No one can know—and do—it all. And if you’re in business, then you know there are a lot of moving parts that all have to be managed. Websites, shopping carts, email managers, video editing, copywriting, and file storage…the list goes on.
And here’s where many new (and even some established) business owners fall down. They try to bootstrap everything. Need a new website? They build it. Starting an affiliate program? They install it. Creating a video training series? They buy Camtasia; spend weeks learning it, and more weeks recording and editing video.
While there’s much to be said for self-sufficiency, there comes a point where you simply have to decide which tasks are giving you the best ROI, and let go of the rest.
“If you’re a fish, swim. And leave the flying to birds. Do what you’re good at, and let others handle the rest.”
And here’s why. You’re wasting valuable time and energy trying to do it all yourself. Take a quick look at this calculator to find out what your time is really worth, and you’ll very quickly discover that paying someone to edit your videos or update your website is a worthwhile investment.
Now that’s not to say that you shouldn’t know anything about the techy stuff that runs your business. You absolutely should. It’s nearly impossible to outsource work if you don’t have some idea of the work that needs to be done.
What that means is, you need to have an overview. You need to know where you’re going and have a basic idea of the steps that will get you there. You need to know that these things are possible, but you don’t necessarily need to know how to do them. For example, if you’re using Infusionsoft, and you want to send an email with a link that, when clicked, will automatically add the reader to a new campaign, then all you need to know is that it can be done.
You don’t have to understand the mechanics behind it or be able to set it up yourself.
That’s what your VA is for.
And if you’re really thinking ahead (and I know you are) then you’ll also have your VA document the steps she’s using to complete the task. As part of her job, she should be helping to build your operations manual. That will make it easier for everyone on the team to get more done in less time, which in turn will save you money.
Here are some suggestions to help you navigate and overcome technical challenges without letting them wear down your sanity:
- Break Down the Problem:
- Divide complex issues into smaller, more manageable tasks.
- Tackle one aspect at a time, focusing on understanding and solving each part individually.
- Prioritize and Plan:
- Identify the most critical issues that need immediate attention.
- Develop a plan with clear priorities and deadlines to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Seek Help and Collaborate:
- Don’t hesitate to reach out to colleagues, mentors, or online communities for assistance.
- Collaboration often brings fresh perspectives and solutions to the table.
- Continuous Learning:
- Embrace a growth mindset and view challenges as opportunities to learn.
- Stay updated on industry trends, tools, and best practices to enhance your problem-solving skills.
- Take Breaks:
- Regular breaks can prevent burnout and improve overall productivity.
- Short walks, deep breaths, or a change of scenery can provide much-needed mental refreshment.
- Maintain a Healthy Work-Life Balance:
- Set clear boundaries between work and personal life.
- Allocate time for activities that help you relax and recharge.
- Practice Mindfulness:
- Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing, can help manage stress and maintain focus.
- Document and Reflect:
- Keep detailed documentation of your work, including challenges faced and solutions implemented.
- Reflect on past experiences to identify patterns and preemptively address potential issues.
- Celebrate Small Wins:
- Acknowledge and celebrate achievements, even if they are small.
- Positive reinforcement can boost your morale and motivation.
- Time Management:
- Prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance.
- Use time management techniques like the Pomodoro Technique to maintain focus and productivity.
- Stay Flexible:
- Understand that plans may need to change based on new information or unexpected challenges.
- Adaptability is a valuable skill in navigating technical challenges.
- Delegate When Possible:
- If you’re part of a team, delegate tasks based on each team member’s strengths.
- Effective delegation can distribute the workload and lead to more efficient problem-solving.
- Celebrate Successes:
- Take the time to recognize and celebrate your achievements and the achievements of your team.
- Positive reinforcement fosters a more resilient and positive mindset.
So stop fighting with technology.
Remember that it’s okay to ask for help and that not every problem needs an immediate solution. Taking care of your mental well-being is crucial for long-term success in navigating technical challenges.
Learn only what you must know to do your job, and hand the rest off to someone who can do it faster and better. Then you can spend your time bringing in the money.