As an online business owner, you have a lot on your plate. From managing your website and social media presence to writing blog posts and creating products, there's always something to be done.

And while it's important to wear many hats in the early stages of your business, you're going to need to start delegating tasks. Otherwise, you'll quickly become overwhelmed and burn out.

But how do you delegate tasks effectively?

In this week's episode of the Online Business Clinic, we're sharing five tips for effective delegation in online businesses.

Delegation can be tricky, but it's essential for effective time management and streamlining your business processes. A lesson that took me years to learn.

If you're like many online business owners, you often feel overwhelmed by all the tasks that need to be done to keep your business running.

It's not uncommon to feel like you can't even take a break, lest everything falls apart.

Trust me; I've been there.

But imagine if you could lighten your load without sacrificing your productivity?

Delegation is one of the most effective ways to do just that.

Here's how you do it!

1. LIST: Start by making a list of all the tasks needed to operate your online business successfully. Even if you think that task is a task that only you can do, write it down.

Give each task a priority scoring. "A" for high priority tasks that you absolutely must do, "B" for tasks that you should do, "C" for tasks that you could do but that don't have any negative consequences “D” or delegate

2. ASSIGN: Determine which roles you'll need to hire out for and then give each specific person their own set of tasks based on their skills and strengths.

Warning! Even if you find yourself a 'jack of all trades,' I've found it best to quickly identify their strengths and delegate the other tasks to other people. Otherwise, priority tasks begin to slip through the cracks.

3. TIME: Establish specific deadlines for each task and make sure everyone team member is aware of them.

As humans, if we're given a week to complete a task, we'll take the entire week. If we're given 72 hours, we'll get the job done in 72 hours.

Be sure that the deadline you are setting is realistic and that your team members adhere to said deadline. Not doing so could back up your workflow pipeline and create a big headache for you down the road.

4. ENGAGE: Follow up with team members regularly to ensure that they stay on track.

You are the leader; set the pace.

Keep an open line of communication and allow for any necessary remedial training or additional support to ensure things are going smoothly.

5. REVIEW & REVISE: When your team members do a great job, celebrate those successes together. Learn from failures and make new plans together as need be.

To successfully operate an online business, it's important to delegate tasks and establish specific deadlines. By following the tips in this episode, you can create a plan that will help your business run smoothly and efficiently.

What task will you begin delegating today? Let me know in the comments below!

And in the meantime, be sure to tune into the next episode.