Running a small business is tough. We’re constantly juggling multiple tasks—bookkeeping, marketing, lead generation—just to name a few. As your business grows, you’ll face an important decision: what tasks to keep doing yourself and what to outsource.

I talk a lot about QuickBooks because I handle my own bookkeeping. Why? If I stay on top of it, it only takes about 30 minutes a month. I can’t justify hiring someone for such a small task, especially when it gives me a full view of my finances. By managing it myself, I know exactly where every penny is going, which allows me to evaluate the ROI on my marketing and adjust my budget when needed.

But not everything should be done in-house. I use Upwork to outsource tasks that don’t require my personal touch. For example, when I’m working with a new seller client, I send them a fillable PDF form to gather the necessary listing information. Now, if I created that form myself, it would look basic and unpolished. Instead, I hired a freelancer on Upwork to design a professional, branded form with my logo and contact details, which my clients find easy to use. The cost? Around $25. The time and frustration it saved me? Priceless.

The key here is knowing what’s worth your time and what isn’t. Doing my own bookkeeping is worth it because it keeps me connected to the financial health of my business. But spending hours trying to create a PDF that looks professional? Not a good use of my time.

If you’re trying to grow your business, consider outsourcing tasks that don’t require your expertise. Platforms like Upwork offer a range of freelancers who can handle everything from web development to virtual assistance, helping you focus on what really matters—growing your business.

Take some time to explore your options and find the balance between what you do best and what can be done more efficiently by others. You’ll be amazed at how much more productive and stress-free your business can become!