Ferraris + How to outsource work
Lani Fogelberg
Leading Business Strategy Consultant | Helping SME leaders turn ambition → reality and scale operations with comprehensive planning and strategic execution | Keynote Speaker
Living your values authentically attracts the right people while filtering out the rest - and apparently, a car can bring others' values to the surface to help expedite that process! I share a somewhat comedic story today alongside words to hopefully motivate you to live out your own values, plus 5 ways to reclaim your focus if you’re feeling overwhelmed by endless tasks.
Your values as a filter in business.
Your values aren’t just personal - they’re also the foundation of how you run your business. They influence who you attract as clients, collaborators, and even friends.
And the beauty of living your values authentically? They act as a natural filter, aligning you with the right people while repelling those who don’t share the same outlook.
Years ago, someone told me, “No wonder you have a Ferrari,” after I mentioned my consulting fees. What they said + how they said it was a clear signal they weren’t aligned with the values I bring to my work - like curiosity, respect, and either a growth-oriented mindset or the desire to have one. Put simply, I would never conduct myself like when speaking to someone - so I'm certainly not going to work with someone who does.
I didn’t need to explain the availability of other pricing and methods of working together because the clarity I had on my values counted this guy out anyway.
By staying true to your values, you’ll not only attract people who appreciate what you stand for but also create better, more meaningful outcomes in your work and relationships. Living your values isn’t just important - it’s essential to thriving in business and life.
How to reclaim your time & focus
Most business owners - and their teams - know what it feels like to be stuck in the grind. Endless to-do lists, juggling priorities, and constantly switching between tasks can leave you overwhelmed and unproductive. When you’re bogged down by admin and low-value work, it’s almost impossible to focus on growing your business or tackling high-priority projects.
The solution? Outsourcing.
Why outsourcing works: Outsourcing doesn’t just free up your time; it allows you to focus on what truly matters - revenue-generating activities, strategic planning, and the bigger picture. And while it can feel daunting to let go of control, the benefits far outweigh the initial hesitation.
I made a conscious decision in 2021 not to build a team of management consultants after toying with the idea of building a consulting firm to flick off to one of the Big 4 one day. But I still have a small army of people contracted to me to do all the things I don't want to put my time and energy into - and every time I take someone on, my business revenue jumps considerably.
领英推荐
Here’s how to get started:
1. Identify the time-wasters
Take a close look at your daily workload. Which tasks drain your energy and keep you from focusing on growth? These are often repetitive or administrative tasks like data entry, email management, bookkeeping, or scheduling. Make a list of everything that feels like a bottleneck.
2. Ask yourself 3 questions:
3. Find the right person
Whether it’s a virtual assistant, a bookkeeper, or a freelancer, the right person should understand your business and bring relevant experience. Look for solid reviews, ask the right questions, and trust your instincts. A great hire isn’t just skilled - they’re a partner in your success.
4. Hand over tasks confidently
Delegation works best when expectations are clear. Provide detailed instructions, share your goals, and be ready to answer questions. Remember, the best freelancers will ask questions to ensure they’re delivering exactly what you need.
5. Reinvest your time
Once you’ve handed off tasks, resist the urge to fill your calendar with more busywork. Instead, focus on what drives growth, whether it’s engaging with clients, building new opportunities, or simply taking a break to recharge. This is where you will actually leverage the offloading of all those tasks that were burdening you before.
The Bottom Line: You can’t do it all, and you shouldn’t have to. By outsourcing strategically, you’ll free up time, boost productivity, and create the mental space to focus on what really matters. It’s an investment in your business - and yourself.
Architect Thomas | 100+ projects completed through SME & Corporate Enterprises | $100k - $5.5 billion dollars in contract value | 10+ years experience
2 个月Lani Fogelberg I totally agree. Knowing where to channel your energy is equally as (if not more) important as knowing where not to put it. Applies to not only business, but also life too. Thank you for sharing
2024 Regional Mortgage Adviser of the Year | Director | Speaker & MC | Author | Podcaster | Farmer Positive | Endo Warrior
2 个月Awesome tips Lani - totally agree, and the key thing is keeping your focus to such that isn’t creating more busyness but is driving the growth you want ??
Company Owner @ Empere, LLC | Service Quality
2 个月Great advice!
CEO @ Atticus | Helping CEOs turn LinkedIn into predictable pipeline with inbound, outbound & AI tech.
2 个月curious how others have used their values to navigate tough calls