Why I asked for money

Last week, I asked for money.

It was a hard decision and I want to tell you why.

My first thought was to try getting the money by selling you something. But, that would have been manipulative, so I decided to ask for the money directly.

It wasn’t easy, since I tend to be hyper-independent, even pushing people away when they try to help. But, I needed help so I stood up to my fear and asked.

That’s why I felt so encouraged by this email from someone who gets it:

“I have experienced more miracles than I could ever explain. It comes from being brave and asking! Hope others step in as well! There’s always a lot more money!”

Seriously, it made me cry.

“It comes from being brave and asking.”

Exactly.

After all, asking for help is a separate skill from running a profitable business.

We all know my business is a work in progress. In fact, it’s currently in the R&D phase, where I’m focused on building relationships, not selling. At this point, money-grubbing would only poison it. I’ll sell something later, when it’s clear I can give something that the market needs.

In the meantime, I need to work on the other skill: asking for help. I’m getting better at it, and the more times I ask you for help, the better I’ll get.

So, instead of selling something, I just asked for money.

To get better at asking.

To give you an opportunity to give.

That’s the trade I offered and I’m grateful to have people here willing to take me up on it.

Still, it hurts to ask for help. I feel ashamed and embarrassed, especially after reading emails like this one:

“You’re begging people for money now?

What happened to piano help”

S**t, am I really slacking off that much??? 😞

My only consolation is knowing I’ve asked this person for help more times than they’ve ever asked me.

(Step up your game, buddy. Score’s 1-0.)

On that note, if you ever need help, whether for money or piano or anything else, please don’t hesitate to ask me. I won’t give you an excuse, shame you, or guilt-trip you. The worst I’ll do is say no.

Thanks for being here.

We’re all in this together.

—Michael

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