How to Get over the Delegating Blues
If you’re like the “old” me, you might have trouble asking for help or hiring someone to help you with your business.
The truth is, I’ve had to learn the hard way. I suffered from “analysis paralysis” when I had too much to do on my plate, and even though I outsourced book-keeping, article marketing and graphic design, I went begging on my hands and knees the other day to hire a fulltime Virtual Assistant.
Jack Welch didn’t empty the trash cans at GE. Steve Jobs doesn’t answer all of Apple’s emails, and I bet Meg Whitman never wrote a single piece of code for eBay. Instead, these high-flying execs knew that in order to take their companies to the top, they needed to delegate and outsource.
Put simply, if you try to do it all yourself, your head is going to explode. Why not accept that fact upfront and consistently focus on the parts of your business where you bring the greatest value?
Though delegating will save you tons of stress in the long term, in the short term it can be a little anxiety-producing. Here are 5 tips if you’re just starting down the delegation path:
Choose time limited tasks.
The best jobs to start delegating are those that have a concrete beginning and end. It’s much easier to ask someone to send out new client packages then it is to ask them to “improve your client retention program.” Start with tasks that you could easily create a checklist for and that have a start-to-finish quality.
Set measurable goals.
Define what “completion” looks like for you, and share that picture with the person to which you’ve chosen to delegate the task. For example, say “When you’re done, the new client’s information will be entered into a database, an invoice will be sent, the welcome package will be mailed and I’ll have a greeting card on my desk to sign.” The more specific you are in the end result you desire, the more likely it is that your staff will do a satisfactory job.
Focus on the outcome, not on the process.
One of the biggest mistakes business owners make when they delegate is they micromanage the process. Every step of the way, they’re looking over the helper’s shoulder, making sure everything is done “right.” This is going to cause multiple problems and is just so WRONG. Worry less about HOW the work is getting done and focus on the end result. You’re not saving time if you’re managing every step of the process. Remember, you’re trying to make less work for yourself, not more. Trust your judgment – you chose someone you could depend on, so now depend on them.
Focus on “good enough” not “perfection.”
This is a tough one for work-at-home entrepreneurs, who tend to be of the “If you want something done right, you’ve got to do it yourself,” school of thought. To save yourself time and stress, you’ve got to let go of that expectation. Some jobs don’t need to be done perfectly – it’s fine if it’s just done at all!
Evaluate the efforts and fine tune as necessary.
There’s always room for improvement – on both sides! Regularly, ask your helper where you could have done a more effective job of managing the process, and be open to her suggestions. Then if you see some ways she could work more effectively, suggest them in a constructive manner.
Now that you’ve gotten over the fact that you can’t do it all and are delegating some tasks, you’ve got a few minutes to breathe deep and take a look at how to spend a bit of free time. Do you need to spend it on taking care of yourself, working out or on a stress relief activity? Or, can you get out there and shake some customer trees to make connections and bring in more business?
I’d love to learn what sort of things you delegate to others. What’s something you used to do that you’ll never go back to now that you’ve been smart enough to put someone else in charge?
Create a LinkedIn Profile That Gets You Noticed
You know how you can size up a person in just a few minutes? Well that’s all the time you have to make an impression when someone views your Linkedin profile, and you want to get it right!
We’ve discovered there are millions of people out there that don’t know what they don’t know, and are showing up on LinkedIn all wrong!
Our mission is to teach you how easy it is to create a profile that gets you noticed, one you can be proud of. Our training can help anyone create a more powerful profile, and will be teaching specifics especially for those in a job transition and searching for work.
Join us http://www.girpromotions.com/linkedinworkshop/ and learn the do’s and don’ts of creating a profile that gets you noticed, and Hired!
Jane Morrison and JoAnne Funch
Your LinkedIn guru team
By Special Request
Our LinkedIn training for business owners was so popular that by special request, we’re providing another virtual training session dedicated just to those in transition and to job seekers!
If you or someone you know has unfortunately been laid off, downsized, or let go, get a step up in the job market by using one of the most powerful advertising venues you can – LinkedIn!
When done correctly, (and that’s what we’ll teach you!!!) LinkedIn is an important way for you to present yourself to a perspective employer.
