VC Minute – quick advice to help startup founders fundraise better.
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Why is it so hard to ask for help?
Asking for help is important for everyone, doubly so for founders. We live in a society that values independence and self-sufficiency so many of us still struggle to ask for help, especially for our most vexing problems.
I’m here to tell you that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
And by asking for help, I’m not talking about the “ask” you put in your monthly update to send your candidates or make referrals, and I’m not talking about the ask to share a post.
I’m talking about asking for help for the really hard thing you’re facing. Should I try to expand my market horizontally or add features to grow average contract value? Should I fire this person? How do I negotiate for this critical piece in a contract? Why aren’t you asking for help for the hard things? Are you afraid of being a burden to someone? Are you afraid of looking weak or incapable? Or did you just not think about it?
Let’s turn this around.
Think about the last time someone from your network asked you for help. Did you help them? How did it make you feel Probably pretty good. You did not feel like they were burdening you, but you may have felt a little flattered that they thought to ask you. And you probably felt good after you were able to give them some guidance and some council.
Think about that big thing you’re struggling with right now. Who can you talk to about it?
By asking for advice on a specific topic, you come across as curious and open-minded. And you probably make that person feel good that you sought them for advice. Being a founder can feel lonely. But it doesn’t need to be. Acknowledging that we don’t know everything and that we need assistance is a vital step towards personal growth.
And as my Grandma always said, “you never know unless you ask.”
Thanks for joining me for another great week of VC minute. We’re going to continue next week with founder mental health focusing on some intrinsic tips. And the following week, we’re going to get back to fundraising.
Happy Friday and have a great weekend.
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