Why You Should Outsource Data Entry to a Virtual Assistant

Sarah Clarkson • April 30, 2025
Hands entering data on laptop

Every business owner understands the importance of accurate data—client records, CRM updates, invoices, calendars, and email logs are the operational backbone of a thriving business. But just because it's essential doesn't mean you should be the one doing it. If you are spending hours updating spreadsheets or chasing down client information, it's time to ask: is this the best use of your time?


Manual data management is necessary. It is also one of the most significant time drains entrepreneurs face week after week or month after month. A recent
survey by Time etc reveals that entrepreneurs spend an average of 36% of their workweek on administrative tasks such as invoicing, data entry, and scheduling. That's time that could be spent growing your business, nurturing client relationships, or developing new products and services. 


Rethink how you are spending your hours. A Freedom Maker virtual assistant can transform your
day-to-day operations.

The Hidden Cost of Doing It Yourself

When you launched your business, was it because you loved data entry?


Probably not! More likely, you had a passion or expertise for the business you developed. Yet, tasks like entering payment data, updating client notes, or scheduling meetings are stealing hours from your week.


What's more, when data entry isn't done consistently or correctly, it can snowball into bigger problems. A single incorrect digit in an invoice or CRM record can lead to missed payments, poor client communication, or even tax issues. Outsourcing these tasks to a virtual assistant who a) enjoys this kind of work and b) is good at it! ensures your business data is accurate, up-to-date, and easily accessible.

A Real Example: From Overwhelmed to Organized

Brandon, a financial services entrepreneur, explained his situation when he reached out to be matched with a Freedom Maker. His spreadsheets were once manageable but had become a mess of disorganized tabs, missed updates, and inconsistent records. He realized he was spending more time fixing backend issues than actually coaching his clients.


That's when he connected with Sarah, a data and systems support Freedom Maker. In just a few weeks, Sarah cleaned up his entire digital infrastructure. She migrated Brandon's client data to a streamlined CRM, set up automated appointment scheduling, and began organizing payment logs.


With his administrative load off his shoulders, Brandon was able to return his focus to what he did best: helping clients and expanding his services. For him, bringing Sarah onto his team wasn't just about outsourcing -- it was about reclaiming time and peace of mind.

What a Freedom Maker Can Handle for You

A Freedom Maker who specializes in data and systems support can become a lot more than just a data entry clerk. They can become a partner in business efficiency. They understand the platforms, systems, and workflows that keep things running smoothly. A Freedom Maker who has experience with data management can put their skills to work for you and help your business become optimized.


Here are just a few ways a Freedom Maker can support your business:

  • Organize and maintain client records so they're always up to date
  • Track invoices and payments to ensure nothing slips through the cracks
  • Keep your CRM updated for better client follow-ups
  • Automate appointment scheduling and reminders
  • Run regular data audits to catch costly errors before they happen


Another Freedom Maker, Sandra, supports a marketing agency who came to us when they realized they were drowning in disjointed reports. Sandra implemented a centralized reporting system, automated their data tracking, and ensured accuracy. Not only did they save time, but they also now have better insight into how their campaigns perform, which is leading to smarter, faster business decisions.

Starting with Data Entry Is Easier Than You Think

If you've never outsourced anything before, data entry is an ideal place to start. It's task-based, easy to delegate with a Loom video or simple written instructions, and can provide almost immediate results.


Most Freedom Makers have deep experience with the tools you likely already use, like Google Sheets, CRMs, and other accounting platforms. That means minimal onboarding time and a quick onramp to action. A Freedom Maker can even step in if your data is all over the place and there is no system to speak of. Our military spouse virtual assistants  excel at bringing structure to mess.

The ROI of Delegation

Outsourcing data entry allows you to:


Reclaim hours every week

Avoid costly data errors

Gain confidence in your operations

Refocus on strategy and growth


And as your Freedom Maker becomes more integrated into your business, you'll likely find even more areas they can support. Once they know and understand your business, a lateral move to support your marketing, operations, or scheduling is easy.


So, if your business still relies on you to manage data manually, you're not just wasting time, you could also be holding your growth back.


