The Power of Letting Go: Outsourcing, Delegation, and the Art of Imperfect Progress
The allure of self-employment often comes with a strong DIY ethos. We strike out on our own, fueled by passion and a belief in our vision. But the term "self-employed" can be misleading. It doesn't, and shouldn't, mean doing everything ourselves. This path inevitably leads to overwhelm, burnout, and a feeling of being perpetually stuck, questioning whether we're truly cut out for this entrepreneurial life.
My own journey started with a desire to escape the daily grind of retail, leading me to the idea of building websites for local businesses. Initially, I wasn't the tech wizard; I was the talker, the salesman. I partnered with the developer who built my shoe shop's website. I sold, he built. A simple, effective division of labour for a while.
However, as the business grew, I felt a disconnect. While the technical execution of the websites was sound, I felt they lacked a certain creative flair. So, in true ADHD hyperfocus mode (though I didn't know it then!), I decided to learn the trade myself. This involved countless hours of after-hours research and a significant internal battle. I’d always seen myself as a salesman, not someone particularly technical or creative.
But to scale, I realised I needed to understand the nuts and bolts of website development to lead a team effectively, rather than just blindly trusting others. The thought of being back at square one, relying solely on someone else's interpretation of my vision, spurred me on.
The real challenge in scaling any business is the need for extra hands. As a self-proclaimed (and perhaps slightly unrealistic) perfectionist, the idea of entrusting others with work that bore my company's name was daunting. Could they possibly meet my standards? Would they understand the vision as clearly as I did?
Then, I stumbled upon a piece of wisdom that proved to be a game-changer: expect no more than 85% perfection from your staff. This simple statement was liberating. Did things really have to be absolutely flawless? And, more importantly, was my definition of "perfect" the only valid one?
This shift in perspective allowed me to be less rigid in my expectations and open the door to building a team.
One of the most rewarding ways I found to bring in help was through apprenticeships. It was incredibly fulfilling to watch young individuals develop their skills and grow within the business. I also regularly welcomed interns from a local university.
These bright, enthusiastic students, often studying various aspects of marketing, were genuinely appreciative of the opportunity to work on real client projects, gaining invaluable experience beyond theoretical case studies. This stream of talent has been a constant source of energy and support for over a decade now.
The fundamental truth of business growth is this: you cannot do it all alone. Finding a way to bring help on board is not a sign of weakness; it's a strategic imperative. It requires a willingness to let go of some control, to adjust your expectations of "perfect," and to trust in the potential of others.
This journey of delegation will not only free up your own time and energy to focus on the bigger picture but will also develop your man-management skills and provide a profound sense of satisfaction in nurturing the careers of those who join your team. It's about building something bigger than yourself, and that requires sharing the load and trusting others to contribute their unique talents.
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