How May I Help You?

August 06, 2009

You're at a coffee shop or the bookstore and a well-intentioned clerk asks, "May I help you?" Think about it; the thing about being asked that question is that it opens the window ever so slightly to one of the following responses:
Yes or No.

A great way to push open a door that is slightly ajar is to get a conversation to the point of where you're asking: How can I help you?

Whether it's a first connection or a longtime friend, when engaged in a conversation and someone is focused on what you are saying, doesn't that make you feel comfortable, maybe
even to a point of wanting to help them?

I can't assume that you know what I want... a lead, a job offer or a great connection. Whatever it is, I might be reluctant to come right out and say that.


Yes, the best way to gain support is to give it unconditionally. Should you share with people what you need? Absolutely. Nobody will know how they can help you if you don't tell them. But if you make it a habit to look for opportunities to give, the likelihood that you will end up receiving what you need goes up exponentially.

Believe me, it's happening every day.