Outsourcing data management to a Freedom Maker virtual assistant allows you to focus on the higher-impact tasks in your business that can drive growth. Whether you're just starting out or scaling quickly, having someone you trust managing your backend operations makes all the difference.


If you are ready to release yourself from the drone of data entry,
contact our Discovery Team today. We can help find the perfect Freedom Maker to support your next level of success.

Freedom Makers Blog

Small business owner
By Sarah Clarkson July 25, 2025
The statistics are striking: 81% of business owners work nights 89% work weekends Many work more than 49 hours a week Yet, research shows that working more than 40 hours per week negatively impacts our health, relationships, and longevity. Burnout, exhaustion, and chronic stress often follow. How do small business owners avoid this trap without sacrificing their goals? At Freedom Makers, we believe the answer isn't about "balance." It's about work-life integration. What Is Work-Life Integration? Unlike "balance," which weighs work against life, integration means designing a life where your work and personal priorities coexist naturally. In other words, it's not about splitting time evenly. It's about making space for what matters most. That starts with outsourcing the tasks that drain your time and energy. Work-Life Integration in Action JD Schramm , a leadership communication coach and longtime business owner, knew the value of staying close to his clients. However, operational tasks kept chipping away at his focus. In his case, he didn't decide to bring a Freedom Maker virtual assistant onto his team to get more done. Instead, he started outsourcing tasks to a virtual executive assistant to get back to his purpose. As he explains, "I'm no longer the one digging into slide formatting, onboarding tools, or payment processors. My EA figures it out, gets it done, and keeps things moving." Before that, he was the one managing every detail, which left little time for what actually mattered. JD needed a partner to manage the back-end logistics so he could stay forward-facing with clients. Freedom Maker Jacqueline came on board and has built systems for email triage, CRM upkeep, event coordination, Zoom logistics, and follow‑ups. With Jackie handling his systems, onboarding tools, and back-end logistics, JD has found space again for his clients, his business growth, and his personal life. "Since bringing on an EA through Freedom Makers Virtual Services, I've been able to shift more of my focus back to clients and business development... That time back has made room for deeper client work as well as for family time I wasn't getting before." – JD Schramm JD's experience is a clear example of how outsourcing the right tasks can create more space . How you use that space - for deeper client work, for family time, or working in the parts of business that energize you - is up to you. In JD's case, he didn't split his time more evenly between "work" and "life." He simply started spending his work time on the things that truly needed his focus, and handed off the rest. Where to Begin: The Task Audit Most small business owners are caught in the weeds. Not because they're doing anything wrong, but because they're doing everything. Most don't start their companies to spend their days in spreadsheets, answering scheduling emails, or manually updating CRMs. And yet, that's precisely what consumes so many of their hours. Entrepreneurs don't lack vision. They lack capacity. We encourage the small business owners who come to us for support to hand off tasks of their choosing to a Freedom Maker virtual assistant. Not everything needs to be outsourced. Some operational tasks might actually energize you or help you feel grounded within your business. Those drivers are unique to you. Our Task Audit is a free tool that helps you: Identify what truly needs your attention Highlight what can be handed off Begin prioritizing your time more strategically Work-life integration doesn't happen by accident. It's a choice, and it starts with deciding what you can let go of. We believe in creating pairings that support you and your business where you need and want assistance so that you can lead your business with clarity and intention. 🡆 Take our Task Audit and begin your journey to true integration. 🡄 And if you are already working with a Freedom Maker, now may be the perfect time to take your delegation journey to the next level. If you've already outsourced your inbox or calendar, what's next? Use our Assignment Task Audit (found on your Client Resources Page) to: Reevaluate what's still on your plate Identify new areas your Freedom Maker can support Continue evolving your partnership toward even better integration Reclaim Your Time And Realign Your Energy Work-life integration isn't a milestone you reach; it's something you continually shape. Just as your priorities shift as your business grows, so will your work-life integration. When you get clarity on what you are willing to outsource, you let go of the tasks that no longer require your direct attention, you make room for the kind of presence that fuels both your business and your life. So, whether you're just starting to explore outsourcing or already working with a Freedom Maker, take another look at your task list. The more intentionally you delegate, the more fully you can show up for your business, your clients, and yourself. Reach out to our Discovery team today so we can help you find the right support for your unique business needs.
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