Asking for Help – A Sign of Strength, Not Weakness…
Being an entrepreneur is the most rewarding, yet unforgiving, profession on the planet. It takes guts, smarts, and money – not to mention a little luck. For those of you who run a one-man operation, it takes even more. While we bask in the glory of setting our own hours and answering to no one, we forget that building a business upon the owner itself is risky and can become overwhelming.
Many business owners often find themselves bearing all the risk and wearing all the hats in their business. Sales, production, marketing, accounting – you name it, they’re trying to do it. So, I’ve jotted down three tips to keep in mind that just may give you peace of mind…
1. Outsource what you need – There is a contractor, consultant, or freelancer in just about every industry you can imagine. Outsource the functions you don’t know how to do to the experts and let them do what they do best. Hire pros to do your payroll. Get an accountant to help you file your taxes. Let someone else design the logo. Spend your time growing your business.
2. Set realistic expectations – Of course you want your business to blow up overnight. Who doesn’t? But, realistically, a well run business takes time to grow and develop. Mistakes must be made and lessons must be learned. That’s how those companies that are still around manage to stick around. They focus on the long haul, not the get rich quick.
3. Seek balance – I know I’ve just said a dirty word, but we should all make an effort to work on our business, not in it. Just as aggressively as you seek growing your business, seek time away from your business to replenish yourself and freshen your perspective. I know, this is especially hard for those who work from a home office. But, during non-work hours, close the door to the home office or cover up the items with a sheet. Hide your iPad. Do whatever it takes to switch from work to home.
One of the biggest lessons we can all learn is when to ask for and accept help. Being worn out all the time isn’t a sign of success, but a product of being overwhelmed.
