How to Overcome the Fear of Getting Started

Delegating tasks is one of the most effective ways to grow your event entertainment company, but it often comes with an emotional hurdle: fear. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to overcome the fear of getting started with delegation, particularly when working with virtual assistants (VAs) or freelancers. Drawing insights from a recent conversation with industry experts David Osborne and Matt Radicelli, we’ll provide actionable strategies to help you delegate with confidence.

Why Fear Holds You Back

As a business owner, fear is a natural response to uncertainty. Here are some common fears that prevent DJs and event professionals from delegating:

Fear of Failure: Worrying that a task might not be completed to your standards.
Fear of Judgment: Feeling vulnerable about exposing your financials or internal processes.
Fear of Destruction: Concerns about potential security breaches or loss of important data.
Fear of Imposter Syndrome: Believing you’re not “the type” of person who delegates successfully.

These fears are valid, but they don’t have to hold you back. Let’s explore how to tackle them head-on.

Actionable Strategies to Overcome Fear and Start Delegating

1. Understand Your “Why”

Before delegating, identify your core goal. Are you trying to save time, grow your business, or focus on high-level tasks? Your “why” will serve as motivation to push through the fear.

2. Start Small

Ease into delegation with low-stakes tasks. For example:

Have a VA research potential venues or vendors.
Assign simple graphic design projects on Canva.
Delegate email inbox management.

3. Implement Security Best Practices

Protect your business with these simple steps:

Grant Limited Access: Use auxiliary logins or role-based permissions on platforms like QuickBooks, WordPress, or Google Drive.
Use Incremental Backups: Take regular backups of your website, CRM, or financial records.
Turn Off Access When Done: Remove permissions immediately after a project concludes.

4. Test the Waters with a Pilot Project

Select a short-term task as a test run. For instance:

Ask a freelancer to create a social media post schedule for one week.
Have someone transcribe an event playlist into a preferred format.

A small win builds confidence and encourages you to take bigger steps.

5. Seek Support from Trusted Advisors

Find someone in your network who has successfully navigated similar challenges. Whether it’s a mentor, a fellow DJ business owner, or your CPA, having an ally can help you:

Vet potential hires.
Provide feedback on workflows.
Offer reassurance during the learning curve.

6. Adopt the “Do It Scared” Mindset

Fear isn’t a stop sign; it’s a signal that what you’re doing matters. Acknowledge the fear but take action anyway. Progress over perfection is the key.

Advanced Tips for Long-Term Success

Develop a System for Delegation: Create SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for repetitive tasks. This ensures consistency and makes onboarding new team members easier.
Diversify Your Freelancer Pool: Test contractors on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. Over time, build a list of trusted professionals for design, bookkeeping, marketing, and more.
Keep Doomsday Backups: For critical data, like your CRM or event schedules, maintain offline backups. This ensures peace of mind even in worst-case scenarios.
Hire a Project Manager: If delegation feels overwhelming, start with a project manager to bridge the gap. They can oversee freelancers and ensure deliverables meet your standards.

Key Takeaways for Event Entertainment Professionals

Overcoming fear starts with action. Small steps build momentum and confidence.
Security measures are non-negotiable. Protect your business with backups and permissions.
Find your tribe. Lean on industry peers, mentors, or consultants to guide you through the process.
Delegation is an investment. While it might feel expensive or risky initially, the payoff in time and business growth is undeniable.

Final Thoughts

The global talent pool is vast, and there are countless professionals eager to help your business thrive. By addressing your fears and taking calculated steps, you can unlock the potential of delegation and focus on what you do best: creating unforgettable events.

Have questions about getting started with delegation? Reach out to industry experts like David Osborne and Matt Radicelli for guidance. Remember: Done is better than perfect, so take the leap—scared or not!