Every small business owner has said it at some point:
“It’s just easier if I do it myself.”
But here’s the truth it’s not easier, it’s expensive. Not in invoices or subscriptions, but in opportunity cost.
When you spend your time buried in admin, you’re not doing the work that only you can do the stuff that actually grows your business.
What Is “Opportunity Cost” Anyway?
Opportunity cost is what you lose out on when you choose one thing over another.
For business owners, that often looks like this:
Spending 3 hours reconciling receipts instead of meeting new clients
Writing follow-up emails instead of finishing a proposal
Figuring out Mailchimp instead of closing a sale
Those hours have value your charge-out rate value.
Let’s Do the Maths
Say your hourly rate is $150.
You spend 10 hours a week doing admin, chasing invoices, or tweaking systems.
That’s $1,500 a week in billable time lost.
Over a year? $78,000 worth of opportunity - gone.
Now imagine if you outsourced even half of that.
That’s 5 hours a week of admin handled by a Virtual Assistant who charges, say, $80/hour.
That’s $400 a week for 5 hours and you just got $750 of your time back to actually earn money. Even after paying for support, you’re still $350 ahead every single week — plus you get your headspace back.
So the real question isn’t “Can I afford a VA?” — it’s “Can I afford not to?”
But It’s Not Just About Time - It’s About Energy
When you’re constantly switching between admin and client work, your focus gets fractured.
You’re never fully on for the things that matter most.
And that mental load adds up - to stress, exhaustion, and missed opportunities.
A Virtual Assistant isn’t just there to save time; they protect your energy and headspace, too.
Focus on What You’re Good At
You built your business around your strengths - not bookkeeping, not scheduling, not fixing email templates that refuse to format properly.
A VA gives you back the time and space to do what you’re great at - serving clients, building relationships, and growing your business with confidence.
It’s not about letting go of control - it’s about working smarter.
Real Talk: This Is the Shift That Changes Everything
Every client who’s handed over admin work says the same thing:
“I wish I’d done this sooner.”
Because once you see what’s possible with support - more focus, more clients, more balance - you can’t unsee it.
You stop running your business on adrenaline and start running it with intention. If you are wondering when it is time to get external support read my other blog How do you know if it is time to hire a virtual assistant?
Ready to Stop Doing It All Yourself?
You don’t need to wait until you’re drowning.
Start by outsourcing the tasks that drain you most, and see what changes.
📩 Don’t delay - get your business admin back on track with a free 30-minute chat.
Email assist@tailoredvirtualsupport.co.nz to book your spot.
