It seems I’ve always been an do-it-yourself type.
Whether it’s been remodeling my kitchen, building a pole barn, learning to kayak or developing websites, I’ve been one of those people who like to do things myself. Usually I read a little, research a little, make a plan and jump right in. And it’s worked pretty good – most of the time.
Now, there’s nothing wrong with doing everything yourself. It’s certainly serviced me well. I’ve learned a great many things and have gained a number of skills over the years. And the confidence I’ve gained in doing things myself has led me to take on projects I might otherwise shy away from doing myself.
It’s also meant that sometimes things don’t go so well. Sometimes I waste more time and spend more money than I would have having a professional help me. For instance, redoing the lighting in my kitchen during a remodel. What would have taken an electrician and his crew less than a day took me 5 long days doing it myself.
So while I’m definitely an advocate of doing it yourself, there’s times when doing it yourself isn’t wise…
What are you willing to do?
Planning for success is one thing. Executing for success is another.For instance, going back to my kitchen remodel, when I think of tiling my backsplash behind my countertop, I cringe at the idea. Now I’ve tiled before, so I know how. And, I know just enough to know that the backsplash is more tedious and time consuming because of all the little detailed cuts involved. So I hired that job out.
It’s the same in your coaching or healing practice. There’s plenty of things you should be doing to increase your reach, market your business and get more clients. But how much can you really do on your own? How much time to you truly have to learn it all on your own? More importantly, how much are you willing to do on your own?
Knowing when to get help.
To be successful with your business – meaning getting more clients, or selling more products or courses – it’s important to know when you can realistically do it on your own and when you need help.
With most coaches or healers I speak with – many who aren’t my clients – it becomes painfully obvious rather quickly that the reason their businesses aren’t full of clients is because they’re trying to do too much themselves. They believe that by doing it themselves they’re saving money and increasing their bottom line. The thing is, nothing could be further from the truth. The real truth, though it’s difficult even for me to admit all the time, is that…
You can’t do everything well that you do yourself.
It’s a hard truth to swallow sometimes, but it’s true. Trying to do everything in your business yourself will lead you to going crazy, wanting to quit or working so much that you never enjoy the reasons you began working for yourself in the first place. None of these are good. All of these lead to burnout and little success. And most of us know what that looks like.
Take marketing, for an example. You know you need to market your coaching practice to eventually end up with more clients. But what you do? How do you market effectively? How do you reach the people who are looking for what you offer?
And once you do, how do you convert them into leads, move them along into becoming prospective clients and then convert them into paying clients?
All this is a process. Each step has a number of proven solutions and task that can help you land more clients. But which do you choose? And if you do choose a program to follow – such as Robert Middleton’s Action Plan approach or Mark Silver’s Heart of Business model – how do you know you can even implement what they’re suggesting?
It’s okay to get the help you need.
It really is. Not only is it okay, it’s necessary to get help in order to be successful. Apple, Inc knows this which is why they have a Board of Directors from diverse backgrounds. Richard Branson of Virgin fame knows this which is how he can run dozens of companies under the Virgin moniker and have nearly all of them successful.
A little closer to you and I – every single person you know who’s been successful, either offline or on, has done so because they’ve asked for help from people. The gurus of marketing, whose programs you’ve probably bought – have learned what they know from other marketing experts and then adapted it for their own business. The highly successful coaches out there have hired people to teach them how to be successful and grow their businesses to such levels. Even your friend from your coaching course has likely hired someone to help them learn how to build a website or write marketing copy or build a list.
Somewhere along the way, those who are successful have asked for and gotten the help they need.
So what’s stopping you from getting the help you need?
Truly? What’s stopping you?
Is it the cost? Just ask yourself how you expect to make more money all on your own. Can you do it? Well if you can – forget what I’ve said and get to it. But if you can’t then you need to seek out someone who can help you. Failing to do so is actually costing you money in lost opportunity and growth.
I went through this one myself and realized that if I paid a coach (a really good coach) $2000 per month for their help that in a few short months I’d be making enough to cover what I was paying him – meaning I’d be breaking even. And everything after that would be increased profit for me. So I figured, if he can show me how to make back his fee in a few months, then he could show me how to make much more than his fee. And it’s worked.
