No one can know (and do) it all. And if you are in business, then you know there many moving parts that need managing: Websites, shopping carts, email managers, video editing, copywriting, and file storage…the list goes on. That being said, many people wonder do business owners need to know how to fix every technical issue? No! It is far more important for entrepreneurs to understand the purpose and benefits of programs and/or devices as opposed to wasting their time trying to master every single one!
In fact, this is where many new (and even some established) business owners fall down. They try to bootstrap everything. When they need a new website, they build it. If they are starting an affiliate program, they program and install it! If they want to create a video training series, they buy Camtasia, spend weeks learning it, recording it, and then finally editing and uploading the series.
While there is much to be said for self-sufficiency, there comes a point where you simply have to decide which tasks are giving you the best ROI, and let the rest go.
Outsource Tech Projects
Instead of asking “Do business owners need to know how to fix every technical issue?” Ask, “What is my time worth!?” If all of your time is spent trying to save a buck, become the “expert”, and do it yourself, you will likely never master anything. Therefore, find out what your time is really worth, and you’ll very quickly discover that paying someone to edit your videos or update your website is a worthwhile investment.
You Are NOT Off the Hook – Still Educate Yourself
Think of it this way: If you drive a car, you know that a vehicle a regular oil change. Now, did you get a degree or certificate and learn how to do it yourself? Probably not! (And even those who can often pay someone to do it!) Instead, you can read the owners manual and pay attention to the warning lights. That is all you need to know. Now, can you get ripped off by a mechanic? Absolutely! So if you really want to have some control over the situation, you can educate yourself a little further, enough to know when you are being taken advantage of. But ultimately, you can still drive and maintain your vehicle without becoming an expert mechanic. You just need to be aware of the protocols to keep the car running in tip top shape.
The same is true for business owners. Since it is nearly impossible to outsource work if you do not have some idea of the work that needs to be done. Business owners should know some of the techy stuff that runs their company!
You need to have an overview and have a firm understanding of where you are going and have a basic idea of the steps that will get you there. You need what is possible, but you do not necessarily need to know how to do them.
For example, if you are using Infusionsoft, and you want to send an email with a link that, when clicked, will automatically add the reader to a new campaign, then all you need to know is that it can be done. (Want to know more about sending automated emails? Click here!) You don’t have to understand the mechanics behind it or be able to set it up yourself. That’s what your Virtual Assistant is for!
Request Documentation from your Outsourcer!
If you are really thinking ahead, then have your VA document the steps they are using to complete any task. As part of her job, she should be helping to build your operations manual. That will make it easier for everyone on the team to get more done in less time, which in turn will save you money.
Final Thoughts
Do business owners need to know how to fix every technical issue? No! So stop fighting with technology! Learn only what you must know to do your job, and hand the rest off to someone who can do it faster and better. That way, you can spend your time bringing in the money.