"Whoa, that's more expensive than I thought." I've heard some version of that sentence enough times that I forget that it’s feedback. Turns out that was the problem.

It came up on a call with a prospective client a few weeks ago, and something about the convo finally made me do what I'd been avoiding for over a year: get a second opinion.

Something I've missed about working in corporate (and in-office) is being able to walk over to someone who's more senior than me and just ask.

To fill that gap, I joined a group program for marketing professionals and agency owners. I have access to coaching from experts across topics like sales and ads. And a few weeks ago, I joined a live sales coaching call for the first time ever.

The coach asked me when I joined the program, and I sheepishly shared that it had been about a year. She was surprised that it was our first time meeting since I'd been in it for so long.

I asked her opinion on objection handling (how do you respond when someone balks at the price) but the reality was, I framed the service in a way that would have scared even the most trusting client (spoiler: most people don't want to be locked into a service for 6 months).

Now that I’m doing most things solo, I'm thankful to be able to bounce ideas off of fellow paid ads experts. It's so interesting that in the surrender of "I need help with this," immediately there comes this reassurance that I'm not doing anything wrong, we just need to give it more time.

Something I keep coming back to is this: no one knows what they're doing. We're all experimenting, and the sooner we can appreciate that, the sooner we'll stop sitting on the question and just ask someone. A coach, a friend two steps ahead, really anyone outside of the endless chatter inside our own head.

Between AI, online groups and your trusted inner circle, it is easier than ever to get exactly what you need without needing to travel far or commit to a multi-year program. The second opinion is always closer than it feels; you just have to be willing to ask for it.

Entrepreneurship will never be easy, but access to knowledge and systems has never been easier.

AI can conjure a quick answer. A human can tell you the thing you actually needed to hear.

If you’ve been reading for a while, you might know vaguely that I do marketing things. You’ve probably heard about the Steady Ads group program which is perfect for my fellow scrappy, savvy business owners who are ready to own their customer-getting engine.

I also have a few openings for done-for-you work. Even if you don’t need this, could you reply if you know someone who might?

Ways that Molly can support your (or your friend’s) business growth:

Hit reply if you’re curious about growing your biz, together 🌱

A business coach recommended the 4 Tendencies Quiz from Gretchen Rubin, and it's been super helpful for me to understand the way I respond to external and internal expectations.

I'm an Obliger, and that means I meet outer expectations better than internal ones. For me, accountability is crucial to follow through on the most important tasks. I love coworking sessions, where I meet up with peers, and we open our computers and work silently, together. There's nothing more motivating to me than being surrounded by other people who are focused.

Sound like you? Or not at all? Take the quiz and uncover a new way of understanding yourself.

Bookshop link if you want to read more!

We’ve explored the same thing from three angles: getting a second opinion when you're stuck, getting outside accountability when you're an Obliger like me, and if you're one of the folks I mentioned above, walking through The Open Door instead of going it alone.

Moral of the story: you don't have to be the only expert in the room.

Stay Steady,
Molly

P.S. What's the embarrassing question you've been sitting on? Hit reply and I’ll give you my two cents.