From Solo to CEO – Hiring Help Without Breaking the Bank
Hi Reader,
Have you ever felt like your to-do list is running you instead of the other way around?
One minute you’re coaching clients or working on creative projects, and the next you’re buried in emails, invoices, and social media updates. The idea of hiring help sounds amazing… but also a little terrifying.
“What if I can’t afford it?”
“What if I don’t even know what to delegate?”
“What if managing someone becomes more work instead of less?”
I hear you. But hiring doesn’t have to be overwhelming—or expensive. In fact, the right support can help you free up time, make more money, and actually enjoy your business again.
Let’s break it down.
1️⃣ When Is It Time to Hire?
If you’re feeling stretched thin, ask yourself:
✅ Am I spending too much time on admin work instead of client work?
✅ Am I turning down opportunities because I just don’t have the time?
✅ Am I stuck doing things I hate instead of what I love?
If you’re nodding along, it’s time to start looking at your options.
2️⃣ How Much Help Can You Actually Afford?
Good news: Hiring doesn’t mean committing to a full-time employee. You can start small!
💡 A simple way to budget:
→ Take your monthly revenue (how much your business makes)
→ Subtract your expenses (subscriptions, software, etc.)
→ Set aside 10-20% of what’s left for outsourcing
Example: If you make $5,000/month and your expenses are $2,000, you have $3,000 left. If you reinvest just $500/month, you can bring in a VA for 10 hours a month or a social media manager for part-time help.
Even hiring for just a few hours per week can be a game-changer.
3️⃣ What’s the Best First Hire?
The best tasks to delegate first are the ones that drain your time and energy.
📌 Best first hires for solopreneurs:
✔ Virtual Assistant (VA): Handles emails, scheduling, admin work.
✔ Bookkeeper: Keeps your finances organized so tax season isn’t a nightmare.
✔ Social Media Manager: Helps you stay visible without spending hours online.
✔ Client Support/Operations Assistant: Handles onboarding and follow-ups.
💡 A simple rule: If a task is repetitive or keeps you from making money, it’s time to delegate.
4️⃣ Where to Find Help Without Overspending
You don’t have to hire full-time or even part-time. Here’s how to get started affordably:
🔹 Start with a freelancer or VA for just 5-10 hours a month.
🔹 Hire per project (like outsourcing a social media revamp or website update).
🔹 Try a short-term contract before committing long-term.
🔹 Tap into your network—referrals are gold when finding great help.
Hiring smart means buying back your time so you can focus on what actually grows your business.
5️⃣ Your Next Step
1️⃣ Make a list of tasks you’d love to delegate.
2️⃣ Set a budget (even if it’s just $200/month to start).
3️⃣ Start small—test the waters with a freelancer or VA.
Hiring your first team member doesn’t have to be scary—it’s a sign that your business is growing. And trust me, once you do it, you’ll wonder why you waited so long.
Have questions about hiring? Hit reply and let me know—I’d love to help.
Talk soon,
Stacy