When you decide to become self-employed, you automatically become the "Chief, Cook, and Bottle Washer."

In other words, you do it all.

You do the bookkeeping, buy the paper clips, market your business, and you even provide your business's product or service.

But you are better at some tasks than others and there are some tasks that you just hate to do.

Fortunately, there is someone out there who likes doing what you hate-or what you do poorly. And, for a fee, they'll be happy to do it for you.

The payoff? Your productivity increases and you have more time to do the things you enjoy.

Most people will quickly hire an accountant or tax preparer to prepare their taxes if that is an area in which they have little expertise.

That payoff is obvious. The work is time consuming and tedious for most non-tax people. A competent tax pro will get the job done quickly and efficiently. Best of all, in an area where the consequences for getting it wrong can be huge, his expertise will ensure that the job gets done right.

Then there are additional benefits. If there is a problem, many will represent you before the tax authorities. And your tax pro can advise you on tax questions and strategies.

So the money spent is a bargain and the decision to hire his services is easy.

The same logic applies to other areas. If you find it difficult to write good copy for the postcards and letters you use for your direct mail campaigns, consider hiring a copywriter.

If you hate keeping your books, hire a bookkeeper. Or at least buy decent accounting software and hire someone to help you set it up properly.

These days, virtual assistants can work on specific projects or handle everyday mundane tasks. And you won't even have to carve out a place in your bedroom home office for them.

And if there is too little money available, a business consultant can help you grow your business.

The money spent will more than repay itself in greater time for you-and a better result.

Ellen Zucker has been self-employed for over 10 years. She owns the site http://selfemployment101.com

Self-Employment 101: It's about making a living and creating a life! ... Observations, information and resources for those of us who are self employed or just thinking about it.