Asking for Help Isn’t Weakness, It’s Leadership
Running a propane business isn’t for the faint of heart. You juggle service calls, safety protocols, staffing, scheduling, and customer care – sometimes all before lunch. It’s easy to feel like asking for help means you’re falling short. But the truth is, knowing when to reach out isn’t a weakness. It’s actually a strength that serves to keep your company moving forward.
Everyone faces moments when they hit a wall. Whether it’s a new regulation you’re unsure about, a staffing issue that won’t go away, or a customer situation that keeps going in circles, the mental load can build up fast. The good news is that you don’t have to carry it alone. When you learn to ask for the right kind of help at the right time, you strengthen yourself – and your business.
Start by Knowing Your Limits
One of the hardest things to admit is that you can’t do it all. But knowing where your strengths end is key. You might be great with operations but not as confident with payroll. Or maybe you’re excellent at dealing with customers but struggle with marketing or technology.
When something keeps piling up or dragging you down, it’s probably time to ask for support. Watch for indicators such as missed deadlines, short tempers, or tasks that you keep avoiding. These aren’t failures – they’re reminders that no one builds a strong business by themselves.
Choose the Right Kind of Help
Not all help looks the same. Sometimes, it means hiring an extra pair of hands during the busy season. Other times, it’s talking to a fellow business owner who’s been through the same thing. You might need to reach out to a vendor, a trade group, or a trusted employee.
Think about what you need – advice, labor, clarity, or just a listening ear – and go from there. The more clearly you communicate your needs, the more useful the help will be. People are often willing to lend a hand, but they can’t read your mind. Don’t be afraid to be specific about what you need from others and to take the initiative in asking for their assistance.
Train Your Team to Do the Same
Your employees may also feel pressure to handle their problems alone. But when they don’t speak up, small issues can turn into big ones. Create a corporate culture where asking for help is not only acceptable, it is encouraged. Remind your team that it’s smart to speak up early before something becomes a safety risk, a customer complaint, or a missed opportunity.
Institute brief check-ins to inquire about what’s working and what’s not. Make sure your staff knows who to go to when they need backup. A strong team knows how to lean on each other without guilt.
Keep Your Focus on the Goal
The goal isn’t to be perfect; rather, it is to run a business that operates smoothly and serves your customers well. If asking for help gets you there faster – or with less stress – then it’s the wisest and most practical thing to do.
There’s real value in staying open to help, even when things seem to be going fine. You might learn a better way to handle deliveries, discover a new tool that saves hours of time, or prevent burnout before it starts.
How This Builds a Stronger Business
Asking for help keeps your propane business running stronger and more efficiently. It stops burnout before it spreads, encourages teamwork, and keeps mistakes from piling up. More importantly, it reminds everyone on your team, including yourself, that it’s okay to need support sometimes and to be willing to ask for it. That kind of mindset builds trust, protects the quality of your operations, and helps your business stay steady and consistent year after year.