Not being on LinkedIn is a big mistake, as your employer will be looking at your social media profiles to gauge your professionalism and expertise.
Join us http://www.girpromotions.com/linkedinworkshop/ and learn the do’s and don’t of creating a profile that gets you noticed, and Hired!
Jane Morrison and JoAnne Funch
Your LinkedIn guru team
There’s still room!
A quick reminder that today is the day to take advantage of how to use LinkedIn to grow your business!
We know your marketing budget is tight, so you absolutely must learn how LinkedIn can grow your business exponentially!
http://www.girpromotions.com/linkedinworkshop/
To your success!
Jane Morrison and JoAnne Funch
Your LinkedIn Guru Team
How to Stop Struggling
I know all about the frustration of trying to move forward and feeling stuck.
I know all about having a vision and big dreams and not being able to get to the goal due to the challenges of technology and prospects saying “no.” 
Imagine what it would be like to have the easy answers at your fingertips.
Imagine what it would be like to get that project “off your plate” so you can earn the income.
Imagine having the support as an entrepreneur to finally turn your passion into profit!
Join me for my complimentary TELECLASS this coming Monday, August 1st, to share some of the solutions that will allow you to stop struggling and feeling that you are going it alone.
I’ll answer your questions about your business struggles on the call live.
I’ll share the top 5 reasons why you would want to join a mastermind group.
And most importantly, you’ll take away a cost effective solution to your business struggles.
I’ve made it easy! No sign up necessary! Mark your calendar!
Just DIAL INTO 1-218-632-9802
Access Code: 5757#
On Monday August 1st at 10:00 PT, 12:00 CT, 1:00 ET.
Never before have I offered this free class, where in fact I am giving away free advice.
And, if you want a sneak peek on the Mastermind program, take a look here: http://www.janemorrison.com/marketing-and-mindset-mastermind-program/
There’s only room for 8 in the program and it’s half full already.
Send the questions you want me to answer about your business struggles to jane@janemorrison.com before Monday!
Say No to Unemployment & Yes to Starting a Business – May 2011
It makes me sick to my stomach…seeing the REAL unemployment rate being reported.
It’s much worse than the usual single digit status we hear about, because what’s NOT reported in those numbers are those under-employed (how many of you know people who have gone back to work at the local gas station, hardware store or retail store in the hope of insurance and pride? God Bless em!) and does not report those who have given up. ( How many of you have son/daughter, family members returning to live with you because of not being able to find work?)
Yes, the unemployment crisis is real and it’s going to stay real for a long long time.
What’s the answer? Stop counting on finding a job, and jump into the world of entrepreneurship with both feet by putting your gifts, passions and talents to work as a small business owner!
Everyone has a passion, purpose and gifts to offer that others will spend money on. Is it risky? It can be, and that’s why it’s important to spend time identifying your passions and doing it right. It’s why I do the work I do, so others succeed at their dreams.
I’ve helped so many people start their business and get off the merry-go-round of working for others.
Molly started her own vintage clothing boutique. Mary started her own pet grooming & doggie sitting daycare. Joe started his own home inspections business (way to go honey), and Jodi started her own massage and aromatherapy business – the list goes on and on.
How to get the courage to venture out on your own? You can do it while still working a day job, or if you have the time, do it with gusto full time.
I’ve got a special 50% off rate once again for my BOOK THAT WILL GIVE YOU ANSWERS TO YOUR FUTURE.
This E-book is full of exercises that teach you what your passion is, what your purpose in life is, and how to get going to follow that path. Just take a look at what some of the people say about the Discover Your Next Step journey.
Don’t hold yourself back any longer. You deserve to be happy and fulfilled.
All my best,
Mastering Your Motivation
“Get out of your Own Way”
10 Top Tips on How to be an Expert Networker (and why you want to be one)
Effective networking is a must for any business owner looking to grow their business. Yet far too often people don’t take networking seriously or do it effectively.
You want to be an expert networker because otherwise it is a big waste of your time and money. When you join a networking group, make sure it’s for the right reasons and that you follow these 10 strategies for success. You’ll reap the benefits of adding potential customers to your client’s database, make good friends and even find mentors yourself.
