Let me confess something that might sound familiar…For years, I walked around saying (proudly) “Nobody will ever do this better than me.”
I know, I know. Every installer, dealer, and small-business owner has said that at some point. We wear it like it’s a badge of honor. Meanwhile, we’re drowning in work.
That used to be me.
I did everything: quoting, installing, scheduling, chasing leads, cleaning the shop, writing newsletters… if my phone buzzed, it was basically a notification that Roger had more work to do.
And then one day, exhausted and out of options, I did something wild. I asked a colleague how she manages to run a business, a podcast, a community, a family, and still look like she slept eight hours.
Her answer was so simple it annoyed me: “Hire a virtual assistant.” I wasn’t sure if she was joking or saving my life.
Enter Lismar… and Enter Reality Check
So, after some research, I hired Lismar. And I did it with the worst mindset possible:
“I just need a little help.” Translation: I don’t think you’ll be able to do the things I do, but let’s pretend together. Well… guess who was wrong? (This guy. )
Every task I gave her came back:
- faster
- clearer
- better organized
- and with improvements I never even thought about
Then my wife started saying, “Ask her to do this… ask her to do that.” And there I was, resisting like a toddler: “That’ll take too long to train her… I don’t have time to explain…” Wrong again…and again!
Fast Forward Two Years… and Wow
Today, as Lismar celebrates her 2-year anniversary with Shades In Place, the list of things she’s helped transform is long:
- I have time to breathe
- I work on the business, not just in it
- Our systems run smoother than ever
- I’m writing more, building more, dreaming more
- The business feels organized instead of chaotic
- And yes… sometimes I even watch TV without feeling guilty
Hiring her didn’t just give me help. It gave me freedom.
“If you think you’re the only one who can do something… you’re probably holding your business back.”
And I say that with love. Because I’ve lived it. When you finally hand off the things that drain your time and energy, three things happen immediately:
1. Your business suddenly has more oxygen
Things flow. Customers get faster responses. You become consistent instead of chaotic.
2. Your brain shifts gears
Instead of reacting all day, you can actually think. Plan. Grow.
3. You open the door for new opportunities
When you’re buried in tasks, you can’t see anything else. When you’re free… everything changes.
Ready to Try It? Start Small.
You don’t need to hire a full-time admin tomorrow. Just start here:
✔ Delegate one recurring task
✔ Record a simple process with Loom or your phone
✔ Let someone else do scheduling or follow-ups
✔ Hire virtual help for 5–10 hours
✔ Stop pretending you’re the only capable human on Earth
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s progress, and relief.
Final Thought
Hiring Lismar didn’t just make my business better. It made me better.
If you’re in that stage where you’re exhausted, overbooked, or convinced no one can help you… Trust me, I lived in that mindset for years.
But once you let go (even a little), your whole business shifts.
Never Stop Evolving!
By the way, if you’re wondering, I found Lismar via Valatam. A fantastic resource for connecting with talented remote professionals. Click here for more info.
Roger Magalhães
Trading Up Consulting