6 Costly Mistakes You Make by Doing It Yourself Instead of Hiring a VA
...and how to avoid them before burnout takes the wheel
You’re a do-it-yourselfer—independent, capable, and maybe just a bit too used to juggling everything on your own. But let’s be honest: how’s that working out?
From inbox chaos to missed follow-ups, doing it all yourself isn’t just exhausting—it’s expensive. Not in dollars, maybe, but in time, energy, and missed opportunities.
Enter: the Virtual Assistant. They’re not magic, but they’re close. If you’ve ever thought “I could really use a clone,” a VA might be the next best thing.
Here are six common mistakes people make when trying to do it all themselves, and how hiring a VA (the right way) can save you from them:
1. Choosing Cost Over Value
Sure, DIY seems free; until you realize how many hours you're losing to emails, follow-ups, and spreadsheet gymnastics. Time is money, and if you’re stuck in admin land, you’re not out closing deals.
Don’t make this mistake: Hiring a VA isn’t about finding the cheapest help; it’s about finding smart, reliable support who can actually help you grow. The “bargain bin” approach almost always costs more in the long run.
2. Trying to Do It All Without Support
When you’re flying solo, you don’t just wear all the hats, you make the hats, organize them by color, then realize you forgot why you needed hats in the first place.
How a VA helps: A good VA is your second brain. They adapt to your workflow, offer helpful suggestions, and take over tasks that drain your energy so you can focus on what you do best.
3. Keeping Your Team Out of the Loop
Hiring help or making changes without looping in your team? Classic move, and a recipe for confusion. Even if you're used to being a one-person show, your VA will be more effective when everyone’s aligned.
What to do instead: Treat your VA like the team member they are. Get internal buy-in, do a proper onboarding, and set everyone up for success.
4. Clinging to Old Processes
“If it ain’t broke…”—you know the rest. But here’s the thing: just because something works okay doesn’t mean it’s working well. A VA might show you simpler, faster, or more efficient ways to handle your work, if you’re open to them.
Don’t block your own success: Listen to their ideas. Try the new tools. Be curious, not just comfortable.
5. Rushing the Process
You finally hired a VA, yay! Now you expect miracles by next Tuesday. Slow down, cowboy.
Here’s the better approach: Take time to hire the right person and train them well. Partner with a company that screens and prepares VAs thoroughly. When you invest in a strong start, the long-term payoff is worth it.
6. Treating Your VA Like a Vendor, Not a Partner
Your VA isn’t just someone ticking boxes, they’re part of your business family (minus the awkward holiday dinners). If you treat them like a temporary task-taker, you’ll miss out on all the potential they bring to the table.
Best mindset: Use “we,” not “they.” Share your goals. Communicate regularly. Build trust. It’s not just about delegation, it’s about collaboration.
You Don’t Have to Do It All
The most successful ones aren’t superheroes, they just have backup. And a great VA? That’s your behind-the-scenes MVP.
So if you're tired of drowning in admin and ready to free up your time, energy, and focus...
👉 Book Your FREE Consultation Call with Global OfficeWorks today.
Let’s help you work smarter—and maybe even get your lunch break back.