That’s why I say that if you’re not getting the help you need – it’s costing you money. It’s costing you lost growth
Is time the issue? Well, that’s something that just has to be broken through. Time is an issue for every type of business owner – coaches and healers included. You simply have to make time to work on you business while you’re working in your business. I say it that way on purpose. Working in your business is all the stuff you do to get paid – work with clients, bookkeeping, followup, etc. Working on your business is visioning, planning, developing new products, etc.
You must be working on your business to grow. It’s so vital to your growth that if you don’t, you won’t. Meaning, if you’re not working on developing new parts to your business, then it’ll be very difficult to make more money than you are now.So you need to set aside so many hours each week for doing things to expand your business. And what should those things be? Not to be trite, but that’s why you’re asking someone to help you – so it can be specific for you, your vision and your business.
Whatever is stopping you from getting the help you need, push it out of the way. You can find someone who will help you. Just be sure to find someone you trust, who you communicate well with, and who you feel you can collaborate best with toward reaching and increasing your business goals.
Can I help you? Possibly. Best that we have a short phone conversation first to see if we’re a good fit for each other. But even if we’re not, keep searching for someone who is. It’s just that important! But if you want to talk with me, here’s how to get a free consultation.
Are you currently getting help from a coach, a business consultant, an advisor, a marketing guru? How’s it been? And if not, why not?
Let’s talk about it.
(note: image from H4NUM4N on Flickr, 
some rights reserved)
This is so true. Part of maturing, as a businessman, is knowing when to seek help. Great Post. Just a fun fact, if you ever need a yacht or boat shipped anywhere, Yacht Exports is your best bet. They have done a great job with me!
Great post. I am a total Type A personality and I prefer to do everything myself because of the motto that if you want something done right, you’ve got to do it yourself. However, it doesn’t take long before you’re overwhelmed. It definitely pays to know the warning signs to look out for- this way you can get the help that you need without burning yourself out!
I think this is something that a bunch of small business owners struggle with. It can be difficult to know when to outsource!
Great post Dawud.. I used to belong to the “Do everything myself” club. I soon found that to be NOT sustainable. I reached the point where I knew in order to grow my home based business, I would have to farm some things out and discard my desire to “learn something new”. Web design and capture forms are the two examples I can think of. Yes, I could probably do them, but is it a good use of my time? Probably not. Thanks for the post.
I’m definitely in the “do it myself” group and I really resist seeking help, but the moment I have it everything seems to get so much better. I have trouble seeing the value because I’m hit with the expense in the beginning, but over time it does increase the bottom line.
You are right to the point where you said that if you want to get your business successful, all of you need to work on. Both owners and employees need to work together.
I am exactly the person you’ve written to. I do it all myself. I believe every word you say about the need to get someone to do some of those things for me. It is just so hard to break the habit.
I see more of myself in this post too. I agree with the others above. I guess being a solopreneur its part of our nature to take all our responsibilities on our own even if our plate is already full. Letting go of tasks is one skill that we all have to learn. Being a solopreneur in Avalon New Jersey Real Estate industry requires me to be one of the do-it-yourself guy but now Im trying to apply your suggestion and I’m even planning to hire a coach for my business.
Thanks
True, there are people who are too proud and they don’t want to ask for someone’s help, or people who are rather annoying requesting too much help from others. The best way is somewhere at the middle.
Nice post, seeking for help when you have done all your best but still you can’t finish your desired goal. In business, you are not just the only one whose working on it but having persons with you will make your task easily be done.
I like down to earth information! I think everyone should have some sort of mentor no matter how long they been in the game. It never hurts to get advice and help once in awhile.
One of the big errors of people is the tendence to avoid the team work…useful post, thanks.
I also belong to Do It Myself group. I love doing everything myself.
hey Dawud,
Great subject and great post!
I’m a DIY’er myself. I would probably save myself a lot of headache and grief if I knew when to give up and get a real expert. 🙂
Steven, a fellow DIY’er
very nice post. i prefer to do everything myself because of the motto that if you want something done right, you’ve got to do it yourself. 😀
Great info. I am looking into starting a coaching thing with the kids in my area so they can start something. I have been steady reading up on quite a few coaches and gurus out there. I personally like to ask for help last as I tend to be self-referenced but would readily accept new and better ideas if they are forthcoming.
That’s very low profile, I like win-win situation. Thanks.
Asking for help is a sign of business maturation. It’s not a shame to ask for help. I personally prefer to do this by myself.
great idea when people want to grow succed , They must work be seriously. Time is money.our live is now. thanks your information.
