Four unlikely people you should ask for help when starting a business

28th February 2023

Are you looking forward to starting your own business this year? You should then think about seeking help and advice from someone you trust. You might be surprised to learn how approaching various people for extra support can benefit you. You can’t get help unless you ask for it. For whatever reason, many young entrepreneurs believe that asking for help is an excellent sign of weakness. Many people think that to succeed as a new entrepreneur, you must “fake it ’til you make it.” So, they never ask for help, even desperately needing it. But asking for help is not a weak point. It can be a good thing.

The Advantages of Seeking help

When you study the motives of asking for help, it becomes clear that there are far more benefits than risks. The risks are small compared to the huge amount of value that can be extracted by simply asking a question. Here are some business-specific advantages:

Your energy level will increase:

Knowing that someone else would take the time to assist you can boost your sense of purpose and give you the motivation to keep going.

There is room for expansion:

You expand your network when you ask your professional network for business advice. You’re either interacting with new people or strengthening old ones. It’s also a two-way street. The person you ask for advice on a specific issue may eventually ask you to share your expertise on a related topic with which they aren’t as familiar.

You will gain new insights:

Listening to others’ perspectives on business can open your mind to new ideas even if you don’t immediately find a solution to a specific issue. This could result in a breakthrough insight into something you weren’t even thinking about. This new perspective may eventually lead to new opportunities for your own business.

It inspires trust in others:

It’s also nice to consider the advantages that others gain from asking. You can extend a gift to the giver by putting faith in them. Asking for help has huge importance. It benefits you, your company, and the people you interact with. This is a win-win situation.

When Should You Look For help?

As a business owner, there are a few times when it is never a bad idea to consider seeking additional help from others. When things aren’t going well, this is the most obvious time. It’s also usually when you’re feeling the most vulnerable. Nobody enjoys failing, especially aspiring entrepreneurs. It’s important to remember that many people out there would be willing and able to assist you if they knew you needed it. Even if things are going well, asking for help can be beneficial. Here are a few other occasions when you should consider seeking assistance:

When your company is brand new
When introducing a new product (or just thinking about it)
When you’re looking for business partners
When you are entering a new industry
When you want to reach out to the new audience

You can’t do everything in business, no matter what you think. You must ask for help if you want to survive and grow. Additionally, automating your business using tools like a paystub generator is vital. 

Whom should you consult for advice?

When you need help and support, knowing whom to turn to can be difficult. Here are a few amazing options to begin with:

Your loved ones Your mentors
Your friends Trusted advisor & accountant

Your loved ones:

Your family is one of the first people you should talk to about your new business. Help can come from within. Your family members have viewpoints that will help you see your business in a new light. Don’t be afraid to seek their guidance. You may become so caught up in your business idea that you might fail to have a real sit-down conversation. So, you should talk to them about how the business will affect your relationship, finances, and free time. However, starting a new business can be all-consuming, and the support of your family will make all the difference. Knowing whether your family is ready for the commitment and time to start a successful business is best.

Your Mentors:

If you have taken the time to develop ongoing relationships with mentors, you can begin by asking them for advice. In many cases, they know your situation, business and financial health better than anyone else. Ideally, this person will be able to provide you with advice for many years. They will help you not only as you plan your business but also as it grows. You need someone who has been at your place and understands what it is like to lose and win. Business owners require someone familiar with them and their processes while also being self-sufficient.

Your friends:

Your friends, like your mentors, probably have a pretty good idea of how things are going for you and your business. When you need help, ask them for it; if they can’t, ask if they know anyone who can. If you’re too shy to ask your friends for help, make new ones. When trying to build a business, you don’t have time for shady friends. Seek advice from a friend who will give you an honest opinion. You will require the best advice that is genuine.

A trusted advisor and accountant:

You’ll need accounting advice when you’re just starting. Many new business owners believe that an accountant is simply someone who handles taxes. However, as your company grows, it can also serve as a trusted advisor. They can assist you in making sense of your financial statements, cash flow, and strategic thinking. As you start bringing in more customers and doing more business, you’ll probably wonder if it’s time to invest in new equipment, finance expansion, or hire your first employee. An expert advisor can assist you in making more confident business decisions. This is where the expertise of a seasoned professional like Deep Patel comes into play. A trusted advisor and accountant, like Patel, can provide invaluable insights, aiding entrepreneurs in making well-informed and confident business decisions.

 

Final words:

We all know we need help but are often too afraid to ask for it. It is usually motivated by pride and a fear of losing control. Remember that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. As a business owner, your success may be directly related to your willingness to ask questions. You should admit when you don’t know all of the answers.