The 5-Minute Time Audit Every Founder Should Do Before Hiring Support
- Mariah Session
- Sep 29
- 2 min read
Hiring support is an investment, and like any investment, you want to make the right call.
The challenge is that most founders bring in help without knowing where their time is actually going. They feel stretched, assume adding more hands will solve the problem, and hire without a clear vision.
The truth is: not all tasks are created equal. An hour spent shaping strategy, leading your team, or closing key deals creates far more value than an hour spent replying to emails or juggling your calendar.
That’s why a simple time audit is one of the smartest moves a founder can make. In just five minutes, you can see exactly how your week is being spent, what that time is costing the business, and whether a Fractional Executive Assistant or an Online Business Manager will give you the highest return.
Why a Time Audit Matters
Tasks that could be delegated often stay on your plate, while the high-impact work that drives growth gets delayed.
A quick time audit cuts through assumptions and gives you real clarity on:
Where your hours are actually being spent
Which tasks require your leadership and vision
Which tasks could be delegated without losing quality
How much ROI you stand to gain from the right support
This isn’t guesswork. It’s data-based delegation, the foundation for building a team that actually scales your business.
The 5-Minute Time Audit Exercise
Write down your last five working days, noting what you worked on and for how long.
Group tasks into categories: admin, email, calendar, strategy, client delivery, team management, creative work.
Highlight the tasks that only you can do, such as leading strategy, making key decisions, or guiding your team.
Circle everything else; this is work that can be delegated.
Tally the hours and compare how much time went to CEO-level work versus everything else.
What the Results Tell You
Mostly email, scheduling, or admin? You’re ready for a Fractional Executive Assistant. Every hour reclaimed for high-value work pays back in growth.
Hours tied up in project delays, team management, or system gaps? An OBM is your next hire. They bring the structure, oversight, and systems your business needs to scale smoothly.
Majority of time on CEO-level work? Your current support is doing its job; keep optimizing, not adding more hands.
See Where Your Time Is Really Going
Delegation only works when it’s intentional. A quick time audit shows you:
Where your are hours going
What that’s costing your business each week
How much ROI you could gain by hiring the support you need
✨ Download our free Time Audit now to see exactly where your time is being spent and how much it’s costing you, so you can make the smartest decision for your next hire.
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