Do you often find yourself hitting a roadblock and pushing through, convinced you can solve the problem alone? Or are you open to seeking help when you need it?
This reminds me of a friend who prides himself on being a DIY expert. He’ll spend hours assembling a new piece of furniture without even glancing at the instructions. He’s always determined to figure it out himself, even if it means struggling with missing parts or misaligned pieces. Eventually, he gives in, looks at the manual, and realises that asking for guidance from the start would have saved him time and a lot of frustration.
Sound familiar? You’d be surprised how often I see this mentality in business owners. As a coach, I spend my days helping leaders tackle challenges head-on, but the number of people who resist asking for help is remarkable. They think they should be able to handle everything themselves—after all, they’re the ones running the show, right? But here’s the thing: not asking for help can slow you down and keep you stuck when you could be moving forward faster with a little guidance.
Stop Believing That Asking for Help Is “Cheating”
Many of us have this ingrained belief that seeking help is a sign of weakness or, worse, “cheating.” Think back to school days when copying someone else’s work was a big no-no. We were taught to figure things out independently, even if it took longer and felt more challenging. But that mindset doesn’t serve you well when running a business. It can be a serious barrier to growth.
Imagine the relief my client felt when we identified the issue in less than an hour. It wasn’t that he wasn’t smart or capable—it was just that he didn’t have the outside perspective to see the solution clearly. Once he accepted that asking for help wasn’t a sign of failure, his business turned a corner, and he started making real progress. The confidence he gained from this experience was palpable, and it’s a feeling I want every business owner to experience.
Why Reinvent the Wheel?
Remember, when it comes to business, you’re not alone. There’s a world full of experts and resources designed to help you, and tapping into that network can save you both time and energy. Why struggle for hours (or months) trying to solve a problem someone else has already solved? This doesn’t just apply to big business decisions; it can be as simple as outsourcing tasks that drain your time. Whether it’s hiring a bookkeeper to handle the finances or bringing in a consultant to tackle a specific problem, you’re not just getting help; you’re becoming part of a community of shared knowledge and support.
Consider this: a company I worked with was spending countless hours trying to design its marketing strategy. They had the talent and the ideas, but the execution was slow and inconsistent. After much hesitation, they hired a marketing consultant with years of experience crafting strategies that worked. Within a few months, their lead flow increased, and the business owner’s time was freed up to focus on operations and growth. It wasn’t a shortcut—it was the smart way to make things happen faster and more effectively. This success story should inspire you to seek help and make your business more efficient and effective.
The Key to Faster Success: Ask for Help
Here’s the bottom line: if you want to achieve more in less time, ask for help. The most successful business owners I know understand their strengths and bring in experts to handle the rest. Whether it’s operational support, financial advice, or strategic planning, the right guidance can be a game-changer.
Business is tough enough without turning every problem into a solo mission. So, why not lighten the load and reach out for help? It’s not about taking shortcuts—it’s about accelerating your success.
Ready to accelerate your business growth? Reach out today for a complimentary consultation and see how working together can take your business to the next level.
