TC: PERHAPS THE MOST DIFFICULT CHALLENGE TO DATE

Most of us like to give to or help someone. It makes us feel good inside and even proud of the fact that we were able to provide some type of support. I personally feel guilty If I don’t stop and give a few dollars to a person with a “please help me” sign on a street corner. When it’s over 110 degrees in Phoenix and a person is asking for help, they must need it! It’s an unconditional gift, and yes, I do feel good even if the gift created a hardship for me.

My challenge today is for you to help other people feel good. It takes a lot of “GUTS” (God’s Undeniable Terrific Secret) to ask someone for help. Be honest, have you ever hesitated to ask someone to help you with a personal need? How about a business need?

Every business owner is in need of something; it may be advice, physical help, or financial assistance. With a little thought, that list can grow into a much longer need list. In my case, I am currently reaching out to my friends to help a nonprofit raise working capital. I am also reaching out to my connections to allow me to help small business owners, that they may know, grow their businesses.

Without any specific persons in mind, list three things in your business that you could use some help with. Place no limitation on the “ask”. Be honest and include the most pressing things that your business needs. Once the list is complete, take each need and next to it write down the name of someone you know who can either solve your problem, help you solve the problem, or refer you to someone who could. Your help list should include not only friends and relatives but customers and other business acquaintances. In creating your “ask” list, don’t eliminate a name just because you don’t think that they would ever help you.

This week call at least one person who is listed as a possible support person by one of your needs. That means you should make at least three calls, one for each question.  If possible, call that person and set up an appointment to visit face to face.

I told you at the beginning that this would be one of your most difficult challenges to date. Growth only occurs when difficult challenges are attacked.  Regardless of the outcome of your conversations with those you ask for help, you will learn a valuable lesson, and that is to always ask for assistance.

Yes, if you feel I can help, please call.

Be STRONG enough to stand alone, SMART enough to know when you need help, and BRAVE enough to ask for it.