Starting a small business can be both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you’re turning a hobby into a business or diving into a brand-new venture, there’s one piece of small business advice that is really important – it’s ok to ask questions! In fact, it’s essential. People who pretend to know everything are far more likely face more challenges than those who ask for help. If you’re building a business you need knowledge and a good network, and asking questions is the key to unlocking both.
Recently, I’ve been hosting a series of business sessions around Barnsley for creative entrepreneurs, giving them a space to ask questions about turning their passion into a business. This experience has reminded me just how important it is to create environments where people feel comfortable asking questions, no matter how ‘basic’ they might seem.
I’ve been asked questions like:
- “Do I have to register as a business?”
- “How do I keep track of my finances?”
- “Do I need insurance?”
- “Can I send delicate items in the post?”
- “How do I get paid?”
These are all important questions, and they highlight something about entrepreneurship: you don’t know what you don’t know. That’s not a weakness – it’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and build a more successful business.
The power of asking questions
One of the best pieces of small business advice I can offer is this: embrace your curiosity. Asking questions helps you build a solid foundation for your business. Whether you’re not sure about legal requirements, financial management, or logistics, there’s always someone who has been there before and can guide you in the right direction. Asking for help doesn’t make you stupid – it makes you more informed, and that’s what leads to long-term success.
Unfortunately, some people fall into the trap of pretending they know more than they do, especially when they’re just starting out. But, the truth is, people who pretend to have all the answers often miss out on great advice and resources. They may struggle unnecessarily, facing problems that could have been avoided if they had just asked for help.
Build a team of experts
Another piece of small business advice is to surround yourself with people who know more than you. Asking questions helps you tap into other people’s expertise, whether they’re mentors, friends, or professionals. When you admit that you don’t have all the answers, you create opportunities to learn from people who do. This is how you build a team of experts around you – a network of people who can offer advice, share their experiences, and help you navigate the tough bits of running a business.
Small business success starts with asking the right questions
Many people don’t ask questions because they’re afraid of looking silly or inexperienced. But the reality is, the most successful entrepreneurs never stop learning. They know that asking questions is a sign of strength, not weakness. Admitting that you don’t know something is the first step toward getting the knowledge you need to succeed.
When you get the answers you need you empower yourself to move forward and be more confident. It’s far better to ask and get things right than to pretend you know what you’re doing and make mistakes.
My Small Business Advice: Just Ask!
As someone who has worked with many creative entrepreneurs over the years – whether through my design and marketing work, The Crafty Business Network, or Creative Recovery – I’ve seen how powerful it is to ask the right questions. It’s one of the most simple, but most effective, ways to build a successful small business. And I’m always here to help!
If you have any questions about starting or growing your business, no matter how small or ‘silly’ they might seem, I encourage you to ask. Whatever it’s about, I’m happy to offer my advice and support.
So, don’t be afraid – hit me with your questions! Let’s work together to find the answers you need to build a successful, thriving business.