Why Entrepreneurs Struggle to Ask for Help

Today I want to discuss the challenges entrepreneurs and small business owners face when it comes to asking for help or favors. Many are hesitant to ask for things like Google reviews or referrals, fearing it might come off as pushy or beneath them. I see this attitude frequently, especially when I ask business owners if they request reviews from their clients. The response is often an uncomfortable reluctance, as if the client should automatically give a review because of the service provided.

The truth is, people have busy lives. They’re not sitting around waiting for an invitation or a request from you. If someone declines an invite to an event or doesn’t follow up after agreeing to something, it’s not a personal slight. It’s simply a part of life. The key to success in asking for anything—whether it’s a review, testimonial, or a referral—is to ask and then not be attached to the outcome. If they say no, that’s fine. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed or that they’ve rejected you as a person.

Another point I make is that asking for too much at once can be overwhelming. It’s better to make small, manageable requests, like asking for a review instead of a large favor like an introduction to hundreds of people. The goal is to keep the request simple, direct, and comfortable for the person you’re asking. And if they decline, don’t take it personally. Just keep moving forward and ask the next person.

In conclusion, asking for things is a skill. If you master the art of asking without attaching emotional weight to the answer, you’ll find success. Be proud of your work and don’t hesitate to ask for what you deserve. And remember, the worst someone can say is no. That’s just part of the process.