Websites, a Small Business Dilemma (Part 2)

Do You Have Time?

Most small business owners are overwhelmed with the multitude of tasks confronting them. But, you've got limited budget, so you have little choice but to take on the role of web developer, or at least project manager. So now you have to find the time!

I've already talked about taking a little time to grab a coffee and thinking through what you want your site to do for you, your customers, etc. You can apply that same idea to defining a list of things you can handle well, adequately, and not at all!

Make haste slowly! We have a website to build, but first... coffee!

Delegate, Don't Abdicate!

Now that you have a list of things you simply cannot do yourself you might be tempted to hand it all over to someone else. But, it's a big mistake to hand over the process of website development to someone else and simply hope they get it right. That's that whole tail wagging the dog thing. You know your business, you know your needs, so take control. It will save you in the long run!

Now, armed with that list of what you can do versus what you simply cannot, you can start to delegate out tasks you can't handle. And by delegate I mean hand out the tasks, but have a process of follow up, and reporting the results in place. Make your expectations clear and follow up.

Don't be a Control Freak!

Yep, you heard me. Follow up doesn't mean hover. Back off! Let go a little bit! Seriously, micro managing is as bad as abdicating!

Define your tasks, outsource what you must, recruit help where you can, and oversee the work without handling every little detail. That's burnout just waiting to happen! And frankly, it's just plain annoying!

Someone wants to have a go at installing WordPress for you? Great - let them! Have them report the results, issues, etc... and hopefully the success.

Someone wants to research some articles, great, let them! Give them feedback and encouragement. 80% there is better than never done!

If no one volunteers, try asking 🙂

If that fails, get them to bring the coffee at least!

Perfection is Not Your Friend!

Please, let go of the thought that there is a perfect results if only you just do this, or that, or move this pixel to the left or right. It's not perfection you need, it's results you can build on.

It's never finished. This is phase 1, or 2, or whatever phase it is. There will be changes. You will learn and refine. Allow yourself the grace to get it wrong without beating yourself up. It's called feedback, and it's teaching you! You have limited time, and many demands, don't waste it with being a perfectionist.

Energy

If you want to sap your energy being a perfectionist is a great way to start! Another great way is to overthink everything! Stop that. Stop it now!

Look, done is better than perfect. Ok? Cut yourself some slack, you're doing great! Brick by imperfect brick.

Conserve your energy. If you are learning something new, don't overdo the hours in front of the screen feeling exhausted and frustrated. Go to bed. Sleep. And tomorrow pick it up again.

Ask for help. At the risk of shameless self promotion, join our Facebook Group - The Rough Diamond Academy Community. That's why we're there, to help! Ask, please 🙂

Scope

Be realistic. If time, energy and money are limited, then don't be tempted to bite off more than you can reasonably chew. I'm all for you challenging yourself, but within reason.

Perhaps consider developing your website in phases. List the absolute must haves, the nice to haves, the wouldn't hurt to have but not critical to haves, etc. Prioritise and proceed with phase 1.

You've got this, and you are not alone!

Look out for part 3, where we talk about knowledge and skills.