Owning and Managing a Business

Even if you are not a golfer, you have probably heard the name Tiger Woods. He is the Number One rated golfer in the world and may soon become the greatest golfer of all times. Even with being Number One, Tiger asks for help. He has a coach. Why? Because Tiger is smart enough to know a few very important facts. First, two heads are better than one. No matter how good, how smart or how successful you are, there is probably someone who knows something that you don't know. Secondly, a second, objective opinion is always useful. Maybe it will be different than yours or maybe the same. If that opinion is the same as yours, it will at least confirm that you are moving in the right direction. Finally, it is important to be accountable to someone. Even if (s)he is really not "your boss," it is good to be able to share your goals with someone and then report back to that person on whether or not you achieved them.

When do you ask for help? The answer is "All of the time." Don't wait until your business is in trouble. Even if you are making more money than you thought possible, read, ask, study, listen and continue to learn everything you can.

Who do you ask? Ask business people who have been there, done that. That does not mean that they made millions doing the exact thing you are doing. It does mean that they have had meaningful business experiences that they can share with you.

How do you ask? You need to ask with the intention of listening. Don't ask thinking you already know the answer. Get your ego out of the way.

My blog, www.thebusinessadviser.biz is aimed at providing useful information to business owners and managers. It doesn't have all of the answers to solve all problems. But it will get you thinking and analyzing.

Don't let your ego get in the way. Know when, who and how to ask for help with your business.