As a seasoned VA turned OBM turned strategist who has worked with clients in lots of different industries, I’ve been called on to do tons of random things – you’d be surprised!

But, there are standard processes that every business needs to function, and sometimes when outsourcing, business owners don’t necessarily consider what tasks are best left in their own hands. As great as your support team or future hire may be – there are a few no-no’s when it comes to handing things off to a Virtual Assistant or Online Business Manager.

This is definitely not a finite list – it’s what I’ve come to realize in my years as a support system for overworked entrepreneurs! I’ve had quite a few clients get a little too cozy – and share information with me that was none of my beeswax, ending in cringe-worthy situations every time!

Totally Outsource-able Tasks:

SOCIAL MEDIA

• Repurposing and organizing content
• Managing and optimizing a content library
• Creating social media graphics and curating feed images
• Social media posting and engagement
• Executing content visibility strategies​
• Co-creating curated community postings, messages and announcements
• Managing community engagement on an individual and group level.

EMAIL MARKETING + BLOGGING

• Repurposing and formatting content to email marketing + blog platforms
• Creating newsletter templates and blog post graphics
• Setting up automations and sequences

CLIENT SERVICES + EXPERIENCE

• Managing client messages via email or client communication tool
• Custom gift sourcing and execution

STAYING ORGANIZED

• Maintaining databases, creating + organizing tasks, lists, and timelines
• Travel/Event planning support and management
• Setting reminders for deadlines and important dates

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

• Creating PDFs, workbooks, and ebooks
• Implementing minor tweaks or changes to your existing website
• Transcribing Podcasts, YouTube Videos, Facebook and Instagram Lives
• Researching potential clients and collaborators
• Brainstorming and collaborating on ideas
• Pitching your biz to podcasts, influencers, magazines, and potential new clients

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Now, the few things that I don’t recommend outsourcing:

Bookkeeping/Accounting

Unless, of course, you are hiring a CPA or Bookkeeper (and that’s all they do). This info is way too sensitive to share or hold someone responsible for who is not a financial expert. I’ve been put in some very uncomfortable situations when I’ve been asked to go into a client’s financial info – it nearly had me running for the hills. Not a good look.

Contractual Negotiations

Sending your support provider into battle on your behalf could get you into trouble – you don’t want them agreeing to anything that you aren’t 100% sure you want to take on.

Long-Form Copywriting

This one is tough. Unless you have a person who specializes in copywriting, I discourage you from asking them to write and publish long-form pieces, like blogs, on their own. I have written some great blog outlines for clients, and once it’s laid out – they take the wheel, run with my ideas, then hand back to me to pretty-up and publish. Psst: This is the foundation for my Content Machine service!

Scheduling

I know what you’re thinking! But hear me out – there are TONS of systems out there for people to book their own time with you. I have wasted HOURS (aka, my client’s money) going back and forth trying to find times that work for them and whoever needs to book with them. Unless it is a VIP situation, a scheduling link will bypass all of that circular communication, saving you money and your contractor headaches. These systems also ensure you are getting booked within parameters that you set – no more accidental 8pm appointments because of time-zone confusion or the like! Try Acuity or Calendly! They’re free!

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Bottom Line:

Having a general Virtual Assistant or Online Business Manager to take tasks off your hands is essential to growing your business as a solo entrepreneur! The few things that need to stay with you are just things that, if done wrong, could be pretty serious – so, it’s best to keep those on your own plate.

Again, there are tons more things that you could be outsourcing, especially depending on your chosen person’s unique strengths! If you noticed a few things on the outsource-able list that caught your eye, but aren’t sure how exactly to go about finding the right fit, onboarding them, and finally seeing some white space on your calendar – I have something for you: