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Connecting solopreneurs & small biz owners with real-world ideas.
Fear of Asking:
5 Tips for Getting What You Need
 
Julia Cameron said in her book, The Artist's Way, "Once we admit the need for help, the help arrives." I love that quote.

Why is it so hard for us solopreneurs to ask for help with our businesses? My friend Rachel Whalley at Fog to Fire had something to say on this subject in her recent biznik.com article, "Why It's So Hard for Indies To Ask for Help."

"For one reason or another, people talk themselves out of getting help," she said. "My particular sabotage is that...asking for help is whining, and inconveniences those who have to help me." She wisely concluded that asking for help isn't a sign of weakness, "it's a recognition that no one person has everything they could possibly need to do the job."

I've been thinking about Rachel's thoughts on asking for help lately, particularly in terms of the whole networking thing. Each of us has distinctive skills and talents. We have much of what we need. But we don't have everything.

Asking for help is easier when you think of it as looking for advice. Who isn't flattered when someone listens to their opinions?

Whether it's a close friend or a casual networking colleague, it helps to first be clear on exactly what it is you need, and then take a problem-solving approach with your networking buddies. Here's one process that has worked for me: :

5 Tips for Getting What You Need

1. Define what it is you really need. It's difficult to ask for something when you aren't clear in your own mind about what you need. Look at the end result and be as specific as possible. "I need connections to people in the chiropractic industry so I can demonstrate my new back relaxer product."

2. Tell your networking circle about your problem. Instead of telling them what you want them to do, try something like, "I'm finding getting the word out about my new product quite a challenge." This puts no one on the spot, yet it lets the people in your network know just what you're having trouble with.

3. Ask for advice. You might get some uncomfortable silences if you say, "Do you know any chiropractors you could connect me with?" But how about, "Does anyone have any advice on how I might meet chiropractors?" That way, if someone wants to help they still can, but you've created a pressure-free environment, in which people are encouraged to offer their opinions.

4. Talk about the process. Ask if your networking colleague has any experience with how you might go about building connections. Remember: focus on process, not a specific request.

5. Give back. Most people truly want to help and don't expect anything in return. Surprise them every once in a while and reciprocate.

What are you needing right now? It's possible someone in your networking circle might have just the answer, or know someone else who does. Try it. Admit the need. See if help arrives.
© Marketing Hotspots - Cat's Eye Marketing 2008 - Vol. 1, Issue 22

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This article appears courtesy of Marketing Hotspots, a free marketing e-tip dedicated to finding perfect marketing solutions for time-challenged small business owners. For a complimentary subscription, visit www.catseyemarketing.com/etips.