Y’all. Outsourcing has changed my life. It used to be that I was the one being outsourced work to (used to & still do sometimes, edit photos for other photographers), but this summer I reached the point where I began to outsource some of my own work and oh how I love doing so!
Many of you know about my saving grace, Rooting for You Social, since I’ve bragged about her fairly consistently (can’t help myself! She really is incredible!). She was my first hire in the world of outsourcing. As my virtual assistant, I’ve had her do all kinds of tasks. Here are a few of them:
- She managed my social media for a bit (planned and scheduled posts for me)
- She regularly designs freebies and resources for me
- She’s working on top-secret projects at the moment (can’t spill the beans yet!)
- She’s designed blog pins for Pinterest
- She’s re-pinned blog posts onto Pinterest
There’s so much more that the girl can do – she’s working with other clients on course launches, website design, or newsletter content, just to name a few.
The second hire I made was when I decided to launch the Heart to Heart Podcast. I hired a good friend, Sam, to edit the episodes for me. This has been so helpful for me because all I have to do is record, then send the episodes to him, then he sends them back and I upload them for you guys! It clears up so much time for me to work on more important things, which has been so wonderful.
Those are the only two hires I’ve made so far, but you can bet that I plan to make more when the time is right! Here are a few of the goals I’m reaching towards:
- Hello Fresh (need I say more? I’m very excited to reach that goal someday!)
- Video Content
Keep in mind, what is best for you to outsource may be completely different from what I outsource. Make a list with a line down the middle. On one side write down the kinds of tasks that you really love doing in your business. On the other, write down the tasks that you put off as long as possible or that take up more time than you believe they should. Those are the tasks you should be outsourcing. Then you’ll have more time to focus on what you enjoy and what’s most important to you, and your mental health will improve (can I get a hearty amen?!).
Other Outsourcing Options
- Album design
- Photo editing
- Culling
- Blogging
- Book-keeping
- Associate photographers
Knowing when to outsource is another piece of the puzzle. Here are a few signs that you should consider outsourcing for your own business:
- You’re constantly overwhelmed and feel like your head is barely above the water
- You’ve had to begin turning away clients because you just can’t keep up
- Your creativity has begun to feel like it’s waning
- You’re forgetting important details like invoicing, contracts, or emails because you’re bogged down by so many other tasks
- There’s something you know that needs to be done, but you don’t have the knowledge or desire to do it yourself
Those are just a few reasons (very, very good ones), why you should begin outsourcing.
If you don’t know where to start, start by reaching out to Rooting for You Social. She has been an incredible asset for my business and I know that she has been for many others, too!
Happy outsourcing!
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