What to Outsource First In Your Business

Business Tips
Written By Big Cat Creative

When you’re building your business, it can feel like you have to wear all the hats … CEO, customer service rep, marketing director, and bookkeeper. (And sometimes barista, tech support, and therapist, too.)

But the truth is: you don't have to do it all alone.

Learning how to outsource especially in those early seasons can create more time, energy, and margin for the work (and life) you love.

Here’s how to figure out what to outsource first so you can build a business that’s sustainable, not stressful.

Start with a Brain Dump

Before you can outsource anything, you need a clear picture of everything you’re currently doing.

Take 15–20 minutes and write down:

  • All your daily, weekly, and monthly tasks

  • Admin work

  • Client-facing work

  • Marketing efforts

  • Behind-the-scenes tasks (like bookkeeping, tech management, etc.)

Nothing is too big or too small to list.

Spot the Dropped Balls

Now, be honest: what tasks consistently don’t get done?
Over the next 5 working days, jot down anything you procrastinate, avoid, or simply run out of time for.

Examples:

  • Inbox not emptied

  • Blog post not published

  • No new social media posts

  • Missed billing or follow-ups

Recognizing these patterns is key.
They’re waving a little flag saying, “Hey, you might need some help here.”

Example: You notice you never post on social media consistently → outsource content scheduling or batching.

Notice What You Dread

Next, look at the tasks that drain you, you know the ones you put off until the last possible minute.

Ask yourself:

  • What feels heavy, boring, or overwhelming?

  • What do I consistently procrastinate?

Outsourcing isn’t just about freeing up time, it’s about protecting your energy for the work you actually love.

Example: You dread formatting blog posts → hire a VA who can format, schedule, and post them for you.

Find the Easy Wins

Here’s your gentle reminder: you cannot do everything.
And trying to will only burn you out … at work and at home.

Take a quiet moment (maybe on a walk, at a cozy café, or sitting with a cup of tea) and write down your true daily and weekly capacity.

Examples:

  • I can dedicate 1 hour a day to my business.

  • I cannot work past 10:00 PM without burning out.

  • I can manage two client calls a week … comfortably.

  • I cannot post daily on social media and stay energized.

Bring this honest list to a trusted friend for a second opinion. Chances are, you’re still overestimating what you can do!

Start by outsourcing simple tasks that:

  • Don’t require a lot of high-level decision-making

  • Are easy to train someone else to do

  • Free up your time quickly

These might include:

  • Managing your inbox

  • Scheduling social media posts

  • Formatting blog posts or newsletters

  • Setting up basic systems (like client onboarding workflows)

Why this matters:
If you hire a VA but secretly believe you should still do it all yourself, it’ll be hard to truly hand things off.
True outsourcing starts with trust in your VA, and in yourself.

What Fires You Up?

What parts of your business bring you the most joy?
Where do you feel most creative, fulfilled, and energized?

Maybe it’s writing content, connecting with clients, or dreaming up new ideas.
Maybe it’s the early brainstorming stage … not the nitty-gritty execution.

Keep those tasks for yourself. Protect them fiercely. Delegate the rest.

As you grow, you’ll want to eventually outsource bigger areas like:

  • Bookkeeping

  • Website updates

  • Launch support

  • High-level project management

But you don’t have to start there.
Think of outsourcing like planting a garden: you start with a few seeds and grow from there.

Define Your Bigger Dreams

What would you love to spend more time on if you had the space?

Maybe it’s creating that course you’ve been dreaming about.
Maybe it’s spending more weekends unplugged with your family.
Maybe it’s simply reclaiming your evenings.

Knowing your long-term vision helps you make smart outsourcing decisions today.

✨ Things to Outsource in Your Business Today

Here’s a running list of services a Virtual Assistant could take off your plate (starting tomorrow):

  • Social Media Scheduling and Management

  • Blog Writing, Editing, and Formatting

  • Email Newsletters and Inbox Management

  • Calendar and Travel Planning

  • Customer Support and Client Relations

  • SEO Tracking and Analytics

  • Graphic Design and Content Creation

  • Website Updates and Maintenance

  • Bookkeeping and Financial Tracking

  • Course Launch Assistance and Event Coordination

  • Podcast and Webinar Management

  • Lead Generation and CRM Maintenance

  • And so much more…

Tip: If a task drains you and someone else could do it better, faster, and with a smile … outsource it.

Outsourcing isn’t about giving up control.
It’s about building a stronger, healthier, more sustainable business (and life).

It’s about creating space for your best work and your best self.

Start small. Stay honest. Keep your dreams front and center.

The right Virtual Assistant can help you create more margin, more impact, and more joy.

And that, my friend, is what building a business with heart looks like.

Big Cat Creative
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