Feeling Stuck? It’s Time For A Bigger Room
You’re used to being at the top of the food chain.
Making all the decisions, and often, being the smartest person in the room. But who is challenging you?
Maybe you’ve never worked for anyone else, or it was long ago. This is a testament to your drive and independence!
But this unique position can also leave you feeling isolated when you hit that inevitable “now what?” moment.
Perhaps you’ve just set an ambitious new goal for your company, or decided it’s time to expand into uncharted territory. It lights you up. It stretches you. You know it could change everything.
And then…
you freeze.
Where do I even start? What am I missing? Am I even qualified to pull this off?
This isn’t fear talking; it’s growth talking. And if you’re trying to figure it out alone, you’re making it harder than it needs to be.
The fastest way forward is to get in a room where you’re not the smartest person there.
One of the best things you can do as a business owner is to intentionally surround yourself with people a few steps ahead of you.
People who’ve already navigated the challenges you’re wrestling with, or who can offer a clearer perspective.
Because here’s what happens in those rooms:
- You think bigger. Your assumptions about what’s possible are challenged and expanded.
- You problem-solve faster: You benefit from the wisdom of those who’ve paved the way.
- You borrow confidence: Seeing others achieve your next level makes your own aspirations feel more attainable.
- You get access to people and ideas you didn’t even know you needed: Serendipitous connections and insights emerge.
When you’re the smallest person in the room, there’s nothing but growth ahead.
Role models aren’t just for kids.
Seeing what’s possible for someone else makes it easier to believe it for yourself.
When you spend time around people who are operating at your next level, your assumptions change, your vision expands, and your standards rise.
It helps you clarify if your goals are indeed big enough, AND how to reach them.
You’re not bothering people—you’re giving them the gift of contribution!
This is a key mindset shift. People who have grown in their work genuinely love to help others who are serious, thoughtful, and ready to act. You’re not “taking” their time; you’re inviting them to contribute their hard-won wisdom.
When you reach out with specificity and humility…
“I’m trying to land more retainer clients. What helped you make that shift?”
“I’m building a sales team. What do you wish someone had told you when you were starting yours?”
You’re not just asking for advice; you’re offering them the chance to impact someone else’s journey. And often, they’ll introduce you to someone else who can help, too.
Don’t be scared! These people want to pay success forward.
Be thoughtful about their time and yours, by being clear about what you want to know.
You don’t need a grand plan—just a clear next ask.
You don’t need to have all the answers before you reach out. You just need to ask the right people—generously, and on purpose.
Once you know who’s a few steps ahead of you, reach out to them with this:
- Clarity: (“I’m trying to grow into X…”)
- Curiosity: (“What worked for you?”)
- Generosity: (“If there’s ever a way I can support you, I’d love to.”)
You don’t need a map—you need guides.
You already know how to work hard.
What you need now are models and mentors who can help you think differently, and encourage you to move faster with less struggle. Surround yourself with people who challenge you.
Because here’s the truth: You don’t grow into your next level by staying in the same room.
Next Steps:
Ask yourself:
- What am I trying to figure out right now?
- Who’s doing it well—and how could I connect with them? (Think about joining a Leadership Community, engaging in digital forums or attending conferences with built in networking opportunities.
- What’s one brave, specific ask I can make next week?
Ready to grow yourself to grow your company? It’s time to reach UP.
I’m here to help give you a boost,
Laurie
