Many bloggers consider themselves one-man shows, meaning they expect to remain in control of everything associated with their blogs. This is particularly true with new bloggers who are operating on a limited budget and will nearly always opt to perform all of the tasks themselves.
When certain tasks are above the blogger’s skill level, some will seek out how-to articles and attempt to get things done in that manner with mixed results. There are times when this leads to blog crippling errors and outside help may be needed to correct the problem and get back on track.
All of this simply leads to lost productivity and time. Bloggers have to know their limitations and solicit the help of others when appropriate.
Here is an example.
Let’s say that you wanted to install a nice image on your blog’s header and you are using the Thesis theme. For the blogger who is ambitious, they locate a nice tutorial online that lays out a step by step process for accomplishing the task. Although the blogger has no coding experience, the process looks easy enough so they have a go at it.
Somewhere in the process, and error is made, likely a typo, and the blog site is now inoperable. Panic sets in and the mad scramble is on to find a tech to correct the situation and get the site back up and running.
At this point, the panicked blogger will pay nearly any sum to correct this issue and get back to where they were before the error.
A technician is located, and they correct the error and get the site back to normal, with the new header image in place, all in the course of 15 minutes.
The cost for the service was relatively inexpensive, say $20. Was it really the best approach to attempt this with little or no experience or could the two hours of time lost during the entire process have been better utilized by concentrating on what the blogger does bets, write content?
Two hours, $20.00 and a panic attack later the blogger still has not written their next post.
The point is this, know your limitations and weigh your options. There are times when your time is better used for your own skills. Bloggers do not and should not be one-man operations. Know when to outsource and get help with things you may be somewhat unfamiliar with.
Why outsource?
Simply put, it saves you time and allows you to remain focused on what you do best, while moving toward you overall goal. No need to waste time and find yourself sidetracked in unfamiliar territory.
As a blogger, everything you do associated with blogging requires some level of skill. It is wise to determine the best use of your time and stay within that framework.
Do you think the highly successful A-list bloggers are spending time with tech issues when they could be working on the next product?
Time is more valuable than money because you can get more money, but you cannot get more time. There are 168 hours in each week and like money, he or she who spends most efficiently will see the most gain.
Being a blogger is not synonymous with being a technician. You are not required to be an auto mechanic in order to drive a car.
Many new bloggers will say that they cannot afford to hire a technician. Depending on the task, they cannot afford not to. If nothing else, seek out the help of friends and others who may provide the service free of charge.
So what about you, have you considered the need to outsource and what is your viewpoint?
Do you find it wise to hire someone else, or prefer to keep it all in-house?
If you are relatively new to blogging, you may not have had to consider this as yet, but someday you surely will. Just…
Keep Blogging!
