Almost four years ago I started my podcast, The Modern Manager. Initially I worked with an agency who produced the show. They edited the audio, wrote the show notes, and created graphics and social media posts. But after a few months, I decided it wasn’t worth the fees and I could manage the show on my own. I knew I couldn’t do the audio editing so I immediately found an editor. But everything else, I thought, how much time could it take? Well, I’ll tell you. A LOT! Soon I was spending hours each week writing show notes, creating social media posts, writing a blog article, posting everything in all the various places. I considered finding a podcast agency again but couldn’t bring myself to pay those high prices when the show wasn’t earning any revenue.

Finally, after working until midnight way too many weeks in a row, I knew I had to figure something else out.

I decided to give small pieces of the work to my assistant. I was so worried that she’d make a mistake and something would go wrong, not because I didn’t trust her, but because I felt like it was my reputation on the line.

First, I asked her to use a template to make the episode graphics. Then I had her try writing the first draft of the blog article based on the episode transcript. Then I had her upload the final blog and show notes.

Over the next few months, I was able to hand off the majority of the show’s logistics as I discovered how to explain what she needed to do so I could set her up for success. There were occasional mis-steps and miscommunications, but I learned along the way how to refine my communications to be most effective. I also learned ways to maintain oversight, so I could still be the final pair of eyes, even if everything up to that point was delegated.

And now, I spend a fraction of my time on managing the podcast logistics while still retaining enough oversight to feel confident in what you, my audience, receives from me.

Since figuring out this process, I’ve used it to delegate all kinds of activities in my professional and personal life. It’s not only allowed me to spend more time on the things that matter most to me, it’s also reduced the frictions and frustrations I had previously experienced when trying to share responsibilities and make sure things were done right.

I want to help you develop these simple communication habits so you can delegate with confidence and spend more of your time on what matters most to you - whether that is growing your business, playing with your kids, or hitting the gym.