- Choose the Right Group: Make sure you are visiting or joining a group who has people who need what you’ve got, or know others that do. You want to carefully consider the reason the group gets together and see if it’s a fit for your overall business goals, as well as your personal values. Groups not only have different member databases, but they also have different personalities, and you want to make sure it’s a good fit for you.
- Show Up & Be Involved: Far too often people invest in joining a group, but place attending it on a regular basis low on the priority list. In a networking group, you definitely give what you get, so regular attendance is a must. Join the leadership group or offer to teach a segment on an area where you excel.Being seen as a leader lends credibility to yourself and that makes you attractive and trustworthy to others.
- Master your Elevator Speech: Be sure you can confidently and clearly speak about the value and benefits of your product or services. Don’t be afraid to read from notes to keep you on track. Having a “call to action” encourages the listener to take the next step to get in touch with you.
- Be Yourself: The world is made up of many different personalities, and the people you attract will be drawn to you because of who you are, your personal values and individuality. Use your gifts of humor, kindness, sincerity, wisdom etc. as your assets and don’t shy from shining your own light.
- Give First: Nothing is more of a turnoff than having someone push themselves on you to buy from them. Sales are built on relationships and relationships are created by getting to know each other. Asking open-ended questions of others, “why did you choose your business name, how did you get started in your field, what are some of your challenges?” will open up a dialogue to get to know one another and how you can be or service to them. Remember the “Give to Get” Golden Rule.
- Ask for What you Want: Knowing how another networker can help you will allow you to be prepared for that question. Is your goal to invite them to an open house, an upcoming workshop or call you for a complimentary consultation? Be clear with your requests, you don’t get what you don’t ask for.
- Be Sure to Follow-Up: The initial meeting is just the beginning, and rarely is a place of sale. It’s after the meeting and what you do with your contact’s information that is critical. Be sure to let your contact know you’d like to enter their information in your client database to keep in touch with them, and with their permission, start a “keep in touch” system to nourish the relationships.
- Develop the Relationship: Remember it takes 7-10 times for a potential client to hear from you in order to gain trust and credibility and for them to want to do business with you. Out of sight means out of mind. Whether it’s through a monthly newsletter or email series, be helpful to your contacts and they’ll remember you in turn when it’s time for them to purchase what you’ve got.
- Arrive Prepared: Rushing in the door disheveled at the last minute won’t earn you any points. Arrive on time, prepared with plenty of business cards, and take extra time to greet others and make your guest feel comfortable. People buy from those they like, know and trust!
- Enjoy Yourself! Networking can be really fun and rewarding, and the relationships can enhance your life tremendously personally and professionally. Make it a habit to show up with positive energy and you’ll reap great rewards.
Is Self Employment for You? Take This Simple Test to Find Out
I’m working with a group of small business owners and new entrepreneurs going into business for themselves. As they develop their business plan with me, I can sense their excitement as well as fear.
Because I have years of experience, I am able to quickly pinpoint what their strengths are. I can also spot areas where they will struggle.
I ran across a self assessment test for small business owners titled “Is Self Employment for You?” by Paul Casey. It’s a quick test to see how many skills you have that generally point toward being a successful entrepreneur. I scored 94; this is the “good to very good” scale. It also pointed out the areas where I need improvement.
Personally, I need to work on making decisions more quickly and easily, including executing tasks and organization. One message I consistently give to my clients is to focus on their strengths, outsource what they don’t do well, and improve on the core business competences they are missing. I’ll take my own advice and work on the areas where I need to improve.
Take the test yourself here (it takes just a few minutes) and let me know how you did. I would love to hear your comments and feedback on what you discover.
Jane Morrison, Certified Coach & Trainer, teaches success programs to women entrepreneurs. She empowers women to live their passion and effectively promote themselves. With their improved sales and marketing skills, they become the success they deserve. Let her help you make your dreams come true with confidence, courage and clarity of vision.
Look for her signature program “The Ultimate Step by Step Business Building Success Guide for Women Entrepreneurs” on her website, www.janemorrison.com
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