As CEO — of my new family, as well as my budding business — I want to control or do everything myself. Maybe I have bigger control issues than others, or maybe it’s a question of trust, but regardless of the source, I’ve learned that total control just isn’t possible. As a new business leader I’m somewhat of a newborn baby in need of help.
We all have our strengths, but for the tasks that we’re not as versed in, it makes sense to hire some help — to outsource.
Building GooGooGear, I found that certain projects were too time consuming, or I simply didn’t know how to do them. I built my website on my own (with a little design help from amazing consultants, of course!), but I have no idea how to build a mobile app. So that needs to be outsourced. Of course, that’s easier said than done. I’ve been reading about the different formats (native vs. HTML 5) and talking to friends and experts. I’m trying to educate myself to a level where I can make an informed decision when I do outsource this task, where I have enough trust in someone else to feel comfortable giving up control. I still have so much to learn before I find the right fit.
As a new mother, I’ve also had to give up some control on the home-front. While I wish I could control the environment my daughter will grow in, protect her at all costs, I haven’t been able to do it on my own. Giving up control was very tough at the beginning. I researched my options (nanny vs. daycare), questioned other new moms, listened to experienced mom, and learned about all the standards and warning-signs to look for. But it was still hard to get comfortable with “outsourcing” the care of my daughter. Would the babysitter know how to soothe her? Would the daycare providers keep her just as safe? Realistically, I knew my daughter was in good hands, but as with anything that you’ve created on your own, no matter all the work you’ve done to make sure your cherished product is in good hands, it’s tough to let go.
Good one!