Did you start off today with a problem and wonder if – or how – you can get help? We often like to think that we can get through anything by ourselves, but can we always do it alone? Reality shows that is often not the case, and that a “Lone Ranger” way of thinking can often lead to disgruntled clients, lack of faith from your team members, and an overall feeling of failure.
Don’t Be the Lone Ranger – Get Help
What you need to know as a sales professional, is that it is entirely acceptable to ask for help when you need it. No one will think any less of you, and it will not affect your business reputation negatively. It will likely hurt your career more if you continue to think that you can manage everything and not ask for help when you need it!
Timing is Everything – Don’t Wait Too Long!
The important thing for you to understand is that you need to ask for help at the right time. If you wait too long, it may too late for the situation to be resolved or saved. Most professionals will only seek help from others when they are at the end of their rope. But the most effective time to ask for help is when you first notice that there is a problem. Acting sooner rather than later will allow you to save the deal or project that you have been working tirelessly on.
Never let a problem reach the point where the whole deal or projected outcome can be jeopardized. The sooner you admit to yourself that you cannot do everything on your own, the sooner you can bring others in who can help you turn things around and save the day.
Get Real – Getting Means Giving
There is nothing wrong with reaching out to others, even to those you would never want to know that you’re having trouble, and ask for their help. In most cases, along their own journey to success, these others have had to ask for help too. People who have gotten help will often want to help others. There is no power lost in having to ask others to step in and help you close a deal; in fact, those around you may respect you more for admitting that you are not perfect. This isn’t the worst thing that can happen to you.
Be a Good Human – It’s Time to Ask the Big Question
Think about when someone asks you for help. What do you think of them? I am willing to bet you think nothing ill of them, and are glad to help if you’re able – or are ready to refer them to someone who can. This is what good humans do. YOU are a good human and others would be delighted to help you, but they are not mind readers or psychics – well maybe some are, but most are not!
Ask and You Shall Receive
So, if you’ve ever been afraid to reach out to others for their assistance, to help you close a deal, learn more or complete a project on time, don’t be! Some of the most effective sales people and business leaders would not be in their current positon had they not accepted their limitations and reached out when necessary. Never wait until you reach the end of your rope – ask for help at the first sign of trouble, and you’ll be happy you did.
Have you wanted to ask for help in the past and didn’t? What was the outcome? Share your experiences in the comments.
