Learn from friends and colleagues

- I must be so annoying to sit next to you. I'm always asking my colleagues on their opinions on this, their thoughts on that, how they think I should approach this, whether that email was written well, everything. And that's because I know they have experience that I don't and they're an external opinion that might be different to my own. Some people are just too shy or too polite to ask for help but let's think about why would you not? Is it a lack of confidence? That's something you're going to have to get past. Is it a fear of failure? Well, you're more likely to fail without them. Are you too busy? You should always make time for personal development. Is it arrogance? Well, that's just an issue you're just going to have to deal with yourself if so. But, let's assume you're not and then think about why they wouldn't help you. Is it jealousy, maybe, but then you're asking them for help that's clearly a compliment. Are they mean? Possibly, but that's probably in your head. Or maybe you don't have any colleagues. And if so, you can seek out communities of people who are the same. Look online for them. There were probably a few commenting and liking on this video, so why not reach out to them? But let's now think about the benefits of both parties. You both might learn something new. Maybe there's something you're doing, that's working that they hadn't even considered or vice versa. Wouldn't that be useful for either of you to know. Maybe there's something you're doing, that's not working and you haven't noticed. Wouldn't you like to know if you're making a common mistake that you're not aware of, something tiny and stupid that might actually be losing your business. They can help you improve the things you're already doing well. And there's always room for improvement. So even if you're doing something to 90% perfection, why wouldn't you want to make that 100%? Secondly, it might boost your confidence. If they spot something you're exceptionally good at, it would only be a good thing to be told about. And if there's something that you're self-conscious about then they can tell you it really isn't a big deal. And that will be a weight out of your shoulders. Maybe you even realize that you're actually much better than them. Thirdly, it will help with focus and motivation. So one of the best ways to reach your goals is to make yourself publicly accountable, to say I'm going to run a marathon or I'm going to get into shape to your friends, means that there'll be expecting you to do it. So you'd better do it. So by publicly seeking help at work you're showing that you're making improvements. You're making yourself accountable for the improvement so people will be expecting you to do it, motivating you to actually get on with it. And finally, it'll help with your resilience. When you're failing or feeling down, ask for help. And they'll show you that firstly they've been there and it was fine. And secondly, how they would have or have got out of the same situation. So my tip for this week is to seek help. Gather a mixture of young and old, people who are more and less experienced than yourself, and then ask them for feedback on anything you want to improve. You could shake their hand and ask for feedback. Asking is it too firm or too soft? You could listen to their calls and see what they are doing differently to you. You could get them to listen to your calls and ask what they would recommend. You could share your cold emails with them and ask if they think it's clear enough, or you could ask for their tips and tricks and say is there anything that you tell your younger self. Whatever it is you want to improve, just try. What's the worst that can happen. Either they say no, or they can't help fine try the next one. But what's the best that can happen. You might just be given that nugget that will result in more sales, more success and then more money and who doesn't want that.