jhghfdje: Help! When You Need Somebody... | Rena Tom / retail strategy ...

Posted by Christine Marcelino ? Monday, July 30, 2012 ? Leave a Comment?

Hands by Erin Hall

Do you remember that stress dream you had where you get an email from a prominent retailer asking you to deliver a very large PO in just a few weeks? You know that dream can quite easily become a reality. And as they say, ?When the going tough, the tough get help!? Actually they don?t say that but the modified motto fits quite well with the topic at hand. Being a small business owner often means having to take care of many things at once, but it doesn?t mean you have to do it all yourself, especially in stressful situations such as this. ?Having the ability to know when and how to ask for help is an important skill in order for your business to grow.

These past few months, I had to prepare for several events and fill a large order in very close proximity to each other. Apart from it all being new to me, I had to keep up with my regular tasks of keeping afloat and connected. I had been doing fine until this point, but I came to realize that in order to step it up I needed a boost. ?I made a mental list of who was good at what and started delegating. Now that everything is said and done, I don?t think I could?ve done it as well without them.

If you?ve been in need of a helping hand, here are some tips as to how you should go about it.

Who and How? You already know what you need. Now its about the who you need. I suggest making a list of available help that you can trust. Figure out what each person can do best for you and delegate. ?Keep in mind to really take the time to figure out what skill sets each person has to offer. And if it doesn?t work out, don?t be afraid to say so. Its what?s best for you and for them.

A good business person is also a good leader and communicator. ??Asking for help teaches you how to vocalize what you need and put into perspective how you can get there.? In your head, there is a constant stream of goals and tasks to accomplish, delegating and devising tasks teaches you to communicate to others and also helps alleviate some of that mental pressure on yourself.

The more you give, the more you receive and vice versa. It?s a flow of energy.? Being open to receive help enables you to give more in return. ?In one way, delegating some of the tasks you consider mundane or tricky allows you to focus more on tasks that you are better suited for. That?s where figuring out what skill sets others and yourself have is most helpful. In another way, by receiving the help from others, you are able to be more creative and open to return the good energy in kind.

The best kind of help is always from people you trust such as friends and family, but help doesn?t always have to come from personal sources. There is a ton of sites such as Elance, Task Rabbit, and even Craigslist to get you what you need. ?Whether it?s personal or professional, be sure to thank the person that?s helped you and offer your help in return.

Cheers, Christine
Materials+Process

Image Source: ?Hands,? Erin Hall Etsy Shop