A Letter to MY Entrepreneur Friends: You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Below is an email sent to my email list on October 27, 2023. If you would like the audio version of these monthly newsletters, you can expect it in 2024. Details are coming soon.
Have you ever come across those viral social media posts where entrepreneurs share their struggle of juggling multiple roles in their business? Quite possibly, you've seen them, and guess what? I can relate, and maybe you can too.
I've been running my business as a solo entrepreneur for years with no co-founder or partner, and it's been quite a ride, filled with its share of highs and lows. It was okay as a side hustler, but when you’re focused on scaling your business, it requires more than your strength, smarts and know-how.
Many of us relate to being a one-person show in your business.
It's one of the driving factors behind why I focus my business on women entrepreneurs, especially solopreneurs. Based on my challenges, I have been inspired to help women like you shed the overwhelm and burnout from trying to do everything alone or doing tasks that are not revenue-generating or those you can do but are not so great at.
Based on my entrepreneurial journey, I know how important it is to outsource, delegate and ask for help after my experiences of struggling with burnout and being overwhelmed.
Recently, I had a heartfelt conversation with one of my mentors about a brand I had temporarily put on hold. Burnout, overwhelm, and running on empty were getting the best of me. I had a grand vision for this brand with a significant purpose, but I realised I needed help scaling it. While I had successfully built it from the ground up and achieved great success, it became clear that I couldn't and didn't have to do it alone. Asking for help, however, was a hurdle I found hard to overcome. Sure, I had hired assistance, which was beneficial, but I should have leaned into seeking help more often.
Overcoming the Fear of Asking for Help
Recently, Myleik Teele shared gems on asking for help. She urged us to always be open to coaching, guidance and criticism, which serves as a catalyst to grow as entrepreneurs. One key thing she mentioned was our tendency to struggle with asking for help, fearing it might diminish our value.
Here's a reminder: asking for help doesn't diminish your value. Even the most brilliant entrepreneurs tap into their network and seek assistance.
Do you find it challenging to ask for help? I certainly did for a long time, fearing that I might burden others. However, I eventually realised that people were genuinely willing to support me. My self-doubt held me back and hindered my growth as an entrepreneur.
No matter how smart we are, there comes a point when we all need some assistance.
The 'Superhero’ Syndrome
One crucial lesson I learned was the importance of tapping into my network more often. I used to be so absorbed in trying to be everything for my business, not wanting to bother others or thinking no one could do the work as well as I could. That mindset cost me dearly. It led to overwhelming stress and eventual burnout.
The truth is many entrepreneurs grapple with this 'do-it-alone' mentality, often referred to as the "superhero syndrome."
Are you trying to handle every aspect of your business on your own? Well, you're not alone in that struggle. Many small business owners find themselves overwhelmed by the belief that they must single-handedly manage every facet of their business. And that's when burnout sets in.
Delegate, Outsource, Focus on Growth
Here is a valuable strategy you can adopt, inspired by the incredible Courtney Sanders, an online business entrepreneur. She teaches us that if you possess a valuable skill, you can trade it to get the help you need.
If you're working with limited resources, consider bartering your skills. For instance, if you're a business coach needing accounting services, trade your coaching expertise for their financial wizardry. It's a win-win!
If your budget allows, investing in outsourcing and delegating is smart. It's time to shift your focus from working in your business to working on it.
Here's a handy rule of thumb to decide what to delegate, outsource, or seek help with:
Fight the Superhero Syndrome and delegate tasks that you've been:
Putting off
Dreading
Not exceptionally skilled at executing
Strength in Asking for Help
Like Myleik shared, you don't have to go it alone or figure everything out alone.
There are people who are trained, gifted, and knowledgeable enough to help you break through barriers, reach new heights, and embark on exciting new ventures. You can reach out to these individuals, compensate them for their expertise, or establish a mutually beneficial knowledge exchange.
Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and it can be a game-changer for your entrepreneurial journey.
Things I Am Loving Right Now
While growing my business, I have focused on caring for myself to give more to more businesses. Self-care is essential for me, whether taking breaks when needed, feeding my mind with positivity, listening to my favourite podcast, curating a playlist, spending alone time to journal, or going for an early morning walk.
Here are a few things I have been loving.
I recently started listening to this video podcast, which I enjoy. It is filled with incredible insights, lessons and gems shared by beautiful women who have experienced the highs and lows in this life journey, both in their personal and professional lives. I especially love how faith-filled and God-centered the conversations are among the women. Listen Here, and this is one of my favourite Magnify Conversations episodes.
Higher is Waiting by Tyler Perry
I recently purchased this book after watching the Keep It Positive Sweetie episode with Tyler Perry. One of the simplest yet most profound takeaways from this read so far is, “Don’t get hung up on the outcome; hand it over to God.”
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