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One of the hidden perks
of raising six children is the learning laboratory it provides for the parents.
Betsey and I have learned how important it is to teach our children to do things
for themselves and become problem solvers. There isn't enough time to do it any other way with a house
full of children. Learning how to tie your shoes, make a telephone call and solve
for two unknowns in an algebraic equation are examples of goals society sets for
children. Undeniably, do it yourself skills are important for all of us to acquire.
As we mature, we get comfortable with the
fact that doing it ourselves will save time, create a
feeling of accomplishment and definitely save money. We do it yourselfers develop
a feeling that the control of doing it ourselves will also lead to a job well
done. How many times have you heard, "If you want it done right the first
time, do it yourself." What parents intend to be a lifelong asset
of independence for their children can later be a lifelong hindrance on their
financial growth, however. I notice that D-I-Y is a curse at times. We become so accustomed at doing everything,
that we spend all of our time doing everything. Unfortunately, this leaves little time
for doing the few things we do best. I can prepare my own income taxes, but I
gave up the preparation part many years ago. The money spent to hire a professional
freed up time to do more productive things in my businesses.
I know the basics of how a website is created and how to transfer html
coded pages for uploading, but I hire out that service, too. I understand
how the stock market works and how to analyze the performance of a stock, but
I use a financial consultant to help me with my investments since I just don't have the time to do it all. Many small business owners started their
own businesses as "solopreneurs" and got comfortable
with being a do it yourselfer. Operating as one-man bands, they are destined to
be soloists the rest of their business careers unless they ask for help. When they are ready, they may choose to
seek help with bookkeeping, marketing or planning. They will just say help
with hiring, payroll or product development. Focusing on what they do best will
cause them to ask for help with sales, pricing or maintenance. The paradox of being self sufficient and
asking for help is hard to handle. When we do it yourselfers wrestle with the
temptation to be jacks-of-all-trades and pin it to the mat, we will be able to
grow in our business and personal lives. Next time you have the urge to do everything
yourself in your business, think about the Spandex Rule: Just because you can
doesn't mean you should. | 
