DELEGATION vs Do It Yourself

by dee4d
18 replies
Hi warriors,
There are several occasions where I have delegated some certain tasks and ended up spending more time editing it suit my needs. This is despite the time limit (I have to go back to look at the work again). The thought that the work will be finished and I can do other things makes it easier to concentrate on other tasks. When this is not the case, this affects my whole schedule, and may even disorganize all the other important tasks at hand.

What is your take on delegation and efficiency associated with DIY, especially in the Internet Marketing field.
#delegation #diy #efficiency #internet marketing
  • Profile picture of the author venkateshk
    If you ask me, I would personally go for reputation of the person or team who I delegate the work to. Most of the time I get what I want from the ones who have good reputation and this saves me lots of time.

    But yes, sometimes you don't have a choice but have to struggle spending more time on a delegated work than doing it yourself. That is how IM world is, unfortunately.
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  • Profile picture of the author YasirYar
    You should endeavor to find the right people to outsource work to. Initially check their work, give a test, and request for samples. If the work is great, then you need not worry, just relax and check the work from time to time. Stressing too much about the work output can sometimes make you do the work yourself instead of delegating it because you fear that they will be incapable of delivering the results you've wanted.
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  • Profile picture of the author mmrumii
    I like to do it myself.
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  • Profile picture of the author vCr8
    IMHO, you should keep in mind that finding the best people to work for you is not as easy, as you might think. I suggest you schedule a time frame for screening, interviews, and test the work of your applicants. Finding the perfect person for the position is not finding the one with the best credentials but one that is willing to work it out with you to meet your expectations...well provided that you are paying them worthy of their time, effort and skills, otherwise don't look for top notch quality.
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    • Profile picture of the author tmitsoff
      I've reached a point where I absolutely have to delegate, but the complicating issue is that my business doesn't have enough cash flow yet to allow me to hire out VAs or anyone else. I'm working on some new money-making strategies with the hope of being able to take those profits and be able to hire help. That's the only way my business will grow to its full potential.
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  • Profile picture of the author GT
    Okay. I will admit it. I have a really tough time delegating because nobody knows how I want something done better than I do myself! The quality of the work being done by the other person might be fine, but it's still not the way I want it done.

    I have a hard time with PLR articles. Every time I have tried to use one I have ended up re-writing it because either the structure wasn't professional enough, or the content was too thin and I felt it needed more substance.

    My aim is to find areas where I can delegate comfortably and then I will focus on doing the things I just do not want to delegate.

    GT
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  • Profile picture of the author Kathy Bell
    There are a couple issues at play here, I think. First, it takes time to test outsourcers to find people that you are comfortable using.

    Also, one has to let go of control to a certain extent and the need to be perfect. I tend to be a perfectionist, but am learning that I need to let that go and just get stuff out there. We are our own harshest critics.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ghoster
    Originally Posted by dee4d View Post

    Hi warriors,
    There are several occasions where I have delegated some certain tasks and ended up spending more time editing it suit my needs. This is despite the time limit (I have to go back to look at the work again). The thought that the work will be finished and I can do other things makes it easier to concentrate on other tasks. When this is not the case, this affects my whole schedule, and may even disorganize all the other important tasks at hand.

    What is your take on delegation and efficiency associated with DIY, especially in the Internet Marketing field.
    My two cents:

    It's critically important that you spend enough time explaining your wants and needs to your provider. For example, if you have a very clear vision of how you want something to look, you don't need a designer, you need a technician. That is, someone who is merely capable of producing it for you.

    Don't hire a designer if a technician will do.
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    On the whole, you get what you pay for.

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  • Profile picture of the author Rick Kansa
    The first question i ask is whats the best use of my time. Then look at the tasks,and the amount of time i have to complete each one.. Take into account what the task is and how much time do i need to explain what i want. Oftentimes it doesnt take much time to tell someone who is good at what they do, to do what you want. Many things can be delegated and if you try to micromanage everything in your business or try and control everything you wont get much done or make any money. Many things just need to be of good quality and not perfect. Perfect changes over time -- what you like now , you wont like exactly the same later. It doesnt mean its bad , just different.
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  • Profile picture of the author OutsourceFactor
    Before working at Outsource Factor, I was working as a transcriber for a client. I transcribed podcasts and there was one particular podcast that talked about this topic. It was Preneurcast I think (can't remember what exactly) but according to the speakers when it came to delegation, you have to make sure that you've communicated exactly what you want to whoever your outsourcing to.

