First off, you're welcome for putting the 1965 classic from the Fab Four in your head. I typically find myself singing this after a request for any kind of "help." Do you ever find yourself asking for help, but not exactly being able to articulate what kind of help you need?
If you're anything like me, you don't always find it easy to ask for help. This could be for a myriad of reasons, but here are a few I often hear:
"I don't want to be a bother."
"I can handle it."
"But what if it doesn't get done right or on time?"
Let's take a minute and dissect these notions.
"I never needed anybody's help in any way, but now these days are gone, I'm not so self-assured."
When we start our businesses and it's just us, we learn some really valuable lessons along the way. We also pick up some terrible habits (see aforementioned notions). Then as we grow, we become less self-assured thereby requiring help. Didn't realize the Beatles were so in tune with small business, did ya?
So, what do we do to remedy this? We put out a blanket call for H.E.L.P. But you need somebody, not just anybody. You might start looking for creative support or administrative support depending on your strengths and weaknesses. The key is finding the right kind of help. You need to find support that will align with your culture and grow with you.
We have a fun acronym to H.E.L.P. with that.
H - Honesty. It seems like an easy one, but it requires a lot of forethought. Be clear with anyone your are going work with about your expectations. Don't downplay what your Quickbooks account looks like or minimize someone's talent because you think it's a "simple" task. It's important to have a mutual respect which will translate into revenue for your business.
E - Establish. Establish rapport with the people you do retain for assistance. Check in on them with non-work related items (i.e. Were they sick last week? How was vacation?, etc.) This seems like a small gesture, but it can reinforce the commitment they have to you. Trust me - if you find someone good and it's working, DO NOT LOSE THEM! The easiest way to do that is to pay them what they're asking and to keep in contact.
L - Learn. Learn from them! You asked for help, so learn from the professional you hired. We are programmed to continue to learn information. Seriously, the human brain doesn't have a max capacity. So, learn from each professional you hire. When they see that you value their work and want to learn from them, it's a huge plus in enhancing your business relationship.
P - Praise. "Well done!" That's all it takes. Imagine if you worked really hard on a handmade present for a beloved friend or relative. Then you get a text saying "Thanks." No exclamation point, no cute emoji, just the fact that they are appreciative. We all deserve a little praise now and then.
Small business owners notoriously don't delegate nearly as much as they should. Maybe you're not sure where you need the help right now. That's where we come in! Let's have a virtual cup of coffee together and chat about your business. I promise that you'll walk away with something of value. I can't promise that it won't be another Beatles analogy though.
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