Over the last year, I’ve been more intentional about giving back to rising entrepreneurs. I try to help fill their knowledge and relationship gaps. I share my experiences and connect them with other people who can help. I remember how difficult the early segment of the journey was for me. Help was pivotal. I’m not sure that I would have progressed to the next segment without it.

One thing I’ve noticed in my mentoring and advising caught me off guard. Some early entrepreneurs don’t ask for help. When connected with people who want to help, they never make contact. I’m not the only one who’s noticed this. I’ve spoken with program managers at accelerators focused exclusively on helping early stage founders who’ve noticed a similar pattern.

I decided to think about the early stages of my own entrepreneurial journey. I was curious about whether I was guilty of the same behavior. I dug through old materials and correspondence and sure enough, I was! I didn’t ask for help after meeting people, or I took much longer to do so than I should have.

I think there are a variety of explanations. Bandwidth is the first. Early-stage founders are wearing ten hats and just don’t get around to everything. Imposter syndrome is the second. I was inexperienced. I felt embarrassed about asking certain questions. I was afraid people would realize how much I didn’t know or how little traction I’d made. I eventually got over this, which changed my life.

Founders should never feel ashamed to ask for help. It doesn’t matter how silly they fear their questions are. Anyone who’s made the journey and is offering to help knows better than to judge. After all, they were in the same place back in the day.

People with experience who want to help are a great resource that founders should take full advantage of. So many don’t ask for help that when you do, you stand out. In a good way. It shows that you’re willing to take action.

The next time you’re introduced to someone with experience who you have reason to believe wants to help, ignore that little voice in your head that urges caution (it’s the voice of fear). Ask them to help you with your most pressing obstacle. They’ll probably be glad you asked and delighted to help!