In this enlightening episode of On The House, we had the pleasure of chatting with our Online Business Manager, Jillian Dolberry. We explored the indispensable process of hiring and nurturing a supportive team for influencers and creators. Together, we unpacked the typical anxieties and hurdles influencers face when it comes to task delegation and the strategic steps to conquer these challenges. With a focus on effective communication, aligning values, and leveraging expertise, influencers can significantly boost their creative output and business growth, while also alleviating some of their mental burdens! Let’s dive into Systems for Creators with Jillian Dolberry!
Click HERE to listen to the full interview over on our podcast, On The House!
Many influencers feel their brand is too personal to delegate. What’s the first small step someone can take to trust their team with creative work?
The journey to delegation begins with a simple, yet powerful step: communication. Don’t worry about making it sound perfect. Professional teams are equipped to sift through your brainstorm dump, identify your goals, and understand the specifics of what you need. It’s important not to hinder your own progress by being overly busy. Remember, communication is the engine that drives progress. By not taking a moment to communicate, you’re essentially making the job tougher by handling everything alone, which often means expending more energy than necessary.
How do you handle it when your team’s work doesn’t match your vision?
When expectations and outcomes don’t align, the first thing to do is take a deep breath. Then, address the discrepancy directly by communicating the gap. Express clearly what you envisioned and what you are observing instead. Ask questions like, “Can you help me understand this outcome?” and state your expectations, “I would love to see X. Let’s ensure we’re on the same page.” This approach not only clarifies your vision but also fosters a collaborative environment.
What’s your advice for perfectionists who struggle to delegate creative tasks?
For perfectionists, the mantra “80% is 100% awesome” can be incredibly liberating. It’s crucial to maintain high standards without clinging to unattainable expectations. Expecting your team to execute tasks precisely as you would isn’t just unrealistic; it can impede creativity and efficiency. Understand what aspects of your work you can let go of and identify where your values and priorities intersect with those of your team. A clear, honest, and open communication style will often be well-received and lead to better outcomes.
How do you know if the person you are delegating to is the right person?
To determine if someone is the right fit for delegation, consider their core values and how they align with yours, particularly in handling ethics and difficult conversations. Evaluate whether they have experience working with people like you and what their current clients have to say. A good indicator is their questioning process—do they ask the right questions? If you feel understood and seen by them, it’s a good sign they might be the right choice.
For someone who’s ready to expand but scared to hire – where do they even start?
Start by identifying what ‘hurts’ in your current setup, much like you would describe symptoms to a doctor. You might not know exactly what’s wrong, but you know where it feels off. The right professional will not only diagnose the issue but also offer solutions. Feeling understood during initial discussions can greatly influence your decision to delegate.
What can an influencer be doing in preparing to hand off pieces of their content creation?
When preparing to delegate parts of your content creation, it’s vital to articulate your selection process—what draws you to certain elements over others. Remember, style isn’t just a personal flair; it’s a science. By understanding the underlying reasons behind your choices, you can systematize your style, making it easier for others to replicate.
How do you give feedback or what do you recommend if it feels uncomfortable?
Giving feedback doesn’t have to be daunting. If articulating feedback directly feels too challenging, consider using technology as an intermediary. For instance, you can brain dump your thoughts into a chat and ask for help in framing your feedback in a clear, kind manner. Remember, timely feedback can save not just money, but also energy and morale.
How do you even go about knowing what you can afford or creating a budget for hiring out something like content creation?
It’s a myth that you need to make more before you can invest in help. Your time is incredibly valuable. If spending time on certain tasks drains you, it’s worth investing in support. Determine what you can realistically afford based on who is the best fit to solve your problems, then get creative to make the budget work. It’s all about feeling confident in your investment.
By embracing these expert tips from Jillian Dolberry, influencers and creators can effectively expand their teams, delegate tasks without fear, and continue to grow their brand with confidence and clarity. Remember, communication is your greatest tool in building a supportive and efficient team. Ready to take that first step?
Want to connect with Jillian?
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