Sometimes it’s just nice to be helpful!
A few years back, when I started my entrepreneurial journey, so I did find that I was almost always on the other side of favors (i.e. the one asking). Would you be willing to join my company? What do you think about this business model? Would you mind introducing me to that person? Could you go through my website? Share this post? Like this page?
At the end of every request, I usually find myself including that same “quid pro quo” statement. Letting them know (in the sincerest way possible) that even though it may not be today, there is definitely something in it for them down the line. Operating under the assumption that, in the business world, people don’t simply help others without getting something in return. Upholding the notion that “favors” are yet another form of currency we spend and accrue as we carry out our professional lives.
But not all favors are this calculated. Some people offer help because they believe in karma. What goes around comes around. Others do it because they respect the person who’s asking. We all have our list of friends we’d do just about anything for.
As a society, we tend to dehumanize the people we meet in the business context. We view professional interactions more as transactions. We judge each new acquaintance by how likely they are to further our career path/business. We feel guilty asking for favors when we have nothing to offer in return. Above all, we fail to put forth the same level of kindness and authenticity that defines the most valuable relationships in our non-professional lives.
So the next time someone asks for help, see what you can do. Try not to think too much about reciprocation— just take out some time, share your perspective and see where you can be of help. You never know how a small piece of advice or some help may affect someone. And you never know when you might receive some amazing, unexpected advice/help in return. Happy Sunday!! Keep Moving & Smiling!!🏃🏽😊
At the end of every request, I usually find myself including that same “quid pro quo” statement. Letting them know (in the sincerest way possible) that even though it may not be today, there is definitely something in it for them down the line. Operating under the assumption that, in the business world, people don’t simply help others without getting something in return. Upholding the notion that “favors” are yet another form of currency we spend and accrue as we carry out our professional lives.
But not all favors are this calculated. Some people offer help because they believe in karma. What goes around comes around. Others do it because they respect the person who’s asking. We all have our list of friends we’d do just about anything for.
As a society, we tend to dehumanize the people we meet in the business context. We view professional interactions more as transactions. We judge each new acquaintance by how likely they are to further our career path/business. We feel guilty asking for favors when we have nothing to offer in return. Above all, we fail to put forth the same level of kindness and authenticity that defines the most valuable relationships in our non-professional lives.
So the next time someone asks for help, see what you can do. Try not to think too much about reciprocation— just take out some time, share your perspective and see where you can be of help. You never know how a small piece of advice or some help may affect someone. And you never know when you might receive some amazing, unexpected advice/help in return. Happy Sunday!! Keep Moving & Smiling!!🏃🏽😊
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