Learn to Delegate for Success

Before I started my own online business, I was in the construction industry for 20 years. You may not realize how close I came to failure. After five years of struggling in construction, I came very close to closing my business.

When you first start a construction company, you need clients. I found plenty of work, mostly small jobs lasting only two to three days. These smaller jobs paid the bills, but I was running myself ragged. Larger jobs were more profitable, allowing me to stay in one place for longer (which beat setting up my equipment in a new place every day).

As my business grew, I began to get larger jobs. Between myself and my helper, we were busy. Eventually it dawned on me – I had reached my limit. Physically, my helper and I were doing all that we could.

I had another revelation

I had also reached my limit, money wise. My earnings had plateaued. Since we could not physically produce more, we could not earn more. I was frustrated. I enjoyed owning my own business, but I also knew I could work less and earn more by working as a building superintendent in Houston. Imagine – free medical insurance, free dental insurance, a retirement plan, and more.

Being self-employed, I had none of these benefits. It was time to make a decision – keep working 70 hours a week, with no benefits, or make a change. I decided it was time to change.

The Home Builders Association in San Antonio was offering courses for remodeling contractors. I booked a hotel room for three nights, and made the three-hour drive to San Antonio. The courses were wonderful, informative and entertaining. Even so, I learned more from the other participants. One of the participants, Don Boozer, gave me some valuable advice. He told me I needed to learn to delegate, to stop doing everything and get into general contracting.

“But Don,” I asked, “if I don’t do the work, who will? I’ll just be phoning other people to do my work. Nobody’s going to pay me to make phone calls.”

Don’s reply was confident as he said, “Yes, they will pay you. They’ll pay you very well!” And you know what? They did!

Well, I followed Don’s advice. My income doubled in the next year, and the superintendent job in Houston looked less and less attractive. The next year, my income doubled again. Since then, my income has been at least six figures a year, every year.

I’m not telling you this to brag. I’m telling you this to help you.

I increased my income quickly because I increased my business awareness. You can too. The fastest way to increase your income is to start an EZ web business or to attend a conference based on your industry. Want to make money online? Then you need a conference specific to online businesses, one that can help you create a business plan for your online business!

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© Stephen Beck, 2007
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Stephen Beck teaches families & teens how to start home business . For a free CD discussing the steps for a successful internet business, visit Christian Home Based Business right now.