Delegating & Hiring One Step At A Time
Hiring as a mom? Let’s get real—it’s hard. We’re think we “should” be able to juggle it all: business, home, kids, and everything in between. It can feel like there’s no value in the work unless we’re the ones doing it. And then there’s the worry that maybe hiring someone will just add to the chaos. We’re already managing enough, so the idea of training someone to take on our tasks might feel overwhelming. Or, maybe you just don’t know what to hire for or delegate. There’s a lot of blanket recommendations out there that just might not work for you, like hiring a housekeeper.
As moms, we’re used to being in control. We know the routines, the systems (or lack thereof), and the thousands of tiny decisions it takes to run our lives.
Delegating means we have to be clear on what we need help with.
That often means creating or refining our systems. Sometimes, people struggle to hire because they haven’t yet built enough structure, systems, or revenue to support that new team member. Hiring can feel like a quick fix, but in reality, it requires us to own where we are, be intentional leaders, and sometimes, that’s hard. It’s also an extra layer of responsibility because we’re now paying for someone else’s time and energy, which means we need to be thoughtful about how we use that investment.
Here’s the thing, though—delegating and building a team can be one of the most empowering steps you take in your business journey. It’s all about finding the right people, setting clear goals, and creating a business that serves your life. Let’s dive into why delegating as a mom and a business owner is challenging but absolutely worth it, and how you can make this process work for you.
From Juggling to Jiving with Your Team
Let’s admit something big: we’re not supposed to do everything ourselves. It’s tempting, I know—especially when you’re used to handling it all. But sooner or later, the need for help becomes clear. When I was first starting, I thought I could keep juggling it all, but eventually, I became the bottleneck in my own business. Sound familiar?
Hiring a virtual assistant (VA) was my first big move. Finding someone who could handle the nitty-gritty tasks—like managing emails and scheduling—freed me up to focus on the things only I could do. It was a weight lifted, and suddenly, I could breathe a little easier. The right person doesn’t just take on tasks; they give you back time, space, and energy. I knew exactly what I needed help with, and I hired someone with those clear expectations and tasks, including how many hours a week we thought it would be. It takes a little time to get to the point where you know with certainty what would be helpful to you, and once you know, you must take action on that. Even if it feels hard, or uncomfortable.
The Reality Check: Can You Really Make Space for This?
Delegating doesn’t mean you’re slacking off; it means you’re making space for what truly matters. I remember telling my partner one day, “I need to shift things around so I can meal prep on Mondays.” He looked at me and asked, “Can you really fit that in?” And that question hit me hard—I realized I was building a business not to consume me, but to create the freedom to do things like meal prep without stress.
Hiring isn’t just about getting tasks off your plate; it’s about creating space in your life. And yes, there’s work involved in finding the right person, setting up systems, and letting go of the control. But it’s worth it when you finally feel like you have a bit of breathing room.
Who’s Running the Show?
As your business grows, you might start asking yourself, “Am I the only point person, or can I start building layers into my team?” For me, this meant adding a manager to handle big-picture tasks and a project manager for the day-to-day details. That was a game-changer—it took the pressure off of me to be involved in every single detail and allowed my business to grow in a way that was sustainable.
Letting go of control and delegating can feel tough at first. I used to feel guilty for not handling everything myself. But when I tried to do it all, I was holding the whole business back. You can’t be the star player and the coach all at once. It’s exhausting and unsustainable, and the only way forward is to let go of tasks that others can handle.
Embracing the Growth (and Growing Pains)
Every hire brings new growth—and yes, sometimes, a bit of discomfort. I’ll give you an example: when our business manager, told me she wanted to focus on helping other women grow their businesses, I felt a mix of pride and panic. Change means training, which means effort. But it also means growth for both us as women, and our business.
A great hire isn’t just a short-term fix. It’s about finding someone who can grow with your business and bring in fresh perspectives and ideas. The goal isn’t just to bring people on but to create a team that elevates everyone’s skills and happiness, including yours.
The Cost of Hiring vs. the Cost of Not Hiring
The cost of hiring can be intimidating, especially when you’re trying to budget for growth. But here’s the thing: sometimes, the cost of not hiring is even higher. We often think another online course or program will solve our overwhelm, but in reality, we need actual help. Hiring a real person can give you back your time and allow you to tackle growth opportunities that would otherwise slip by.
Before hitting “buy” on the next shiny course, consider putting that money toward a VA or project manager who can actually do the work. Remember, you’re building a business to support your life—not just a list of tasks to manage.
This also means there is money and financial decisions involved. A lot of us moms feel like maybe we’re not “smart enough” to do this. Or that we aren’t good at making these decisions. I am here to tell you that, yes, you are. All it takes is a little bit of rolling up your sleeves, looking at your numbers and your time and then deciding what’s next. And for most of us moms, that’s just a small next step.
Hiring costs money, but it’s an investment with massive returns. It gives you back time, headspace, and lets you focus on what truly matters. Think of it this way: the cost of not hiring when you need to is missed opportunities, overwhelm, and burnout.
If you’re spending your days trying to keep up with tasks or missing growth opportunities because you’re stretched too thin, it’s time to consider hiring. A good team can lighten your load, open new doors, and keep your business (and your sanity) thriving.
Start Small and Start Now
If you’re just starting and don’t have the revenue for a full-time team member, don’t worry. Start small. Maybe it’s a general VA who can help with a few hours each week, or maybe it’s a social media manager to lighten the content load. Even giving up one small task can make a world of difference. And as your business grows, so can your team.
Hiring someone to help doesn’t mean you’re giving up control—it means you’re choosing to focus on the parts of your business that only you can do, and that’s a powerful choice.
My Journey with Building a Team
Quick story from my own experience: it’s 5:18 pm, and I’ve been on back-to-back calls all day. My energy level? Courtesy of a handful of Triscuits and a glass of wine (no judgment, right?). It’s been one of those days that reminds me just how valuable a great team is. Without support, a day like this would be chaotic. Instead, it’s productive and a bit of fun.
Building my team wasn’t easy, and I learned that hiring is more than offloading tasks. It’s about finding people who bring fresh energy and ideas, who can shine in their own zone of genius so you can focus on yours. When you connect with someone who “gets it,” like Danielle, you realize that letting go isn’t as scary as it sounds. It’s freeing.
Ready to Hire Your Dream Team and start delegating?
If you’re ready to start building your dream team but feel a little lost or overwhelmed, BossMom+ has your back! Inside BossMom+, you’re not just getting hands-on support and resources; you’re joining a thriving community of women who truly get the challenges of hiring, delegating, and building a business that serves your life.
Or check out the BossMom Economy—a powerful network where your business can be showcased, and you can get hired by others in our community. Imagine a space dedicated to supporting your growth, whether you’re ready to expand your team or highlight the skills you bring to the table.
And for all your hiring needs? BossMom+ has an exclusive Job Board where you can find already vetted, reliable help, making it easier than ever to bring on the support you need without the stress. Whether you’re looking for a VA, a project manager, or a social media expert, you can find skilled, trustworthy candidates who have been handpicked by our BossMom community. There is also a wide range of life support experts from health and nutrition, relationships and parenting. You name it, we’ve got the experts for you.
BossMom+ is about creating a business that fuels your life, not drains it. Join today to showcase your talents, connect with other Boss Moms ready to work with you, and find the support you need to thrive. Let’s make this journey easier together—one hire and one partnership at a time.
September 20, 2016
0 COMMENTS