This week, I chronicle the mistakes, missteps and muck ups that cost me big in 2007. Although I listed these in an article I wrote almost three years ago, it seems that I’m still repeating some of the same mistakes.

So, I’m listing the 5 mistakes that cost me big in 2007 and what lessons I learned. I’m releasing these daily to help you help me not repeat these in 2008.

Mistake, Misstep & Muck Up #3 – Not asking for help from my network earlier

I’ve networked with a variety of people both online and off over the past 3 years. I have business cards of some of the top movers and shakers in a variety of industries. It’s quite impressive.

Now, I’m not talking about adding someone to my friends’ list in Facebook or MySpace. Most people on my social media friends’ list are random individuals I know through someone else. Very few are who I call close, personal friends.

Instead, I’m talking about the deep, personal relationships I’ve built with people because I’ve seen them over and over at a variety of events in 2007. We laughed together, ate together and commiserated together about the state of our businesses.

What’s even more impressive is that I can call on them when I need help. Unfortunately, I haven’t done so until recently. It’s sad that I had all these individuals in my network and never once reached out to ask for their assistance. In 2008, my ego won’t be too big to ask for help.

LESSON LEARNED – Always ask for help. You’ll be surprised at how many in your network say “Yes!”