This Is Your Sign To Stop Doing Everything Yourself

Jul 25

Have you ever taken anyone up on this statement?

“Let me know if I can do anything to help!”

Perhaps you were a new parent, in a season of grief, moving to a new home or starting a business. Whenever we go through big transitions in life, people love telling us to “reach out if we need help,” but those offers feel empty. We think to ourselves: yeah, I could actually use a prepared meal or a night without the kids or help moving the couch. But we never ask because we don’t believe the person really meant anything by their “offer.”

That’s why, here in the Impact Lab, we’re not just “here for you if you need anything.”

We’re here to help you in real, tangible ways. We’re like the aunt who insists on dropping off casserole; the uncle who is at your doorstep to rake leaves; the friend who calls you instead of waiting for you to reach out.

When it comes to your business, there are a lot of things we can take off your plate.

All we need from you in return?

The willingness to let us help you.

And that, my friend, might be the hardest, most important step you can take with your business.

Asking for help – and then accepting that help – is not for the faint of heart. So here, we’ll help you walk through those emotions.

Why Business Owners Struggle to Ask for Help

Entrepreneurship often attracts the kind of people who are used to doing everything on their own. It’s not just about control; it’s about the deep-seated belief that to succeed, you must be self-reliant. This mindset, while useful in the early stages of setting up your business, can become a barrier as your operation grows and the stakes get higher. (This isn’t just true in business, by the way… it’s true in every aspect of life).

If you find yourself struggling to ask for help, know that you’re not alone. The resistance you’re feeling means you care, and that’s a good thing. But if we may offer you some completely unsolicited advice, we’d love to encourage you to lean into that feeling. Are you experiencing resistance to asking for help because, deep down, you’re afraid to fail – or maybe even afraid to succeed? What about feeling nervous about exposing yourself to possible judgment or scrutiny, or being worried about letting someone else into your business’ finances?

All of these fears are barriers we see people in the Impact Lab experience when they’re resistant to accepting our help. But asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness; it means you’re a good business owner who wants to build resilience and set the stage for future growth. Here’s what we mean:

1 – Asking for help means opening up your finances to scrutiny. That’s scary, but it’s important.

Let’s face it, your finances are more than just numbers; they hold the intimate details of your business, and they’re filled with all the intricacies of personal risks, as well. The thought of laying all this bare to someone outside your trusted circle – especially a stranger – can feel like you’re leaving the door to your home wide open before you’ve thoroughly cleaned. It’s vulnerable, and it’s intimidating.

Opening up your financial details to the Impact Lab can be a highly emotional decision. And while it may seem daunting to expose the pulse of your business to external scrutiny, doing so allows for a detailed health check, revealing both strengths and vulnerabilities. Think of it like going to the doctor or dentist. It may not be fun, but it’s something that’s necessary if you want your business to remain healthy in the long-term.

2 — Asking for help means you’re open to change, which will help your business build resilience.

Change is scary – even if it’s positive change. And asking for help automatically means you’re open to making changes, which is an incredibly brave step when it comes to your business! At the Impact Lab, we see this openness as a crucial step towards transformative growth. When you let us help, you're not just tweaking minor details—you're setting the stage for major advancements. By being open to change, you facilitate a business culture and environment where innovation thrives and where your business can pivot and adapt in response to market demands or internal challenges. This isn’t really about accepting the help itself; it’s about building resilience and flexibility into the very fabric of your business.

3 — Asking for help means you’re human.

Acknowledging the need for help is a profound affirmation of your humanity. It's an acceptance that no one, no matter how skilled or experienced, has all the answers. You are part of a community, and every successful community thrives on cooperation and support. In the business world, this is especially true. By reaching out, you tap into a network of expertise, experience, and empathy—all of which are vital for personal and professional growth. At the Impact Lab, we foster a culture where seeking help is seen not as a weakness but as a strategic tool for success. It's about strengthening your ability to lead by leveraging the strengths of others.

How The Impact Lab Can Help You

Our experts can help you optimize your financial operations, identify savings, improve cash flow management, and plan for sustainable growth. Transparency with trusted professionals not only mitigates risks but also opens the door to opportunities for financial strategies that you might not have considered.

Without delegation, without outsourcing, without asking for help, you’re running a sprint in a marathon. Eventually, you will run out of steam.

Here’s how we can help you.

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Tailored Advice:

Just like that one friend who knows exactly how you like your coffee, we’ll get to know your business intimately to offer customized strategies.

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Hands-On Support:

From refining your business model to enhancing your financial health, our finance experts will step in exactly where you need them most.

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Continuous Learning:

With workshops, mentoring sessions, and peer-to-peer learning, you’re never alone on your business journey. We provide the resources to keep you growing, personally and professionally.