Let’s be honest. If offloading tasks to a virtual assistant felt easy, you’d have done it already.
But here you are – probably juggling everything from emails and invoices to business strategy and client care, wondering how on earth you’re meant to grow your business when you barely have time to breathe.
You know you need help. You’re just not sure where to start.
Whether it’s a fear of things being done "wrong", the struggle of knowing what to hand over, or feeling like you simply don’t have time to explain things – you’re not alone. Letting go is one of the biggest hurdles for founders and leaders I support every day.
But here’s the good news: it is possible to delegate more – without losing control. And doing so is key to getting your time back, regaining focus, and giving your business room to grow.
Let’s walk through some of the common roadblocks and how you can start overcoming them today.
“I don’t know what to offload”
One of the most common things I hear from clients is, “I want help, but I’m not sure what to hand over.”
You’ve been doing it all for so long that everything feels important. It’s like decluttering your wardrobe – you keep thinking, I might need that one day. But actually? There’s plenty you can clear out.
Try the Six Ts Method
This little technique is gold for identifying tasks to delegate. Grab a pen and your to-do list, and look for anything that fits into these categories:
- Tiny – Small jobs that break your focus (like booking appointments or confirming meeting times).
- Tedious – Repetitive, boring, or admin-heavy work (think data entry or updating spreadsheets).
- Teachable – Tasks someone else could do with the right instructions.
- Time-consuming – Things that take up hours, even if you’re the only one who can do part of it.
- Terrible at – Be honest: what do you avoid because it’s just not your strength?
- Time-sensitive – Tasks that need doing now but you can’t get to them.
Even offloading just a few of these can clear hours from your week.
“I don’t have time to delegate”
If the idea of explaining a task feels more exhausting than doing it yourself, I get it. But here’s the thing: if you don’t have time to delegate, that’s a flashing neon sign that you need to.
Because this pace? It isn’t sustainable. You’re not supposed to work every weekend or still be at your desk at 10pm. Your time is your most precious resource – and the best way to protect it is by spending a little of it upfront to get support in place.
Quick Tip: Start with one repeatable task
Pick something simple and regular, like managing your calendar or chasing invoices. Write the instructions once, hand it over, and let that be your starting point. Delegation is a skill – the more you practise, the easier it gets.
“No one will do it as well as me”
This is a tough one, especially if you’re a bit of a perfectionist (guilty as charged!).
But here's a mindset shift that can change everything:
Use the 70% Rule
If someone can do a task to 70% of your standard, that’s enough. Why? Because 70% done by someone else is 100% more than what gets done when you're too busy to do it at all.
Plus, that “missing” 30%? You might find it’s just your personal preference – not an actual drop in quality.
And here's the best bit: sometimes, your assistant might do it better. Yep – better. Because it’s their zone of genius, not yours. And that frees you up to focus on what you do best.
“What if something goes wrong?”
Let’s reframe that.
- What if it goes right?
- What if someone takes something off your plate and does it brilliantly?
- What if this is the step that helps you grow your business without burning out?
Delegation doesn’t mean losing control. It means gaining support. It’s not about replacing you – it’s about giving you the space to lead, plan, and breathe.
Need help taking the leap?
This is what I do. I support business owners, leaders and creatives who are ready to grow but are feeling stuck – drowning in admin, stretched thin, and not sure what to let go of or how to hand it over.
Together, we can identify your biggest time-drainers, streamline your systems, and build confidence in delegation – step by manageable step.
You don’t have to do it all alone. And you certainly don’t have to keep guessing.
Let’s chat
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, unsure what to delegate, or just need someone to help you make a plan – book a free chat with me. We’ll look at what’s eating up your time and how you can start clearing space for the stuff that really matters.
About Me: I’m Lisa Jackson – a virtual assistant with over 30 years of PA experience, including work with military and school leaders. I’ve managed and recruited teams of up to 19 staff, I hold qualifications in Business Management, AAT, and Events Management – and I understand first-hand what it takes to run a small business. I work best with clients who value a personal, practical approach and who are open to smarter systems and new ways of working.
Authored by Lisa Jackson