As business owners and leaders, the tendency is to put your head down and work. To make things happen. To push forward with your goals. That is understandable and all good; you should focus on working hard, getting things done, and pushing your business forward. But, periodically, it is important to take a break, get away and get opinions from knowledgeable business people that will be honest with you.

Sometimes, you have to be able to humble yourself and know that you do not have all the answers. And know that there is no shame in this. None of us do! You need to be able to ask for help in order to understand things.

If you scheduled a meeting with your five best customers and asked them what they valued, do you think that information would help or hurt you? It would help you, of course!

If you have friends who are successful business owners in any industry, wouldn’t it provide great insight and information to ask them what they think you do well and what you do poorly as a business owner?

Always ask for feedback from people you trust! And tell them you want candid and truthful answers.

Don’t be negative and take the feedback the wrong way. The intention is to help you grow.

Don’t get defensive. Nobody starts a business knowing everything they need to know so look at this as a learning opportunity.

Be open, honest and inquisitive.

Have the mindset to make your business better despite whatever your preconceived understanding of your business may be.