The Business Owner Advice Paradox: Why Entrepreneurs Struggle Alone, and What to Do About It
Running a business is often seen as the ultimate expression of independence and ambition. Entrepreneurs are resourceful, determined, and willing to wear every hat to accomplish their goals. But behind the scenes, many business owners quietly wrestle with uncertainty, burnout, and strategic blind spots — all while feeling like they should have it figured out.
This disconnect creates what is known as the Business Owner Advice Paradox: The reluctance to seek outside guidance, even when doing so, could unlock better performance, profitability, and personal balance.
In reality, no one builds a great business entirely on their own. Every entrepreneur, regardless of experience, can benefit from fresh perspectives, seasoned insight, and the right kind of support — especially when facing growth challenges, financial strain, or the feeling of being stuck in the day-to-day.
Desmond Jordan, founder of Resurgo Consulting Group, provides insights on this topic during a GRWE webinar. As a seasoned business advisor and entrepreneur, Desmond brings firsthand experience in building and selling multiple small businesses in Canada. His perspective sheds light on why owners often resist outside input — and how the right advice can make all the difference. The recording and key takeaways from this webinar are below.
The Reality of Small Business Ownership
Small businesses are the economic engine of Canada. According to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, small businesses accounted for 98.1% of all employer businesses in 2021 (ISED, 2022) and contributed approximately 40% of the private sector's GDP. They also created the majority of new jobs that year.
Despite their importance, the failure rate remains high. Approximately 65% of businesses fail within 5 to 10 years (BDC, 2023)*. And of those that survive, many continue to struggle with cash flow, profitability, and owner burnout. It's not that these entrepreneurs lack talent or drive—it's that they often try to do everything themselves.
The Business Owner Advice Paradox
Desmond describes the paradox this way: business owners are often the ones who most need advice, yet they're also the least likely to seek it. Why? Several reasons:
Pride and independence
Scepticism about ROI
Time constraints
Fear of being judged or misunderstood
But here's the twist: once owners engage with a trusted advisor, 76% say they were glad they did, and 86% say they would do it again or recommend it to others (ICF Global Coaching Study).
The ROI of Getting Help
Engaging with a business coach or advisor often results in measurable improvements. According to Desmond, many clients see a 25% increase in profitability within 12 months. Other benefits include:
Faster growth
Streamlined operations
Better delegation and team empowerment
Reduced stress and increased personal satisfaction
Crucially, many owners say the non-financial gains are just as valuable: more time, clarity, and control over their business and life.
When to Seek Strategic Advice
There are pivotal moments in every business journey when outside support makes a significant difference:
Scaling up or experiencing rapid growth
Preparing for succession or exit
Facing persistent cash flow or profitability issues
Feeling burnt out or overwhelmed
As Desmond puts it, "Even growing businesses can hit a wall—sometimes the very success you're experiencing can stretch your systems and capacity to the breaking point."
Overcoming Emotional and Practical Barriers
Familiar internal narratives include:
"I'm not big enough."
"I can't afford a coach."
"I can figure this out on my own."
Desmond encourages owners to challenge these beliefs. Strategic support isn't about handing over control; it's about getting a second set of eyes, a sounding board, and often a much-needed dose of accountability.
What Working with an Advisor Looks Like
A good advisor starts by understanding:
Who you are
Where your business is today
Where you want to go
From there, they help identify quick wins (like fixing profit leaks) while also building long-term strategic plans that support growth and sustainability. The right advisor offers insight, support, and practical tools—not just theories.
Entrepreneurship is challenging enough without going it alone. The Business Owner Advice Paradox may be common, but it doesn't have to define your journey. If you're feeling stuck, stretched, or simply ready to grow more effectively, consider what the right advice could unlock for you.
Desmond Jordan's message is clear: Getting help isn't a weakness—it's a strategic strength.
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