Knowing When to Hire Good Help

As a financial advisor, I often work with clients who are trying to balance their time, talents, and resources. The truth is, you can’t do it all (and if you can, you probably can’t do it all well). That’s why it’s important to know when to hire good help. Delegating certain tasks or hiring specialists can be a prudent financial decision that frees you up to focus on what you do best.

The Value of Delegation

There are several key reasons why delegating or hiring help can be beneficial:

• Time Savings: There are only 24 hours in a day, and most of us have a long list of personal and professional responsibilities. Trying to do everything yourself can quickly lead to burnout. Hiring help for tasks you don’t enjoy or excel at allows you to be more efficient with your time.
• Cost Savings: While hiring help does require an investment, it can actually save you money in the long run. Your time is valuable, so spending hours struggling with tasks that could be done more quickly and effectively by someone else is essentially costing you money. Professionals also often have access to specialized tools and expertise that can lead to better results.
• Improved Quality: Speaking of better results, hiring experts in certain areas can dramatically improve the quality of the work. If you own a business, for example, a professional bookkeeper would likely do a much better job of managing your finances and tracking expenses than you would on your own.
• Reduced Stress: Trying to do it all yourself can be incredibly stressful. Delegating tasks to capable helpers allows you to focus on the things you enjoy and do well, which can significantly improve your overall well-being.

When to Hire Help

So how do you know when it’s time to hire some help? In my experience, it’s a good idea to hire out tasks (anything from landscape work to housecleaning to car detailing) when you know you don’t have the expertise, the time, or the interest in a certain task. For instance, I have no desire to change the oil in my vehicle, and it is absolutely worth it to me to bring my car to a professional.

Another indication that it’s a good idea to hire help is when you’re struggling to keep up or if you want to free yourself up to focus on growth. As an entrepreneur and business owner, I quickly realized I could not grow my financial advising company, Enspyre, if I didn’t hire competent people to help with specific tasks. My team helps with our day-to-day operations and provides valuable support that, frankly, I could not do without. I am grateful every day for their assistance.

Finding the Right Help

Of course, simply deciding to hire help is only the first step. You also need to find the right people or services to delegate to. To me, it is worth it to do your due diligence and thoroughly vet a potential new service person. In some cases, if you’re hiring outside help, you can read online reviews or testimonials about the quality of that person’s work and their work ethic. I have also found it is helpful to ask for referrals from trusted sources like friends, colleagues, or industry associations.

Clarity is also key. It helps to identify your specific needs and be crystal clear about your expectations. Then you can and look for specialists who excel in those areas. Once the person is hired, I have found that it is essential to communicate regularly to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Ultimately, knowing when to hire good help is about being honest with yourself and your limitations. You can’t do everything (nor should you) on your own. Investing in the right support can pay dividends in terms of your time, stress levels, and overall financial health. So don’t be afraid to delegate—your future self will thank you!