My question for Tara

I LOVE doing everything myself. While I joke that I need a clone, I always feel the
job is done best by me. How do you decide when it’s time to ask for help or hire another
professional?

Tara’s Timely Advice

I’m a total newbie at this… only very recently did I dive into the exciting world of
admitting that TJ Can’t Do Everything. And while this hiring of help occurred without
much fanfare, it was a big deal nonetheless.

I really like to think there isn’t much I can’t do… I thrive in figuring things out, and
learning about new, unfamiliar topics. BUT I am coming to understand that some things
are better left for others to do, or assist with, and that the time I spend learning new
things isn’t always the best investment of my time. I suppose it’s really a question of
time management. Learning is wonderful and fulfilling but sometimes it makes more
sense (and more dollars) to focus on what we truly excel in. After all, we can’t be
amazing at everything, can we?!

It’s a big development for me that I am now able to put my ego aside (at least for a
moment), and admit (for the health of my business) that some things are better done
with the aid of someone else.

Reflecting on what drove me to ‘do it’ and ask for help each time I have, it’s always
been my desire to improve in the subject matter, e.g., public speaking. I’ve identified,
for whatever reason, that without a guide in the topic, the level of growth I desire in the
topic will not be possible. With that admittance, that I can’t possibly get ‘there’ alone, it’s
easy to justify asking for help.

To find the help I need, I look to my relationships. I look for people who love the topic I
am interested in, and whom I respect, trust and am excited to work with. I also look for
people who help me to think in new ways — I love people who ask questions. I also have
a pattern of reacting poorly to unsolicited advice, so while I work on that issue, I ensure
that the people I work with are open and non-judgmental too.

I look at business relationships like I do love or friendship. If I commit, I’m in it 150%.
So, I am very conscious with whom I spend my energy on. I suppose this is another
reason (besides my ego and my love of independent learning) that I’m not quick to ask
for help.

Coincidence?

I thought it would eventually happen and it did!.. Tara and I asked the same question to one another this month. Check out what experiences of my own I shared with Tara on making this decision to ask for help seem a little more reachable!