You’ve likely heard people say, “If you want something done right, do it yourself.” Well, I’m here to tell you that’s a load of junk.
As a junk removal CEO and serial entrepreneur, I’ve learned a thing or two – and one of the most magical things I’ve discovered is the art of delegation. It’s not about being lazy; it’s about thinking like a lazy person. Stick with me, and I’ll explain.
The Myth of “Doing It Yourself”
Some entrepreneurs wear the badge of “doing everything themselves” like a badge of honor. Trust me, I’ve been there.
But after 25 years in the game, I’ve realized that doing everything myself was like trying to assemble IKEA furniture without instructions. Frustrating, time-consuming, and often leading to something wobbly.
The Magic of Delegating
The secret? Delegation. It’s not just about handing off tasks; it’s about empowering others around you to take ownership. It’s about finding that person who can do a job at least 70% as good as you can, then saying, “Here you go, pal! Take the reins.”
Now, before you accuse me of promoting laziness, hear me out. Delegation isn’t about taking a back seat. It’s about driving your business forward by allowing others to step into their power.
It’s about identifying the strengths of your team and letting them shine.
A Piece of the Pie
Sometimes, delegation means giving a piece of the business. A small slice, like 5%, or a big piece, like 70%. It’s like sharing a pie – you want to divide it according to the value people bring to the table.
Worried about giving away too much? Remember, a smaller piece of a thriving business is better than a large piece of a struggling one.
Think Lazy, Act Smart
To my younger self 25 years ago, wanting to have it all and trying to do everything solo, I say this: Think like a lazy person. Delegate. Empower. Share. You’ll build something more stable, more robust, and a lot less wobbly.
In the words of a wise man (or maybe it was just my Uncle Bubba), “Work smarter, not harder.” That means that while you CAN do something for your business, maybe it’s building the website, creating the explainer videos, assembling the proforma, and on and on and on; The question you should ask yourself is – “should I do this myself or delegate this out?”
What is your hourly rate worth? If it’s $150 per hour or more, pay someone $15 per hour to do what you would otherwise do and free yourself up to do more strategic tasks or projects, ones that will generate significant progress and revenue for your business.
In summary, learn to embrace the art of delegation. It’s not about being lazy; it’s about thinking lazy and acting smart. Your business will thank you, your family will benefit from spending more time with you (maybe) and your health and wellness will take priority in your life.
