Delegating Your Business is the Smartest Decision You Can Make

If you are, as I suspect, a "solopreneur," meaning you handle everything from opening your business in the morning to signing checks and taking out the trash, I have a wakeup call for you. You could be doing a whole lot better. By being the only person in your business, you're likely missing the bigger picture (it's hard to plan strategy when you're putting price tags on inventory).

I've talked before about delegating, but here I want to talk about working with mentors and consultants. I am a marketing consultant, and I fill that role of someone for business owners to bounce ideas off of. I falsely assumed because I consult that I don't need my own consultant. (Don't you hate those "oh duh" realizations?) I've worked with a few business coaches who have helped me see my business in a different light, and who have given me ideas based on their own experience that I wouldn't have come up with on my own.

Here are some reasons you shouldn't (and can't) do everything:

1. You're not good at everything. Accept it.

2. You can't see your business for the trees. Get someone to help who can see the whole picture.

3. You have enough going on!

4. It will make your business stronger.

I also recently contacted SCORE, who offer free mentoring to business owners. I look forward to speaking with a professional who can help round out the ideas I'm developing for my business' growth.

My husband, too, has served as a great resource for new ideas and motivation. He knows me well enough to know what areas I'm weak in, and helps me fill out the holes in my plan. (He's so good, I'm even paying him for his advice! but sorry, he's not for sale.)

Who do you have who can help you with your business? It doesn't have to be a professional coach, if that's not in your budget. It can be a family member, or someone at a small business organization. Here are some ideas to get your wheels turning.

* Friend or former co-worker

* Family member (if you think you can work well together; it's not always the case!)

* SCORE

* Women's Business Center

* Local small business support groups

* Networking groups

* Someone who's been in your field for years

No matter who you get help from, you and your company will benefit from an outsider's opinion!