Preparing for Task Delegation

Candy Messer - Preparing for Task DelegationAs entrepreneurs, we often handle many tasks that can (and should) be handled by someone else. We need to be working in our genius and not handling many of the mundane to-do’s. So how do you determine what you should hand off to an employee?

I recommend that you write down EVERY task that you do during the week. Track how much time it takes to complete each item. At the end of the week, analyze and decide which of these things you should delegate, Some of the things to consider are:

  • Invoicing
  • Purchasing
  • Accounts Payable
  • Accounts Receivable
  • Bank Deposits
  • Bank/Credit Card Reconciliations
  • Sales Tax Returns
  • 1099 processing
  • Running Errands
  • Responding to E-mail

Now create a job description for the position you want to fill. Include required skills such as software they need to know as well as characteristics such as punctual or attention to detail. Review the amount of time the tasks took you to do to determine about how many hours a week you’ll need someone (keeping in mind someone new will take longer than you to do the work).

The next decision to make is if you want to hire an in-house employee or outsource to a company. Keep in mind if you hire an individual, they most likely will need to be an employee as you will have control over their work hours and how to do the tasks.
Once you’re ready to hire, put out the word those you know that you are looking for an employee, the job description, and about how many hours you need them to work. Some may refer candidates to you who are looking for work, and many times they are a great fit (people won’t refer if they don’t think it’s a good match).

Good luck with the search!