Why Aren’t You Asking For Help?

The Real Price of Figuring Everything Out on Your Own

The 2 am club. When business keeps you awake

Late at night somewhere, it’s 2 AM, and a food business owner is staring at a spreadsheet, trying to make sense of numbers that won’t add up. Meanwhile, another is scrolling through pages of regulations, desperately hoping they have caught everything important. At the same time, someone else is lying awake, anxiously wondering if their business is making money or just keeping them busy. So why, despite these struggles, aren’t they asking for help?

The true cost of going solo

Initially, most small business owners spend too much time and money trying to do everything alone. Consequently, they stay up late watching YouTube videos about bookkeeping. Moreover, they waste money on useless packaging while simultaneously underpricing their products because they’re guessing at costs. On top of that, they make expensive mistakes with licenses because they’re afraid to ask questions. Above all, this isn’t just you—ultimately, it’s a problem that affects almost every small business owner.

Look, I know your business feels lonely sometimes. In fact, running any small business can make you feel like you’re on an island. However, remember that someone out there has already solved the exact problem keeping you up at night. Therefore, don’t hesitate to ask for help.

Breaking down the barriers

You might think: “But I can’t afford help,” or “Why would anyone want to help my little business?” Let me be clear about this:

• There are people and organizations whose job is to help small food businesses
• Many are free or very low-cost
• Making mistakes because you didn’t ask for help usually costs way more than getting advice
• Asking questions shows you’re smart, not stupid
• Whatever problem you’re facing, someone else has probably already solved it

Taking the first steps

Here’s what you can do today: first, pick one thing in your business that’s giving you trouble—specifically where you could use some help. For instance, you might need to check if your labels are legal. Alternatively, you may not know how to approach stores when selling your products. Or perhaps you’re worried about food safety.

Write that one thing down.

Where to find support

• Call your local small business development center
• Join a food business Facebook group
• Contact your state’s agriculture department
• Reach out to your local health department
• Find a food business organization in your area

Your next move

The food business is hard enough. When I talk to successful food entrepreneurs, they all say, “I wish I’d asked for help sooner.” Your business is worth asking for help. You’ve put too much work into it to let pride or fear hold you back.

What’s keeping you up at night? That’s your first question to ask someone.

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Take an inside look!

Crafted Kitchen operates as an incubator-style shared-use kitchen. We provide small food businesses with access, resources and guidance to help them “Prepare for Success”. Do you have a small food business and need space or help navigating the waters? Let’s talk. Schedule a call today!