Sometimes, the smartest thing a business owner can do is admit they don't have all the answers

Why Admitting You Need Help Could Be Your Smartest Move

Tomas Piktozis

8/8/20244 min read

small business owner in the office that looks like circus reaching out for help from consultant
small business owner in the office that looks like circus reaching out for help from consultant

Let me tell you about Reed Hastings, the mastermind behind Netflix. Picture this: it’s the late 90s, and Reed is just another frustrated movie lover dealing with pesky late fees from his local video rental store. This irritation sparks an idea that would soon revolutionise how we watch movies.

Reed launched Netflix in 1997 as a DVD rental service by mail. Yes, that’s right—Netflix started as a humble DVD rental service! People could order DVDs online, have them delivered to their doorstep, and return them at their convenience. But as successful as this model was, Reed didn’t stop there.

Fast forward to the mid-2000s. Reed saw the writing on the wall: the internet was becoming faster, and people were hungry for instant entertainment. He knew streaming was the future. But here’s where the magic happened: instead of trying to figure it all out himself, Reed brought in industry experts and tech gurus to help navigate this uncharted territory.

Hiring top-notch consultants and engineers, Reed transformed Netflix into a streaming powerhouse. Imagine a company that initially mailed DVDs now pioneering the world of digital streaming. It wasn’t an overnight success, though. There were bumps along the way, including a memorable backlash in 2011 when Netflix tried to split its streaming and DVD rental services into two separate entities. Customers revolted, and the company’s stock plummeted.

But here’s the kicker: Reed listened. He swiftly abandoned the plan, apologised to his customers, and refocused on improving the streaming service. This move not only saved Netflix but endeared the company to its user base. Reed’s willingness to pivot and adapt, fuelled by insights from his team of experts, propelled Netflix to unprecedented heights.

Today, Netflix isn’t just a streaming service; it’s a global entertainment giant producing award-winning original content. The key takeaway? Sometimes, reaching out for help and tapping into the expertise of others can transform your business in ways you never imagined. Reed Hastings didn’t just rent DVDs – he rented the right minds to help build an empire. So, if you’re feeling stuck, maybe it’s time to bring in a few experts and see where they can take you.

Now, thinking about Reed Hastings and his journey with Netflix, it’s clear that he wasn’t afraid to acknowledge his limits. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking we have to do everything ourselves, especially when it's our own business. But even the most successful entrepreneurs know that reaching out for help is often the smartest move.

It's fine to seek help if you have reached your knowledge and time limits. Running a business is like trying to juggle flaming torches while riding a unicycle – there’s only so much you can handle before you need a hand. Sometimes, the biggest breakthroughs come when you admit you don’t have all the answers and bring in someone who does. This doesn’t mean you’re not capable; it means you’re smart enough to know when to leverage the expertise of others.

Think about it this way: You wouldn’t attempt to fix a car engine without a mechanic's help if you’re not a trained mechanic, right? The same logic applies to business. Bringing in a consultant or expert when you hit a roadblock can save you time, money, and a lot of headaches. It’s about working smarter, not harder.

So, if you find yourself at the end of your rope, stretched too thin, or simply out of ideas, remember that seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness – it’s a strategy for success. Just like Reed Hastings did with Netflix, you might find that the right guidance can transform your business in ways you never thought possible.

So, what does this mean for you and your business? Imagine having the freedom to focus on what you do best while knowing that every aspect of your business is in expert hands. It’s not about admitting defeat; it’s about embracing the opportunity to elevate your business to new heights with the right support.

Business Management and Digital Growth Consultancy Services

From business audit, planning, and go-to-market strategies to sales, digital marketing, and automation solutions, we offer a full suite of services designed to streamline your operations and drive growth.

Service Highlights:

  • Audit your current performance and results, identify gaps: We take a deep dive into your current operations to pinpoint what’s working and what’s not, providing you with a clear picture of your business landscape.

  • Develop and execute a clear, actionable growth strategy: Based on our audit, we craft a tailored growth plan that’s both practical and effective, ensuring you have a roadmap to success.

  • Implement efficient systems, processes, and automation: We help you set up and optimise systems that save time and reduce errors, so you can focus on the big picture.

  • Boost your profitability and financial stability: Our strategies are designed to enhance your bottom line, ensuring long-term financial health.

  • Increase customer satisfaction and loyalty: Happy customers are loyal customers. We work on strategies to improve customer experiences, driving satisfaction and retention.

  • Reclaim your time and reduce stress: With streamlined operations and clear strategies in place, you can enjoy more free time and less stress, knowing your business is running smoothly.

Ready to take your business to the next level? Click here to learn more about how our consultancy services can help you grow.

Strategically yours,

Tomas Piktozis

P.S. Here's another thought to chew on: Asking for help isn't just about solving immediate problems; it's also about gaining new perspectives. When you bring in an expert, you’re not just getting solutions but also learning new ways to approach challenges and think about your business. This fresh outlook can spark innovative ideas and strategies you might never have considered on your own. So, if you've hit a wall or feel stuck in your ways, reaching out could be the key to unlocking new potential and seeing your business in a whole new light.

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