Podcast Summary: DIY or Delegate? The Smart Way to Approach Tech

Podcast Information:

• Title: You Can! Inspiring Women In Business
• Host: Sarah Jolley-Jarvis
• Episode: DIY or Delegate? The Smart Way to Approach Tech
• Release Date: March 14, 2025

Introduction

In episode 33 of You Can! Inspiring Women In Business, host Sarah Jolley-Jarvis delves into a critical decision facing many entrepreneurs: whether to handle technology tasks themselves (DIY) or delegate them to professionals. Building on her recent discussions about automation and technology, Sarah aims to equip women in business with the insights needed to make informed choices that align with their business goals and personal capacities.

Understanding the DIY vs. Delegate Dilemma

Sarah begins by contextualizing the DIY versus delegation decision within the broader scope of business automation and tech implementation. She emphasizes that while technology can significantly streamline operations and enhance customer experiences, the decision to manage it personally or outsource depends on several factors.

Key Considerations:

• Budget Constraints: Especially pertinent for early-stage businesses, where funds are limited, making DIY seem like the only viable option.
• Business Stage and Revenue: As businesses grow and stabilize financially, delegating tech tasks becomes more feasible.

“If your offer is priced right, you should have the funds to get help. Unless you are taking too much money from your business, which is what I covered...” [01:00]

Evaluating Personal Tech Proficiency

Sarah shares her personal journey, admitting she's not an inherently tech-savvy person but recognizes the importance of understanding essential tech elements that complement her business activities, such as CRM systems like Go High Level. She stresses that entrepreneurs should assess their own comfort and competence with technology before deciding to DIY.

“I am not an overly techy person. I have done little bits with websites. I can do updates...” [02:10]

Decision Factors:

• Skill Alignment: If tech tasks align with your core business functions, investing time to learn them can be beneficial.
• Relevance to Business: Tasks that don't directly enhance your business or customer experience may be better delegated.

The Cost of Time vs. Hiring Expertise

One of the pivotal points Sarah discusses is the trade-off between time spent on tech tasks and the potential revenue that could be generated if that time were instead invested in client-facing activities. She warns against the hidden costs of DIY, where tasks that could take an hour by a professional might consume days.

“Your time is money. Like if it's taking you away from your family, even if you know what you're like...” [04:15]

Implications:

• Opportunity Cost: Time spent on non-core activities can detract from business growth and personal well-being.
• Efficiency Gains: Hiring experts can lead to faster and more effective implementation of tech solutions.

Strategies for Effective Delegation

When choosing to delegate, Sarah outlines several strategies to ensure the process is smooth and beneficial:

1. Seek Recommendations and Reviews: Prioritize professionals with proven track records and positive testimonials.

   “Look for experience. Do they actually know what they are doing?” [10:05]

2. Evaluate Client Success Stories: Investigate how previous clients have benefited from their services to gauge potential outcomes.

3. Prioritize Strategy Over Execution: Hire individuals who can contribute strategically rather than merely executing tasks without overarching business insight.

4. Maintain a Basic Understanding: Even when outsourcing, having a foundational knowledge enables better decision-making and oversight.

“You don't have to be an expert, but knowing that something doesn't sound right... is a good place to start.” [06:30]

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Sarah cautions against overcomplicating tech solutions and hiring professionals who may upsell unnecessary services. She advocates for simplicity and clarity in communication to ensure that the tech implementations align with business objectives without introducing additional complexity.

“A good rule of thumb is to hire for strategy, not just for the execution side of things.” [12:45]

Red Flags:

• Professionals who resist providing references or verifiable testimonials.
• Overly complex solutions that don't directly address business needs.

Final Thoughts

In concluding the episode, Sarah reiterates the importance of technology serving as a tool to enhance business operations and customer experiences, rather than becoming a burden. Whether choosing to DIY or delegate, the key is to ensure that tech solutions are implemented thoughtfully and efficiently, supporting the entrepreneur’s vision and freeing up time to focus on what truly matters.

“Whether you DIY or delegate, make sure tech is working for you, not just making things more complicated.” [16:20]

Notable Quotes

• On Budget and Delegation:
  “If your offer is priced right, you should have the funds to get help.” — Sarah Jolley-Jarvis [01:00]

• On Time vs. Money:
  “Your time is money. If you're spending days on something that takes an expert an hour, you're losing out.” — Sarah Jolley-Jarvis [04:15]

• On Hiring Strategy:
  “A good rule of thumb is to hire for strategy, not just for the execution side of things.” — Sarah Jolley-Jarvis [12:45]

• On Tech Simplification:
  “Make sure tech is working for you, not just making things more complicated.” — Sarah Jolley-Jarvis [16:20]

Conclusion

In this episode, Sarah Jolley-Jarvis offers valuable insights into the decision-making process surrounding technological implementation in small businesses. By balancing personal capability, financial resources, and the strategic value of time, entrepreneurs can make informed choices that propel their businesses forward while maintaining balance in their personal lives. Whether opting to DIY or delegate, the ultimate goal remains the same: leveraging technology to create a seamless, efficient, and customer-centric business operation.