Strong, Independent, and Asking for Help

the new superpower

?? Welcome back! Happy Dreaming + Doing Sunday?

ICYMI: Dreaming on Purpose drops in 23 days! Here is what this advanced reader had to say:?

“I plan on making this my vacation read in August (I read the foreword and preface, and I am so excited!).” ?- Mark Travis

Now, on to today’s sermon...

One week ago, I along with over 44,000 Black women got together on one Zoom call in an effort to raise one single Black woman to hold the highest job in the country. In just a few hours, $1.5 million was raised. Talk about showing up for each other -- am I right?! Being on that call felt like being wrapped in a warm hug. Even though we were virtual with names like Maxine Waters, Jennifer Lewis, social impact leaders, grassroots organizers, and other voices for change across the country, the energy held was palpable and nothing short of magical. It didn’t stop there. Over 20 thousand Black men answered the call the next day, raised $1.3 million, and supported Kamala Harris's presidential bid. The internet was abuzz in witnessing the historic outpouring of support. White women followed suit and organized a call where 200,000 white women showed up and raised over $11 million for the campaign. A nationwide Out for Harris LGBTQ+ Unity call was held last week, and thousands expressed their support for Kamala.?

This is the power of community—OUR community. I am still buzzing from all of the excitement in a way that I haven’t felt since Obama. Regardless of your political views, this marks a pivotal time where we can play an essential part in defining our future.?

Blocking Our Blessings

Aside from the millions of dollars raised in a matter of days, I couldn’t help but see this event as a powerful testament to what we can do as a collective of Black women when we ask for and receive help.

Yet, too many of us still struggle in this area.

By now, we’ve got the memo that asking for help is necessary and is not a sign of weakness or incapability. We know that not asking for help reinforces the ‘strong, independent woman’s narrative that I know so many of us are trying to break. Still, many of you are continuing to work in a silo.?

Asking for help is difficult enough, especially when you feel vulnerable and less powerful. These feelings are often triggered when looking for a job, not making the sales you want or any aspect of work insecurity. If you’ve ever been in this position, you know it can directly hit your confidence and sense of identity. IYKYK.

?Let’s run through some common scenarios I see my clients still struggle with:

You’re looking for a new job. You’ve tried everything and still aren’t gaining traction. Have you:

• Reached out to trusted colleagues to let them know you are looking for new opportunities?
• Scanned your LinkedIn and contacted people in your network, asking them for an introduction to someone who might be hiring.
• Connected with your mentor to ask for referrals, advice, or any network connections that might help your job search?
• Asked a trusted colleague or coach to review your resume and give feedback?

You’re rolling out a new offering in your business. You’ve tried everything, but you haven’t received any sales. Have you:

• Asked for feedback from your previous and current customers for ways to improve your offering?
• Contacted any influencers or marketing partners to help you reach a broader audience?
• Shared your struggle with a trusted colleague and asked for their insights or strategic advice?

If you’ve checked many of these boxes, go you! But if you still need help in this area, don’t feel guilty. The struggle to ask for help is a deep-seated wound and a symptom of a broken system that thrives on individualism over the collective.?

Go Ahead and Ask

Last week, I posted a reminder on my LinkedIn that you have an entire network of people ready to help you. Just ask. This simple post deeply resonated with folks, but what happened next was powerful. People stepped up to ask for help, new connections were made, and resources were shared—all from a single post.?

A Note on Helping Others

Each of us knows how hard it can be to ask for help, especially in a vulnerable situation. I challenge you to think of the ways you can go out of your way to offer help. If you know of someone going through a career transition or just needs some help getting to the next step, don’t wait for her to ask, show up for her. Here’s how:

1. Make a connection; know any hiring managers or decision makers? An intro could be a game-changer for someone!
2. Talk about her when she’s not in the room; big up your Sisters to others. Brag on her accomplishments and any creative projects she’s working on. Offer to pass along her website or resume.?
3. Give a listening ear; sometimes, we just need to be heard. Call Sis to check in on her and listen.

The historic Zoom call for Kamala Harris is a powerful reminder of what our collective power can achieve. As Black women in our careers, the courage to ask for help is not just about you—it’s about the impact we can make together. Our unity is our greatest strength.

Purpose to Practice

1. Write down three instances where asking for help could have improved the outcome. Reflect on what stopped you and how you can overcome these barriers in the future.
2. Who are the people you trust and can turn to for support in your life? Have you been able to leverage these connections recently?
3. How often do you proactively offer help to others in your network? How can you create a culture of mutual support? Set a goal to offer help to at least three people in your network this month. Consider what kind of support you can provide—an introduction, advice, or simply listening. Reflect on how this practice can enhance your own sense of community and well-being.

Dreaming on Purpose will hit shelves on August 20th, 2024. Pre-order your copy today!

Dreaming on Purpose is a companion for millennial Black professional women on the path of self-discovery and redefining her next career chapter. This book explores our careers as a vessel for legacy, liberation, and healing, blending social justice and spiritual wellness to help reclaim our dreams.

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Website: arianehunter.com

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