Small Business Owners’ Delegation Considerations
When you started your company, you probably accepted the responsibility for much of the management work at your business. You may have handled the accounting, hiring, marketing and even some of the manufacturing or service provision. However, as your business begins to grow, you should fall into your role as planner and director and relinquish your hold on other tasks through delegation.
How You Delegate
Unlike outsourcing, which involves you paying companies outside your business to complete tasks, delegation involves employees within your company. When you delegate, you hire or choose individuals with extensive skills and knowledge in specific areas to take those responsibilities from your task list. You may oversee these individuals and you should have regular briefings about their work and how it is impacting the company, but you won’t be involved in the day-to-day tasks.
Website Design and Management
One of the most common tasks that business owners delegate is the development and management of their websites. If you aren’t tech-savvy and willing to continually expand your skillset, you should hire someone with the skills and passion necessary to produce and maintain an exceptional website because it is often the first impression most of your customers receive of your company.
Digital Marketing
If you are not adept at digital marketing, social media management and search engine optimization, you are not getting enough out of your marketing efforts. To be effective, you need a comprehensive digital marketing strategy that takes advantage of every opportunity. It should meet and engage with your customers and attract new customers by managing the requirements of different online platforms, from search engines to social media platforms.
Customer Service
Other than a high-quality product, customer service is likely the number-one factor in your business’s success. Your customers may want to speak with someone who can help them through the purchasing process, make an appointment or address a complaint. As your company grows, you won’t be able to meet all your customers’ needs alone. Therefore, this is one area you should delegate as your company expands.
Accounting and Finance
If you don’t have extensive education in accounting and finance, you need someone who does. Managing things like working capital, debt, accounts receivable and inventory are crucial to the success of your business. Missteps in these areas can not only cause your business to fail, but they can get you into legal trouble. Therefore, it is worth paying an employee who has the experience necessary to manage your accounting and finances and guide you financially.
If you want your business to continue to expand and grow, search for delegation opportunities that reduce your day-to-day operations responsibilities and allow you to spend time on strategic planning.