I think people panic with the added cost of taking people on but when they do they realise that the cost has now allowed you to attack other avenues and drive the company forward.
It’s all about knowing your own limits – and then having higher expectancies. Don’t stick to your usual field of competences: try to learn something new and apply it immediately: there is great joy in achieving something you didn’t think you were capable of a few weeks ago!
But you have to be realistic – even the most successful entrepreneurs seek help when it comes to tasks completely unrelated to their fields. There is no shame in realising you are not capable of doing it yourself – in the contrary: it is called… wisdom.
I totally agree that people should seek help, especially from professionals like yourself.
Recently I tried to find help from a professional in marketing and another in computer programming. Both are quality people but they don’t have the same sense of urgency that I have. They want to help on their time schedule. In today’s fast paced business environment, I find it difficult to wait for others to get the time to help.
DIY, yeah that also worked for me since 2007. I’ve learned a lot by myself and I am still learning constantly. I also believe that the best coach that you can have is only the experience of making mistakes and learning how to not encounter that same mistake again. Perhaps the only thing that’s stopping me from getting any professional help is the pride for everything I do and I try to learn. Well, it’s just me, and so far I’m not really having troubles with stuffs. But I’ll keep what you have said in mind, I’ll get help once I stepped on a much bigger landmine.
this post is very useful, I think businesses need a teacher, do not be ashamed to learn from other people who have experienced, if not learn from people who knew better would be a very long time that could be used
I know the feeling. Even when i was in school, i never listened to the teacher, and decided to study it myself at home.
Now 50 years later, I still try to do everything myself.
But sometimes, it cost me more money, because i screw it up and than i have the damage fixed by a profesional
Doing it yourself is not a bad thing but like you said there are times when it should not be done. And I would have to say electrical work is one of them. Most towns and states have codes that must be adhered to and in this case if your house ever burns down and the culprit is found to be your wiring job, then you are on your own.
It’s funny how most people are looking for advice, help and coaching as long as it’s free. Once you mention a cost, they shy away and have to think about it!
you can learn a lot when you try doing things on your OWN… self learning is best of all.
This is truly a fantastic post that I only wish had been written five-plus years ago.
I had to learn the lessons discussed here by myself — the hard way. Granted, at the time I was trying to start a business with almost no start-up capital, so naturally I was forced to do a lot of things that ideally would have been done by other people who are better at them than me. Unfortunately for me, one must pay these people in order to obtain their services.
That said, it took me about two years after I had scratched and clawed my way out of start-up poverty to realize that I was better off spending a few bucks rather than trying to do everything myself.
I hope someone that is in the position I was in for much of the last five years stumbles upon this post and actually reads it and heeds the advice given. I can’t do it all over again, but I take comfort in knowing that experts like yourself are getting the information out there that I wasn’t lucky enough to find when it would have made a difference. I hope that this post saves at least one person the self-inflicted trouble I had to endure, and I am confident that it will do just that and probably more.
Keep up the great work!
Good article, some people know when to ask and some even dont think to ask, where people who need success asked when they need help
It’s important that anybody in business has someone to coach them who is further on than they are. Even if it is an ego deflator, it’s good for you
I am used to doing everything myself but when I tried my luck as a plummer the other day my wife got the hebee-jeebees and said I am never to flood the house again. So next time I’ll consider whether to everything myself.
I am also someone who loves to do things himself and also figure things out on my own. Up till now it brought me some nice opportunities but sometimes…
Sometimes you just have to hire a professional or outsource a task for your own good. I don’t like putting things out of my control but sometimes I just have to.
Good read!
I love doing things for myself, it’s the best way to learn. I have managed to have a few disasters along the way, but it’s always worked in my favour because I learn from the mistakes I have made, both in life and in business.
Awesome post and so true. I’m finding myself in this portrait. I was reluctant to ask for help, but now… Your article is a good eye opener. Thanks.
@ Jorgen Sundberg:
I don’t understand what’s funny about that. Obviously you’ll give something that’ll cost you some thought.
I like trying it myself in order to learn new things, but as the business grows bigger, there is no doubt I’ll have to start outsourcing sometime 🙂
Interesting post Dawud.. I used to belong to the “Do everything myself” people, I cant even imagine to ask for help. I hope I’ll find how to solve this problem.
