So… you’ve hit that point.
You know you need help.
But the fear is whispering:
“How the heck do I even explain what I do?”
“What if they get it wrong?”
“It’s just easier if I do it myself, right?”
That last one? Lie.
But a relatable one.
The truth is: handing stuff over doesn’t mean you’re losing control.
It means you’re gaining capacity. Clarity. Breathing space.
And the place I always recommend people start?
SOPs.
Yes. Boring name. But bear with…
SOP = Standard Operating Procedure
Basically, it’s a step-by-step guide that lets your VA (or anyone) do something properly without needing to mind read.
Think:
- “Here’s how I do it”
- “Here’s where to find the thing”
- “Please don’t forget that tiny but crucial step that no one else would know but me”
We’re not talking MI5 levels of documentation. Just enough to get the job done right, even if you’re on holiday, poorly, or just done with the day.
Why bother?
Because SOPs = peace of mind.
For real.
They stop that horrible “Ugh, I should’ve just done it myself” feeling that happens when handovers go sideways.
They’re good for:
✔️ Getting consistent results
✔️ Reducing questions and errors
✔️ Letting others step in when needed
✔️ Creating a business that’s less you-or-nothing
Even when I asked my mum and mother-in-law to look after my pet minnow (yep, tiny fish, big love), I made them a care sheet. Because I cared x 1 million. Same deal here.
How to Create a Simple SOP (That Doesn’t Fry Your Brain)
You don’t need to be fancy. You just need to get what’s in your head… out of it.
✍️ 1. Choose your style
Go with what feels easiest:
- Written – Google Doc, Word, Notion, Canva
- Video – Loom, Canva screen record, Zoom + babbling (highly effective)
🧠 2. Add a quick overview
Think of it as setting the scene:
- What’s this task?
- Why does it matter?
- Who owns it?
Example:
“Weekly newsletter: goes out Thursdays, keeps people warm and engaged. Managed by VA.”
🪜 3. Break it all down
And I mean everything. No “they’ll figure it out” allowed.
Include:
- Logins + links
- Where files live
- What to click, when, and how
- Templates or examples
- Things you always forget
Write like you’re talking to future you, who’s frazzled and barely caffeinated.
🧰 4. List your tools + resources
Name all the bits:
- Software (MailerLite, Canva, Trello, etc)
- Templates (email replies, welcome DMs)
- Password manager access if needed
✅ 5. Add a quick quality check
Nothing OTT. Just a few “make sure you…” lines:
- Check links work
- Use the tone of voice doc
- Don’t publish that half-written draft by mistake (again)
🔁 6. Test + tweak
Let your VA follow it.
Ask:
- Did anything make no sense?
- What was missing?
- Could you follow this again next month?
Update it as you go. SOPs are living things, like plants, but less needy.
TL;DR
You don’t have to do it all yourself.
You definitely don’t have to be perfect before you ask for help.
SOPs let you hand things over without losing the plot or your peace.
This isn’t about “letting go.”
It’s about getting support — and knowing your business won’t fall apart without you micromanaging every click.
Want to hand over with confidence?
I work with business owners who are ready to stop doing it all alone, and start building a business that’s lighter, calmer, and more doable. Contact me, I don’t bite.
Still curious? I’ve got more where that came from:
🔗 Connect with me on LinkedIn
💌 Join The Waffle Club Newsletter
🧇 Book a Waffle & Write session
💻 Check out my VA services
