Remember the day you started your business? I remember it well…fear and excitement fueled me. I wanted to be an instant success, but I knew it would take time and perseverance. I was ready to work hard – to put my heart and soul into the business. And, I did. And, no I wasn’t an instant success – it did take time. But, now I have what many would call a very successful business. A wonderful staff of technicians “do the work.” I am no longer the chief bottle washer. I work more “on the business” than “in it.” I can lead, I can manage the business. Meet with my clients, enjoy a little flex time. All the things I hoped for. And, the business is still growing.
But wait. Is that true? Then, why did I just spend 3 hours working on my website? Why was yesterday spent paying bills? Oh, and tomorrow I have to update my marketing database. Why me? Is that the best use of my time? Probably not. But it is important. And, while I don’t worry about the IT in my business (as that is my business and I do have a staff of highly skilled IT technicians who can do that for me), I do still get wrapped up in the weeds spending far more time than I am ready to admit here on things that frankly, someone else can do better than me! Why? Because right now, at this moment, it has to get done…and it takes far more time for me to identify possible resources, interview and hire them, train them, etc….oh and then I have to pay them too!
So, how do I judge when it is time to remove a hat? And, which hat should I get rid of? And, who is going to wear the hat – an existing employee? Nope, not mine – they are all focused on delivering our client services. I could hire – in fact I did…but I didn’t have full time work and they eventually left for another company that did. And, so I am back to square one – 8 months invested in training someone to wear some of my hats and she’s gone. Start over again? Ugh! I’m thinking now that outsourcing might be a better option. Sure, there is still some training involved…but if I outsource to the right company then they know how to do the things I do today (and probably a lot better than I do). And, I just need to teach them a little about what makes my company special. Hmmm…. This may work.
Yes, I still have to pay them. And, yes, they cost more than I budgeted. But, do they really give me back more of my own time? And, do they do it better than I could? I think that is the question. If someone can do it better than me, isn’t it time for me to give up the hat? Ooooh…but that is giving up control…isn’t it? I like control. But, I gotta try it. To get my business to the next level will take focus – I don’t have the time to do everything. And, besides, I need to do it better. OK, time to let go of a hat!
Cheryl Nelan
President and Owner of CMIT Solutions of Monroe
