I set the bar pretty high. For others but mostly for myself. When I promise to do something, I do it. When I say I’ll show up, there I am. If I’m your friend (a real friend vs. LA friend) then I will be there for you. No matter what. Even in horrible LA traffic.

I’m not good at asking for help. I’m not talking the kind Siri can help with. I mean showing vulnerability and asking someone else for support, when you’re sick or just sad, or can’t do it all by yourself.

But raising money for a startup is all about the power of networks. So I’ve been asking. And what’s really interesting is how it’s people who are 2 or 3 degrees of separation who have actually come through, not so much my closest friends.

Is that because they don’t think it’s important? Or because they don’t realize the urgency? Or because they don’t believe in my vision? Hard to tell and impossible to discuss.

So I choose to focus on the believers. The folks I’ve met who not only get it and get me but are willing to reach out to their networks and open doors. I’ve learned to accept help no matter where it comes from. And to be less judgmental. After all, I’m the one setting the bar.