Creative Entrepreneurs: Asking for Help

As creative entrepreneurs, we all wear many hats. We know that, as creative entrepreneurs, we have to be the CEO, creative director, accountant, bookkeeper, brand strategist, client services department, and social media manager… all at once. We look at Instagram feeds and highlight reels, confirming the expectation that we “should” be able to do it all.

But what happens when we were too many hats?

“You can do anything, but not everything.” — David Allen

Burn out is real. Doing every little thing all by yourself is not sustainable. Trust me, I’ve tried it. Sooner or later, you will let something slip through the cracks (and it just might be your sanity).

Some of us are so committed to self-sufficiency that we don’t even know how to ask for help! (It’s okay, I’ve been there).

Today, I want you to ask yourself:

Am I afraid to ask for help?

There are so many reasons we avoid asking for help…

• Sometimes it feels like we have something to prove. (I did it! My business is a success!)
• Sometimes it’s a matter of pride and stubbornness. (I don’t need help; I’m fine on my own.)
• Sometimes we’re embarrassed to admit needing help. (I really should know how to do that already…)
• Sometimes it feels like asking for help is crossing a line into failure. (I couldn’t do it on my own.)

But guess what? these couldn’t be farther from the truth!

Asking for help is a sign of strength and wisdom.

Look at any successful person you admire (lookin’ at you, Leslie Knope). Really, I want you to think of someone who inspires you—someone you think has made it in their industry.

Did they build their empire all alone? Of course not! They have teams of talented people working alongside them to bring big dreams to life. They probably have advisors, mentors, and teachers who helped them reach their goals.

Help can come in many forms: maybe it’s a word of encouragement from a supportive friend, or a business coach who can show you the way. Maybe it means you need to outsource your inbox to a VA who can reduce your stress… or maybe you just need help getting those dirty dishes washed tonight. No matter what “help” looks like for you, don’t be afraid to ask for it.

I also ask you to turn the tables for just a minute. If a friend asked for your help, would you hesitate? No! You’d be the first in line to show up and support your person.

The same is true if you’re seeking hired help. If someone wanted to hire you to use your skills, would you hesitate? No! You’d be glad for the opportunity to put your strengths to good use.

You are not a burden because you need help.

I’m so thankful for friends, mentors, coaches, workshops, and family members who have helped me even when I was afraid to ask. If we don’t ask for help, it’s hard to make any progress forward. Refusing to ask for help is a guarantee that you’ll hit a plateau in your business.

Trust me, my business could not be where it is today if I hadn’t received help. And yours won’t grow unless you’re willing to ask for (and accept) help from your tribe.

So here’s my challenge to you: what is one area where you can ask for help this week? 

Whether you need a boost of encouragement from a friend, help folding laundry so you can get back to editing, or a hired assistant who can take over your inbox… find one thing you’re willing to accept help on.

There is never any reason to feel embarrassed to ask for help. Let’s commit to making our businesses as strong and successful as we can: by accepting help when we need it!