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If you’ve ever taken a business college course, you probably didn’t learn when to get help in Entrepreneur 101. However, that doesn’t make getting help any less important.

Entrepreneurship can be a lonely path at times, but to be successful, you can’t truly do it all on your own. At some point, you’re going to need help.

Starting a business is hard work, even if you’re passionate about your business. There are so many things that need to be done, from developing a business plan to marketing your product or service. And it can be easy to feel overwhelmed, especially if you’re new to entrepreneurship.

That’s why it’s important to get help when you need it. There are many resources available to entrepreneurs, from government agencies to business organizations and individual mentors.

In this article, I’m going to tell you the signs it’s time to get support, resources that can provide you with help, and how to prepare for getting the help you’ll need to be a successful entrepreneur.

By the way, this article is part 5 of a series of articles that are all designed to help you build a successful side hustle / business. For parts 1-4, visit the posts below:

Passion to Profit 101: How to Choose a Passion Project That You’re Truly Passionate About

Passion to Profit 102: How to Do Your Research to Build a Profitable Side Hustle

How to Create a Business Plan (Passion to Profit 103)

Passion to Profit 104: Set Realistic Business Growth Expectations

Entrepreneur 101: 5 Signs It’s Time to Reach Out for Support

Think you might need support, but you’re still not sure? Here are 5 signs it might be time for you to reach out for help:

1. You’re feeling overwhelmed. 

Running a business can be a lot of work, and it’s normal to feel overwhelmed at times. But if you’re feeling consistently overwhelmed, it may be a sign that you need to ask for help. 

You might consider reaching out to business coaches, mentors, or support groups.

2. You’re making the same mistakes over and over again. 

Everyone makes mistakes, but if you’re consistently making the same mistakes, you may need additional support. 

A coach or mentor can help you identify your blind spots and develop strategies to avoid making the same mistakes in the future.

3. You’re not making progress. 

If you’re not making progress toward your goals, you may need to change something. A coach or mentor can help you assess your business and develop a plan to move forward.

Psst… if you haven’t already started tracking the progress you’re making toward your goals, I highly recommend using ClickUp.

4. You’re feeling isolated. 

Running a business can be a lonely experience. If you’re feeling isolated, it’s important to reach out to others for support. You may want to connect with other entrepreneurs, friends, or others in your industry.

5. You’re not having fun. 

Entrepreneurship should be enjoyable, at least some of the time. If you’re struggling to find joy in your work, then you may want to take a step back and reassess. Don’t be afraid to make changes that are a better fit for you. (I doubt your entrepreneur 101 class taught you that either!)

Psst… you may want to take an inventory of your strengths for inspiration. In which case, I recommend reading Strengths Finder.

It’s important to remember that you don’t have to go through your own version of Entrepreneur 101 alone. There are many people who can help you succeed as an entrepreneur. Don’t be afraid to reach out for support when you need it.

Entrepreneur 101: Resources & Support

Ready to find the help you need? You may want to consider a few of these “entrepreneurship 101 resources” right here:

Government agencies 

Many government agencies offer support to entrepreneurs, such as the Small Business Administration (SBA). Agencies like the SBA provide loans, grants, and counseling to small business owners.

Business organizations

Organizations like the chambers of commerce and trade associations offer support to entrepreneurs. They may provide networking opportunities, educational resources, and advocacy, depending on the association.

Individual mentors

Mentors can provide valuable advice and guidance. They can help you develop your business plan, market your product or service, and navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.

Business coaches

Business coaches can help you develop your business strategy, improve your marketing and sales skills, and overcome challenges.

Mentorship programs

Mentorship programs connect entrepreneurs with experienced business owners who can provide guidance and support.

Support groups

Support groups offer entrepreneurs a safe space to share their experiences. This can also be a great way to get advice from other entrepreneurs.

Online resources

There are numerous online resources available. You may want to consider taking courses or reviewing material from other entrepreneurs, such as blogs, articles, and webinars.

Specific Resources

I recommend that you research options for your specific needs and industry using the list above. In case you need a place to help you get started, here are some specific resources that you may consider including as part of your research:

• The Lean Startup
• Entrepreneur.com
• SCORE
• The Small Business Administration

How to Ask for the Right Help: 3 Simple Steps

So you’ve found a resource, great work! Next, you’ll need to know how to ask for the right kind of help.

Here are a few tips to help you get the right support to turn your passion project into a profitable business:

1. Identify your needs. 

Reflect on what kind of help you need to turn your business into a success. Do you need advice on business planning, marketing, or financial management? Once you know what you need, you can narrow in on the resource that’s right for you.

2. Do your research. 

There are many different resources available, so it’s important to do your research and determine which ones are right for you. Read reviews, talk to other entrepreneurs, and get recommendations from your network.

3. Don’t be afraid to admit you’re struggling.

It’s okay to admit that you need help. In fact, it’s a sign of strength. Many entrepreneurs are willing to share their knowledge and experience, so don’t be afraid to speak up when you need support.

How to Find the Right Support

Here are a few tips on finding the right kind of support:

1. Start by talking to your friends, family, and colleagues.

They may be able to offer you valuable insights and advice.

2. Join online forums and communities for entrepreneurs.

This is a great way to connect with other people who are on the same journey as you.

3. Seek out mentors and advisors.

These are people who have already been successful in business and can offer you guidance and support.

4. Take business courses and workshops.

This is a great way to learn the basics of running a business.

5. Hire a business coach.

A business coach can help you develop a business plan, set goals, and achieve success.

Entrepreneur 101: Additional Tips for Success

Here are some additional tips for getting help when you’re turning your passion project into a business:

Be specific about what you need help with. 

The more specific you can be, the easier it will be for people to help you.

Be open to feedback. 

Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from the people who are helping you. This feedback can help you improve your business plan, marketing strategy, or other aspects of your business.

Be grateful. 

Thank anyone who has provided you with support. Not only is a sign of appreciation the right thing to do, but it will also encourage them to keep supporting you.

Conclusion

Remember, turning your passion project into a profitable business is a journey, not a destination. There will be challenges along the way, it’s simply part of the journey.

Don’t be afraid to get help when you need it. It’s especially important if you’re intent on turning your passion project into a business. With the right support, you can turn your dream into a reality. 

Think learning key entrepreneur 101 tips and getting help when you need it will help you FIRE Your Career? Check out the posts page for more ways to FIRE Your Career and achieve financial freedom.

FIRE Your Career: Achieve Financial Freedom Through Your Career & Spend MORE Time Doing What You Love.

Resources I recommend in this article:

ClickUp (my recommended goal-tracking and project management tool)

Strengths Finder (book to help you uncover your innate strengths, includes a free personality quiz)