AI, Automate or Delegate?
A practical guide to deciding what to do with the tasks taking up your time.
Before you add another task to your to-do list…
Running a small business means juggling plenty of tasks, but not everything on your to-do list needs your personal attention.
Some tasks can be simplified, others made quicker with AI or automation, and some handed over to someone else. This practical guide will help you decide which approach makes the most sense for your workload.
A useful question to ask
What's the simplest, most sensible way to get this task done, without it taking more of my time than it should?
Four ways to rethink your workload
Stop or simplify it
Does it need doing at all? Could you remove unnecessary steps or simplify the process?
For example: stop producing a report nobody uses, or simplify a process that has become unnecessarily complicated.
1
Use AI or automation
2
Could technology make the task quicker, reduce repetitive work or handle predictable steps?
For example: draft a first version of a routine email, summarise non-sensitive information or automate reminders.
Does the task need your personal attention, or could someone else manage it with the right information?
For example: diary management, research, document formatting, organising information or coordinating tasks.
3
Delegate it
Keep it with you
Some things really do need your expertise, judgement or personal input. The aim isn't to outsource everything; it's to protect your time for the things that matter most.
For example: important business decisions, client relationships or specialist work only you can do.For example: diary management, research, document formatting, organising information or coordinating tasks.
4
Sometimes, the answer is an extra pair of hands.
AI and automation can be useful, but they aren't the answer to everything. Sometimes the simplest solution is having someone reliable take a task off your plate.
If admin and day-to-day processes are taking you away from running your business, explore how I can help.
Virtual PA & Admin
Operations Support
