Long term, you can’t maintain that initial start up pace or you’ll eventually face burnout. You’ll become tired and find yourself buried in tiny tasks required to accomplish the big picture. The tasks you’ll no longer enjoy doing.

If you let yourself get to this point, you’ll lose the passion for your business.

Consider delegating BEFORE you’re buried.

As you work on your business, contemplate the steps you’re performing and evaluate the following:

• Do I enjoy doing this?
• Is this task part of my skill set? Will I spend a lot of time learning how to complete this task rather than doing it?
• Is this the best use of my time? Could I be earning more money or would I be happier and more efficient performing a different task?
• If I don’t enjoy this task, how much time do I waste avoiding it?
• What are the steps I perform so I could pass all or a portion of of this task onto someone else?
• What type of skills would someone need to complete this task effectively?

If you evaluate your tasks before you’re desperate for help, you’ll be halfway to actual delegation. Too many of our clients come to us when they are overwhelmed and too busy to slow down to determine HOW they want us to help them.

You may even consider delegating smaller tasks BEFORE you actually require help. This way, when the need to delegate is critical, you’ve already tested and found a reliable assistant who is ready, willing and CAPABLE of delivering the results you expect.

And if you’re already buried? Call me, I’ve got a shovel.

Yesterday several members from the Michigan Virtual Assistant Association (MIVA) spent the day in BIGGBY Coffee locations throughout Southeast Michigan. For a suggested donation to Operation Kid Equip (OKE) patrons could request a free 25 minute consultation with a virtual assistant.

The purpose of the Michigan Virtual Assistants organization is to promote Michigan VA’s and to create an environment for networking and information sharing between VA’s. They also have a registry available to businesses and entrepreneurs looking to hire a virtual assistant.

The BIGGBY Coffee located at 1952 Telegraph Rd in Bloomfield Hills was my host for the day. I was very impressed with the staff; they were friendly, helpful and more than accomodating to all patrons. Great customer service seems to be the norm rather than the exception of this fast growing, social media savvy, homegrown chain of cafes.

I set up my table and spent the day working and chatting with the other VA’s via skype instant messaging. I had a couple of appointments show up, far fewer than I’d hoped. I did get to meet with a lawyer I had previously met through Motor City Connect. The other guest was an entrepreneur who owned a renovation company. We talked and then I designed him a graphic for his postcards and placed it on his thumbdrive. I also saved his logo in a variety of formats that he was better able to manipulate.

Another of the day’s highlights was when Menachem Kniespeck of Operation Kid Equip stopped by to introduce himself. Menachem cofounded OKE to ensure every child has the school supplies necessary to learn and succeed with their educational endeavors. The organization is working hard towards building chapters throughout Michigan and the United States.

Although the official VABlitz is over, you can still have great coffee at BIGGBY (locations here), you can still donate to OKE (help here) and you can still call me to schedule a free 25 minute consultation! (248-654-1550)

I first saw this a while ago, but when @biggbybob of BIGGBY COFFEE posted it during BrandCamp University, he reminded me that I wanted to share it here. Thanks Bob! Be sure to head over to Twitter and let @equalman know what you thought of the video.

They are small businesses helping small businesses. Especially true since they are now highlighting local entrepreneurs online. CyberCletch LLC had the honor of being one of those companies. You can read the interview on their Local Voice Blog. While there, read about some of the other exceptional entrepreneurs doing business in Greater Detroit and don’t forget to check your zip code and determine if there is a Little Guys Supplies store near you. (They also deliver!)

I am an entrepreneur who is in the business of supporting entrepreneurs. I am blessed to work with so many people and companies that are pushing through obstacles and finding new ways of doing business. There is always opportunity in adversity, be open to it.

Thanks to @gacconsultants for bringing this video to my attention on Twitter.