The Perils of Procrastination: Pain Points in Hiring Assistance
In the dynamic world of small non-profit organizations and solopreneurs, the need for assistance is often inevitable. However, a curious phenomenon persists that I come in contact with regularly; the tendency to wait until the last moment to seek help. In this blog post, I’m going to explore the reasons I have observed behind this procrastination and hopefully shed light on the potential perils it poses- for all of us. (It’s the season for this!)
Limited Resources and Budget Constraints:
Small non-profits and independent solopreneurs often operate on tight budgets, allocating resources meticulously to maximize impact. They know how to make a dollar holler. The fear of added expenses and the belief that they can handle tasks independently may lead them to delay seeking professional assistance.
Wearing Multiple Hats:
The nature of small organizations and solo ventures demands versatility. Owners and leaders often find themselves juggling multiple roles, from marketing and finance to operations and client management. This multitasking can create a false sense of control, deterring them from realizing the need for external help until overwhelmed.
Misjudgment of Workload:
Underestimating the complexity and time commitment of certain tasks is a common pitfall. Small entities may believe they can manage everything in-house, only realizing the gravity of their workload when deadlines loom. This misjudgment contributes to the tendency to postpone hiring assistance. I cannot count how many times I have been called close to a deadline or launch by a non-profit organization that “thought someone would do it.”
Fear of Delegation:
For many solopreneurs and non-profit leaders, their venture is a personal endeavor or cause, and they find it challenging to delegate tasks to others. There is often a fear of losing control or concern that others may not understand the mission and values as intimately as they do. This fear can hinder the timely hiring of assistance.
Lack of Awareness:
(See #3.) In the vast list of responsibilities, small organizations may not always be aware of the specific areas where professional assistance could make a substantial impact. This lack of awareness might result in delayed hiring, as they may not recognize the signs until faced with imminent challenges. For non-profits, while they have identified the end-goal, they may not have the skill sets needed within their committee or understanding of how to reach the end-goal.
Perceived Time Constraints:
Busy schedules and pressing deadlines can create a tunnel vision that prevents small organizations from looking ahead. The belief that they do not have the time to search for and integrate external assistance becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, as the workload only continues to mount.
Waiting for Revenue Stability:
Solopreneurs and small non-profits may delay hiring help until they achieve a perceived level of financial stability. (How they expect to reach the perceived level of financial stability is usually met with blank stares.) The misconception that assistance is a luxury reserved for financially secure organizations can hinder growth and exacerbate existing challenges. They think they cannot afford assistance or that the assistance available is “too expensive.” I’ve heard this over and over again.
Understanding the reasons behind the procrastination in hiring assistance is crucial for small non-profits and solopreneurs to break free from this cycle. Recognizing the value of timely support, the potential for increased efficiency, and the positive impact on overall mission success can empower these entities to overcome hesitations and build a stronger foundation for sustained growth and impact.
