American society places a lot of value in the lone maverick, scraping and scrapping his way to the top. But in reality, no one reaches success without the help of others. Unfortunately, many people don’t ask for help, either because they’re afraid they’ll be perceived as weak or unknowledgable or because they fear rejection. However, to reach your goals in your business and/or career, learning to seek and ask for help will be crucial to your success. Here are tips to asking for help.
- Why aren’t you asking? Before you can ask for help, you need to figure out what’s stopped you in the past. Are you a diehard do-it-yourselfer? Are you worried what others will think? Are you afraid you’ll be told ‘no’? Whatever the reason, find ways to overcome those limiting thoughts. Achieving success means getting out of your own way and stepping outside your comfort zone.
- What is you want specifically? If you’re not clear on what you want, it will be difficult for others to help you get it. Let potential helpers know specifically the kind of help you need. For example, are you looking for a partner on a joint venture?
- Prepare and practice. Whether you’re making a formal or an informal request for help, prepare your ask before hand and practice it. If you stumble and mumble through your pitch, people won’t think you’ve thought your goal through. People like to help others who are confident and clear in their goals.
- Enlist the help of your network. Once you know what you need and are prepared to ask for help, begin with your network. Even if members of your circle of friends and colleagues can’t help you, they may know others who can.
- Be grateful. Show gratitude for help you get. Send a thank you note and offer to help in return. Gratitude and goodwill go a long way in manifesting more help and support for your endeavor.
No one achieves success in a vacuum. While it does take hard work and commitment, it also requires the help and support of others. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you need.
