One of the biggest myths in entrepreneurship is that successful business owners do everything themselves.
The reality? Successful entrepreneurs know when it’s time to ask for help and when to hire your first employee.
If you’re starting a business or growing your small business, you’ve probably worn every hat at some point. You’re the CEO, marketer, customer service representative, accountant, graphic designer, and social media manager all rolled into one.
While that’s often necessary in the beginning, it isn’t sustainable forever. Eventually, doing everything yourself begins costing you time, energy, and even revenue.
So how do you know when it’s time to hire?
In this episode of the Second Act Success Podcast, I share the signs that it’s time to bring in help, what tasks to outsource first, and how building a team can help you scale your business without burning out.
Listen to episode #264 of the Second Act Success Podcast about this topic below…
Listen on Apple | Spotify | Amazon | YouTube
Why Hiring Help Helps Your Business Grow
Many entrepreneurs wait too long to outsource because they believe no one can do the work as well as they can.
I understand that feeling because I did exactly the same thing. When I launched my first business, I tried to handle every task myself. Eventually, I realized I wasn’t growing my business because I was too busy running every part of it.
The truth is, your time is one of your most valuable business assets. When you’re spending hours on administrative work, bookkeeping, or website updates, you’re taking time away from activities that actually grow your business. As the business owner, your focus should increasingly shift toward strategy, relationships, and growth.
When to Hire Your First Employee: What to Outsource First to Grow Your Small Business | #264
Signs It’s Time to Hire or Outsource
Not sure if you’re ready? Here are several signs that it may be time to bring in support.
You’re Constantly Overwhelmed
If you’re working long hours, falling behind, or feeling like there aren’t enough hours in the day, your workload has probably outgrown what one person can manage. Hiring help isn’t a luxury. It’s often the next step toward sustainable growth.
You’re Spending Time Outside Your Expertise
Can you learn bookkeeping? Probably.
Can you design your own website? Maybe.
Should you? Maybe not. Think about it…the more time you spend trying to master tasks outside your strengths, the less time you have to serve clients, market your business, and increase revenue. Sometimes hiring an expert actually saves money because the work gets done faster and better.
You’re Missing Opportunities to Grow
If you’re buried in administrative work, you aren’t networking. You’re not creating partnerships. You’re not improving your offers. You’re simply maintaining the business instead of growing it. That’s often the clearest sign it’s time to delegate.
What Should You Outsource First?
Every business is different, but these are some of the first roles many entrepreneurs outsource.
Virtual Assistant
A virtual assistant can manage your calendar, emails, scheduling, client communication, and countless administrative tasks that consume valuable hours each week.
Bookkeeping
Accurate financial records are critical for every business. Hiring a bookkeeper allows you to stay organized while giving you confidence that your finances are handled correctly.
Website Design
Your website is often your first impression. A professional web designer can create a site that builds trust, clearly communicates your services, and converts visitors into customers.
Marketing and Social Media
Consistent marketing helps businesses grow. If creating content, managing social media, or running ads isn’t your strength, outsourcing these tasks allows you to stay visible while focusing on serving your clients.
Content Creation
From blog writing to video editing and graphic design, content creation takes time. Bringing in creative support helps you consistently show up online without sacrificing every evening and weekend.
Where to Find Great Freelancers
Hiring doesn’t always mean bringing on full-time employees. Many entrepreneurs start by working with freelancers or contractors.
You can find talented professionals through:
- Fiverr
- Upwork
- Freelancer.com
- Business networking groups
- Referrals from other business owners
Personal recommendations are often one of the best ways to find trusted professionals.
Set Your New Hire Up for Success
Before hiring anyone, clearly define:
- Their responsibilities
- Expected deadlines
- Communication preferences
- Payment structure
- Software they’ll use
- Success metrics
Regular check-ins during the first few weeks help establish clear expectations and build a strong working relationship.
Don’t Wait Too Long
One of the biggest lessons I learned as an entrepreneur was that waiting too long to hire actually slowed my business growth. I was afraid to spend money. But by trying to save money, I was limiting my ability to earn more.
Once I began outsourcing tasks that weren’t my strengths, I had more time to coach clients, create content, develop new programs, and grow my business. Sometimes the smartest investment you can make is in another person.
Whether you’re starting a business, preparing for your first hire, or wondering what to outsource first, you’ll walk away with actionable strategies for building the right team at the right time.
Because growing your business doesn’t mean doing more.
It means focusing on what only you can do while trusting others to help bring your vision to life.
👉 Book your free strategy call with me at https://secondactsuccess.co/strategy
Start Your Second Act Strategy Call
FREE BUSINESS STARTUP CHECKLIST:
Thinking of starting a business? Download a checklist to make sure you don’t miss a thing!
https://secondactsuccess.co/business-checklist
READ SHANNON’S NEW BOOK:
https://startyoursecondact.com
LET’S CONNECT!
Instagram – https://instagram.com/secondactsuccess
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/secondactsuccess.co
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonrussellcoach
Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/@secondactsuccess
Share with a friend!
