks you can outsource are the initial steps to relieving yourself from the time-consuming burden of admin.
Ready to take the next step? Get in touch to discover how you can reclaim your precious time and get back to the work you love.