    Giving instructions is different from actually conveying what the value of the task is and I agree with that 100%.
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  • Profile picture of the author Angellos
    It comes down to finding the right people for the job. Delegation is needed in many areas of online marketing, there is just so much you can do yourself.
    Try to find reviews, testimonials or view samples of previous works done before hiring someone to do a job.
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  • Profile picture of the author aliveder
    My dad always and I mean ALWAYS wants to do everything himself. He finds a sense of pride knowing it was all him. He is also afraid somebody is going to mess everything up for him.

    I am on the other side. I delegate EVERYTHING POSSIBLE to my writers, graphics designers, and assistants. I sent out 5 different job descriptions for each position. I told them that if they do not send me everything that I ask for then their application will not be reviewed. I also said that if they don't have the subject line of the position and keyword that I asked for on their application, I will simply not open the email.

    That really weeded out 80% of the applicants. Then I review the remaining resumes, and portfolios, if I like people I send them emails asking them 10 questions about themselves, prior employment, hours, payment method, a time when they went above and beyond their job description. When I am down to 3-5 people, I do skype interviews to make sure the person has the ability to do what they say. For example for my graphic designer I made him sketch me something right that moment. For my writers I always use native english speakers, but I still ask them to write me a small sample work on a specific topic. It is all about testing. I also google them, a lot can be told from a social profile.

    If I see something is not done properly. I do not fix it myself. Then the employee will never learn. I tell them what they did wrong. Tell them to fix it, make it how I want it. That way they will do it properly the next time. That email should not take more than 5 minutes. Also give them deadlines, but realistic ones.

    I have 3 people working for me, and they make my life, and my business so much easier, and smoother to run.

    I also pay well, and give bonuses, because you will not get quality employees if they don't think they are being treated right.
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  • Profile picture of the author mmrumii
    I have complete faith on me. So I love to do things own.
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  • Profile picture of the author venkateshk
    True. If you believe in yourself that you can do things on your own, you don't have to really delegate the work. But, time is an important factor that plays a key role in deciding if you have the time to do your work...you know it does happen sometimes.
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    • Profile picture of the author joefizz
      Haha, I love this type of post...because all the control freaks answer the post (mostly)!

      However, on a serious point, delegation must be handled with care:
      • Delegating work assumes that a VA will require some kind of training. Training takes your time...and this generates a dilemma if the reason was to save time in the first place.
      • It also assumes that the VA actually has time to do the tasks as well. They may also have their own time mamangement issue!

      So, the question is... how delegation should be accomplished:
      • Decide what tasks to delegate.
      • Decide who will do the work.
      • Ensure that the VA has the time/ability and resources to undertake it.
      • Precisely define what the work to be delegated is.
      • Train the VA
      • Monitor their efforts
      • Support the VA and provide feedback at end of task.

      If you follow this process, it will allow you to draw up future work descriptions...

      I hope this helps?

      Llwyddiant!

      Joe
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  • Profile picture of the author cmbwealth
    Delegation is about control. I have a problem letting go of that control, but am slowly learning that if I want the freedom that comes with being a business owner, I need to let go and allow people to help me. It does take time to find good people, but in the end it is worth it if it gives you more time for what you enjoy doing in your business.
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  • Delegation is more of a long term play than a short term gain. If you look at like, I delegated and had to spend more time fixing the other work, then you are missing the point. Your job is to learn how to train people to delegate so you get the efficiency from the work. Your job is also to find the right person who can pick up things quickly. There is no short answer or easy answer.

    However, the most successful people that I know are very good at one or two things and then they delegate EVERYTHING else.

    I would also suggest focusing on determining your critical tasks. That may also provide some insight and give you some mental freedom.
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  • In business, I think it has to be a little bit of both. I mean, you have to start out doing most of the work yourself to at least help you understand your business model. Going through all that work yourself, at least once, would help iron out the kinks and give you a better idea of how you want things done. Once you understand your business model completely and you know it works, that when you should delegate. Because by then, you'll be able to give exact instructions and train your employees to do your work exactly the way you want it.

    But I also understand that all of this is easier said than done. Relinquishing control over a business where you agonized over every single detail can be really hard to do. Basically, you have to be in the right place in your business and have the right mindset before you can delegate. Because if you're not ready to delegate, you'll always end up correcting or micromanaging your employees, no matter how good or effective they are.
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