Thanks for the post.
Often people dont like asking for help, but i tend to find once you do you’ll find things usually improve
I agree with everything you’re saying but you see it all the time, as a company grows they need to move the founder out of the lead role, primarily because they refuse to delegate.
Well, I’m religious man. I believe that if we work so hard, help will come it selves without asking for it. It can be from our friends, or even from someone we know from forum discussion. Sometimes, we are not always asking for help, just believe in ourselves and god, it can pull help from everywhere. Just like “secrets” (Outstanding books).
Very nice post. i prefer to do everything myself because of the motto that if you want something done right, you’ve got to do it yourself
I find starting out on your own helps you better understand exactly what is happening.
I’m so glad you added “That’s why I say that if you’re not getting the help you need – it’s costing you money.”
As a licensed electrician it’s often hard to explain to some folks why it’s a good idea to get help BEFORE they call us….Thanks for a great post.
The key to getting timely help is knowing when it’s time to get help…Know your limits and don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed.
Don’t hesitate to ask help if needed, people ask help when they reaches their limit. I believe also that doing things with own is hard and takes time, but then we need to ask a little help for the success. But don’t ask to much help it would hesitate others.
I like trying it myself in order to learn new things, but as the business grows bigger, there is no doubt I’ll have to start outsourcing sometime
I like trying it myself in order to learn new things, but as the business grows bigger, there is no doubt I’ll have to start outsourcing sometime
I like the way you outline the process exactly. It makes it easier for even a beginner like me to understand.
Doing it yourself is not a bad thing but like you said there are times when it should not be done. And I would have to say electrical work is one of them. Most towns and states have codes that must be adhered to and in this case if your house ever burns down and the culprit is found to be your wiring job, then you are on your own.
I think people panic with the added cost of taking people on but when they do they realise that the cost has now allowed you to attack other avenues and drive the company forward.
True, there are people who are too proud and they don’t want to ask for someone’s help, or people who are rather annoying requesting too much help from others.
It’s important that anybody in business has someone to coach them who is further on than they are. Even if it is an ego deflator, it’s good for you
think people panic with the added cost of taking people on but when they do they realise that the cost has now allowed you to attack other avenues and drive the company forward.
Doing it yourself is not a bad thing but like you said there are times when it should not be done. And I would have to say electrical work is one of them. Most towns and states have codes that must be adhered to and in this case if your house ever burns down and the culprit is found to be your wiring job, then you are on your own.
I agree with everything you’re saying but you see it all the time, as a company grows they need to move the founder out of the lead role, primarily because they refuse to delegate.
your are right. Successful coaches know when to do. Because they have much experience and taking decision power time to time. They decide yourself what to they for be success.
actually, taking decision plays a great role for your success. I know some people who always ask for other people what to do, should him do it or not? and more questions like this. But I think, all should ask themselves is it right or wrong? should I do it or not? you will really find a real answer because it is taken by your heart.
I am one of them people that choose to do things myself whenever possible. Sometimes though in the past it has made whatever the situation is worse. My husband always tells me never to be afraid to ask for help. Good post I enjoyed reading it.
I totally agree with you that every single person you know who’s been successful, has done so because they’ve asked for help from people.
Also marketing guru have much experience and better knowledge than a beginner marketer because they learned always something from their failure, competitor and follow the successful marketer.
This post offers a great argument for both sides of the coin.
On one hand, there is a great deal of satisfaction when someone is able to complete a task on their own. However, when it comes to certain jobs, like rewiring the kitchen lighting (!), it can seem daunting to the average person. Sometimes a professional’s hand is better than the time and (maybe extra) money for the DIY fix.
I highly agree. Learning to do things on our own is a lot better than hiring someone, but there are certain limitations. Thanks to the internet, we can get so many DIY articles which is not just helpful to us but also educates us, and most of it are really fun to do.
When there’s something that I’m unsure of, I always ask the expert of that something. If I can’t get help just by consulting, I hire them to do it for me. Great post! sharing… 😀
Dawu, thank you for the thoughtful post! I have a friend who is going through this right now with their business. I will send them your link!
Aanandita
Numerologist
I’m all for attempting to do things yourself, especially to save a few dollars. But by doing this your taking some risk in it not turning out the way it should if a professional had done it. Sometimes by employing the services of a professional you can save money in the long run. Thanks for that.