What to Delegate When You’re Overwhelmed

If your to-do list feels like a second full-time job, you’re not alone, and you’re not doing anything wrong. Most of us wait too long to delegate, often because we think we need to be “more ready,” “more successful,” or “more organized” first.

Spoiler: the overwhelm is the sign that it’s time to get help.

Whether you’re considering hiring your first part-time employee or outsourcing to a contractor, knowing what to delegate (and how to start) is a game-changer for your business and your peace of mind.

When to Hire vs. When to Outsource

Before we dive into the what, let’s talk about who. You don’t have to build a team right away. For many women entrepreneurs, a contractor is the perfect first step.

Hire an employee if:

• You need consistent, long-term help

• You want someone deeply embedded in your brand and systems

• You’re ready to take on payroll and management responsibilities

Work with a contractor if:

• You need project-based or part-time support

• You want flexibility (and less paperwork)

• You need specialized skills you don’t have (and don’t want to learn)

Think of it like dating: sometimes a coffee is better than committing to dinner. You can always grow from there.

6 Tasks You Can Delegate Right Now

Not sure what to offload first? Start with the tasks that take up time but don’t require your zone of genius. These are often repeatable, energy-draining, or low ROI for you - but high ROI when done consistently.

1. Admin & Inbox Management

Your inbox doesn’t need your leadership, just a system. A virtual assistant can filter emails, schedule meetings, set up client calls, and even draft responses for your approval.

Hot Tip: Start by recording a few Loom videos explaining your inbox or calendar setup.

2. Bookkeeping & P&L Prep

If looking at your Profit & Loss feels like deciphering hieroglyphics, you’re not alone. A bookkeeper can keep your finances clean, your receipts sorted, and your tax-time panic at bay.

3. Social Media Scheduling

You don’t have to be the one posting every day. Use a tool like Later or Planoly and hire someone to repurpose content, schedule posts, and even respond to comments.

4. Order Fulfillment

Product-based business? You don’t need to be packing every box or dropping off at the post office daily. Delegate fulfillment so you can focus on sales and marketing.

5. Design & Branding Tasks

If you find yourself lost in a Canva spiral, it’s time to call in a designer, even for simple social templates, pitch decks, or email headers.

6. Customer Service

This can be as simple as training someone to respond to FAQs or set boundaries with tricky clients. Empowering someone else to hold the line frees up major emotional bandwidth.

What If I’m Not “Ready” Yet?

You don’t need to have everything perfect before you delegate. You just need a starting point. Here’s how to prep:

• Make a list of repeatable tasks you do each week

• Record screen shares or Loom videos to explain your workflow

• Set a budget (even $200/month can go far!)

• Start small, like 2–5 hours a week with a contractor

Delegation is like building a muscle: start with light reps, and get stronger over time.

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You weren’t meant to do this alone. Building a business takes vision, grit, and support. Delegating isn’t a luxury, it’s a strategy. And the sooner you start, the more space you’ll create for growth, clarity, and ease.

Hiring help doesn’t mean you’re less capable. It means you’re leading like a CEO.