As I write this, I am thinking of all of the folks who have emailed me lately. They’re probably wondering why in the world I haven’t responded to them yet. Pleeeeease forgive me.
I know I have some incredible guest posts waiting in there and some great opportunities, as well. The problem is that I’m swamped! When I left on vacation a month or so ago, I got back with a little surprise. My inbox had reached 906 emails. And that’s with me trying like crazy, when I could, to respond during my time off.
I was able to get that down my first week back to 500, but that’s about where I’ve stayed since. But with all of the travel, speaking, podcast, and … uh … racing, I need help to get on top of it all! Actually, I currently have it knocked down to 443—for at least a few minutes.
There just isn’t enough time in the day to do all the things I need to do, AND have a life. Through the years, I have replaced a lot of tasks by hiring others to do them. I don’t change my oil or work on my car anymore, although I used to love both tasks.
I don’t mow my lawn (although I’m not missing that). I even have some help around the house. Now, I’m getting to the point where something has to give administratively if I’m going to keep this kind of pace.
While I was in Tucson, Arizona at our EntreLeadership Master Series event, I had the chance to talk to Bryan and Shannon Miles with eaHELP. They provide executive assistant help by the hour. Yes, by the hour! How cool is that!
So for someone like me, whose not quite ready for a full-time assistant or doesn’t have the time to spend weeks trying to find the right person, you’re covered.
Our time is more valuable than what it costs to have someone mow the lawn. The same idea goes for business. For a start-up, it’s a great way to get team members on-board for only the hours you actually need them.
Outsourcing your life does not mean cheapening your leadership or that you are failing. It is the opposite. You are freeing yourself up by trusting someone else to do the thing that only you can OR want to do.
Question: Would you be willing to outsource part of your work to get back more of your life?