Whether you’re navigating a slide or a business, you’re never too old to ask for a hand

by Lidia Varesco Racoma

Maybe it’s my Leo pride or “I can do it all” personality, but I’ve always had a hard time asking for help. However, everything changed after I had a baby. No matter how motivated, inspired or energetic you are, eventually you need to ask for help when you are taking care of a newborn.

As a small business owner, I know we may feel like we need to do it all. We try to wear all the hats, including the ones that don’t fit us so well. We feel like if we ask for help, we’ll appear inexperienced or incapable. But don’t underestimate the value of asking for help — no matter where you are in your career.

Shortly after my first child was born, I read an article that changed my mind about asking for help. Caroline Ceniza-Levine of Six Figure Start explained that entrepreneurs already know the people who can help them succeed: they simply need to reach out to their existing network.

This made sense to me. I knew a lot of smart, successful people. So when I had a business question or needed advice, I started reaching out to people I knew. And guess what: I got answers! It made me realize that people — especially small business owners — are genuinely interested in helping each other.

Recently, my 3 year-old daughter was navigating a steep slide at her older brother’s school and found herself struggling. I reached over, offered her a hand for stability, and she zoomed right up, commenting matter-of-factly: “I just needed a hand!”

It’s as simple as that. Sometime we need a hand to make things happen. Got a question or problem? Reach out to a fellow biz mama, small business owner, former boss, colleague or friend and I can almost guarantee you’ll find an answer.

Lidia Varesco Racoma of Lidia Varesco Design is a nonprofit brand strategist, marketing designer and speaker. She also outfits kids of all ages in good design with her apparel line typebaby.