Great advice Molly... I think the two biggest stumbling blocks that my virtual assistance clients in general have with outsourcing are

1. Not wanted to give up control of their baby and
2. Communication

If you solve #2 - you'll end up solving #1.

If you have a deadline -- let your VA know (we love to meet deadlines) -- if something isn't quite how you want it - let us know that too... because it is easier to fix problems early.

VAs: This goes for you too - you can't overcommunicate - let your clients know that you've gotten their e-mails and that you are working on them - and when you think you'll be done...

This is great, Molly! I, um, have a bit of a problem with the control stuff too.

Lately, I've been trying to outsource some of the tasks I don't enjoy doing very much. It helps free up time, but mostly helps my morale since I don't have to spend as much time doing the drudge work stuff that drains me.

I also admit that finances are a major obstacle for me here too. For example, one thing I'd really love to outsource is proposal preparation. It takes a lot of time and research. But, the problem is that we may or may not get the project, so I don't know if the investment is worthwhile. I suppose it would be if I paid someone less than I pay myself and then work on something else in that same time frame.

Anyhow, really really good things to think about. I have the feeling I'll be moving in this direction more and more as time goes by.

Thanks!!

@meredithe Thank you for stopping by. I can testify that you are one of the folks who proves investing in help is a good idea.

@naominiles You are another person I've been so glad to have on my team. I love that you shared your views about hiring, and I wonder if you have advice for us from the contractor point of view.

Thanks, Molly. I've enjoyed so much working with you too. :)

Hmm, from the contractor point of view, what I think I like the most that you mentioned is set clear expectations. That's really important when you have someone doing stuff for you.

I think most people really need clear goals in order to do a good job. I've been on both sides of the coin when the expectations were not clear enough and it almost always turns out badly.

Another thing maybe I'd mention is to have those clear expectations and goals, but then let the contractor find the best way to achieve them for you. In short, try to get out of the way and tell them the "what" and let them do their job and take care of the "how". :)

Great tips, Molly. I'm bookmarking this post for easy reference to folks who mention to me that they're thinking about starting to build their support team!

Your point about hiring being a learning process is huge--with many of my clients (and non-client colleagues), there's a big fear of "doing it wrong." There seems to be some idea that there is a right way and a wrong way to hire someone or make use of a support team, and the truth is, the only "right" way that exists is the one that lets you feel supported and work in a more effective manner. Beyond that, there is no right or wrong. The way someone else builds her support team or outsources work doesn't need to define or limit someone else's experience with a VA or support team.

The other thing you mention that I really like is starting small. There's also this notion that once you hire someone, you've got to be ready to outsource many hours of work right off the bat. But that's only true if that's what works for you and your business--if what works for you is hiring out one task, or hiring out for one hour a week, that's great. No need to go from zero to Tim Ferris in one fell swoop!

Thanks for a thoughtful, useful article on this.

Oh yes, darling, spot on! I'm learning how to do more of this in the new year as i watch how I hold myself back by not getting the support I need and want. Just the advice I needed this morning!

@naominiles: Wow! Thanks for popping back in. Your perspective is so helpful.

Marissa: Your suggestions are spot-on. Thank you.

@jenlouden: Oh, my friend, you know how we teach what we need to learn. :)

Molly,

You really made me thing. There are times when my whole day is spent doing "administrivia". I'm going to give this "start small" thing some real thought. I live in a 'hood with many vital retirees. I could have a treasure right under my nose. Thanks for tweaking my brain.
Jerilyn Willin

Jerilyn: Wow, a neighborhood of retirees. You could be in support nirvana! Thank you for stopping by.

I love this, Molly! You so totally rock. The two that jumped out at me were "turn concerns into standards" and "spread the wealth." Two things that kept me paralyzed, and that by accepting those two it's made a HUGE difference in getting help.

Not that all the others didn't paralyze me, too. I spent years paralyed by this stuff. Years. If only I could have used all that time for naps, as long as I wasn't going anywhere... sigh...

Mmmm... thank you for stopping by, my friend. I second the motion that naps are better than spinning our wheels. As are walks, tea with friends, and gardening. ;-) When we learn to hire and delegate even a little, we experience more ease on many levels.

Hi Molly,
Such a great set of tips, and very timely for me right now. Found the article through the Heart of Business Oasis Forum. It was great getting to know you this weekend sista!
-Leif