Do you get uncomfortable about asking for help?

Work Smart Not Hard Tip No. 30 in a series written for Indie Cambs.

One of the best and simplest Work Smart, Not Hard tips is learning how to ask for help.

If you really don’t like asking, think about this – people love helping! When we help others we get a kick of dopamine that makes us feel great, so by asking for help you’re helping other people to feel good!

People who run their own businesses may not be experts on everything but most will know who is, and most importantly, who can be trusted, and getting recommendations rather than choosing from the many people who brand themselves as experts can save a lot of time, hassle and money.

Also, being too close to your business can sometimes cloud your judgment. Asking for help from your peer group can provide unbiased insights that you may have overlooked. Fresh perspectives help us stay innovative and adaptable, and, as one of my favourite authors, Jon Alexander, is fond of saying: “All of us are smarter than any of us”, so sharing ideas is a very powerful way of solving problems.

It’s not just practical things that we can ask for help with. Entrepreneurship can be emotionally taxing. Stress, uncertainty, and the pressures of running a business can lead to isolation, anxiety, and even burnout. Discussing challenges and frustrations with others who have been in the same position can provide relief and offer solutions we might not have considered. Emotional support helps us maintain mental well-being, which is crucial for sustaining long-term focus and motivation.

Asking for help often leads to better decision making, providing reassurance and can lead to collaboration opportunities too. When you reach out to others, you build relationships that can lead to partnerships, and new business opportunities. These relationships are often the thing that makes running a business much more enjoyable.

Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. By seeking assistance, we can build a more resilient, sustainable, and successful business. Rather than going it alone, smart business owners recognize that asking for help is an essential part of growth and success.

Work smart and ask for help! You won’t regret it.

And if you want to ask me – that’s easy. Just get in touch.