Knowing Who to Ask for Help

I needed help. This takes some humility to admit that I don’t know something. In a recent post, I described some tactics that were useful to me in landing a job. I was vaguely aware of the application tracking software (ATS) many larger companies are using to filter applications but I did not know the full extent of those implications. After a couple of weeks without any phone calls or emails, I knew I needed to find out what I was missing. 

Sometimes free advice will cost me in ways I didn’t expect. It’s natural to consult friends and family about issues I’m facing to get their input. I figure, they care about me and will provide me any knowledge or experience they have if they were in my position. The problem with this is that most of the time, they really have no idea and their responses are the superficial regurgitation of the little knowledge they possess. A prime example is cryptocurrencies. I’ve done my due diligence and researched every facet of this space including reading several books, attending events, taking courses that teach the fundamentals of coding blockchain, and using my own money to learn how everything operates. When I talk to friends and family about it, they share only what they’ve heard on the news or social media. Most times, they share what their own friends are saying to do in a gossip-like interpretation of information. If I had listened to what “everyone” was doing, I’d have lost all my money in a slew of useless altcoins with the recent crashes. Unless my friends or family are actually involved in a subject I’m needing knowledge in, I keep them out of the list of people I ask for help.

I will pay extra for someone who is a vetted expert on a subject. I love looking for freelancers on Upwork. I’ve hired my CPA, artist, blog editor, and now a resume expert. I screen for top rated freelancers that have a long work history, high total earnings , reviews of past projects, and a favorable description of their skills. I believe their skills are valuable and frankly, am not interested in taking the time they took to learn their trade. Although it may seem like a steep price for their work, in reality I am paying for their experience in a niche field. As much as I love doing accounting (I don’t), drawing (stick figures), writing (publishing first drafts), and updating resumes, giving myself an distinct edge when it really matters is the point I’m trying to make. I believe this is also part of the development of the entrepreneurial spirit.