January 11, 2026, Issue #36
As solo entrepreneurs and small business owners, we are responsible for our businesses. Therefore, we think we must do everything ourselves. We know how we like things done, what needs to be done, and when it needs to happen.
However, I’m here to tell you we do not have to do everything ourselves. We are not experts at “everything.” There’s a time and place to outsource things. It’s not a sign of weakness or laziness. It’s smart business.
For example, I don’t do my taxes. I have a bookkeeper/accountant who does that. That’s her specialty, not mine. I also have a website developer who helps me with my site. That’s his specialty, not mine.
Trying to wear every hat in your business can leave you with one thing: burnout. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking no one can do it like you can. (And yes, sometimes that’s true.) But freeing up your time for what you do best means your business can actually grow.
Think of it this way: if you spend three hours wrestling with bookkeeping or website updates, that’s three hours you could have spent on your clients, marketing, or even (imagine this) taking a break.
And here’s something people don’t always realize. Outsourcing can actually save you money. When you spend hours struggling through a task that someone else could do in half the time (and probably better), you’re losing valuable time that could be spent earning money. Your time is money. What’s the point of saving a few dollars if it costs you hours of your day and drains your energy?
Outsourcing doesn’t have to mean hiring a full-time employee or spending a fortune. It might mean using a virtual assistant for admin tasks, a social media manager for online posts, or a graphic designer for that logo you keep “meaning” to update. Even small changes can make a big difference.
You don’t lose control when you outsource. You gain back your time, energy, and sanity. And let’s face it, no one wants to deal with the stress of juggling ten things at once when a few could easily be handed off.
So, the next time you find yourself saying, “I’ll just do it myself,” ask if that’s really the best use of your time. Chances are, there’s someone out there who can do it faster, better, and maybe even cheaper in the long run.
Outsourcing is not about giving up control. It’s about working smarter. And when you let others shine in their area of expertise, it leaves you free to shine in yours.
Quote
“Start Where You Are.
Use What You Have.
Do What You Can.”
Arthur Ashe