How Accepting Defeat and Asking for Help Can Save Your Business

In the premium cigar industry, as in any business, success is never guaranteed. Markets shift, consumer preferences evolve, and competition is relentless. Yet, many business owners refuse to acknowledge when things aren’t working, holding onto strategies that no longer serve them. The reality is that refusing to adapt is a far greater risk than admitting a challenge.

There’s a misconception that seeking help is a sign of weakness. In truth, it’s the exact opposite—it’s a sign of self-awareness and leadership. The most successful brands and retailers in the cigar space aren’t the ones who avoid challenges; they’re the ones who recognize problems early and act decisively. Whether it’s declining sales, ineffective branding, or operational inefficiencies, waiting too long to course-correct can turn a solvable issue into a full-blown crisis.

Sometimes, the problem isn’t that you’re doing something wrong—it’s that you’re doing the right things at the wrong time or in the wrong way. The difference between a business that survives and one that thrives often comes down to when and how its leadership chooses to adapt. Many of the strongest companies in the cigar industry today have faced major setbacks, but they pivoted, sought the right expertise, and emerged stronger.

Understanding that you don’t have to solve every challenge alone is what separates great business owners from struggling ones. An outside perspective can reveal blind spots you didn’t even know existed. Whether it’s reassessing your pricing model, refining your marketing approach, or repositioning your brand, objective insight is often the difference between growth and stagnation.

If your business isn’t where you want it to be, the worst thing you can do is ignore the signs. The best thing you can do? Seek the right guidance, ask the tough questions, and be willing to make the necessary changes. The Cigar Profit exists to help businesses in this industry do exactly that. The only question is: Are you ready to take the next step?