Hugh Curley

Monday a.m. – Make a list of things to do; put the items into three groups A (critical), B (important) and C (nice to get done); prioritize the “A’s”, and start with the A1 task. Monday evening, I know that I worked on the most important things – but I did not come close to accomplishing what was necessary. Tuesday, it will be the same thing all over again with more items on my to-do-list.

I would hire someone to share my workload except for three reasons: 1) no budget for another person on staff, 2) it takes a lot of time (which I do not have) to hire someone and 3) it takes a lot of time (which I do not have) to train someone.

It is a good thing I am a man because when I pull all of my hair out in frustration, I can attribute it to male pattern baldness.

But there is a better way. After you prioritize your tasks, start at the top and decide who should do each one. Remember to do what you do best and hire out the rest.

If you are a consultant or coach, any task that is not consulting, coaching or client contact should be delegated to outside experts. That means that you should let: 1) a real estate agent find that new office for you after you give her your requirements, 2) an accounting firm do your books and billing, 3) a web design expert design and run your web site and 4) a sales professional make your cold calls.

If you are a speaker anything that is not speaking, content creation or reputation building should be delegated to outside experts. Let someone else who knows how and has the professional equipment duplicate your CDs.

Even outside your business the principle applies equally. I used to repair my own car – to the extent of rebuilding the engine; now I take it to the dealer. We have a cleaning service clean our house monthly (kids are married). Hire a lawn care service to take care of your yard so you have the time to have fun. If you enjoy the task and have time, do it. If you do not enjoy it, hire it done.

Please remember that “delegate” does not mean you abdicate your responsibility in the areas of timeliness and quality. It is your business so be sure your outside experts are aware of your schedule and quality requirements. If they do not meet your expectations – do not micromanage them (remember, you do not have enough time) – replace them. As you move forward in your business building, you will create more and more solid business relationships with the outside experts and can focus on doing what you do best and like the most.