Sometimes John and I are asked, “So, how exactly does one add value to others, aside from directly through one’s products or services?” It’s a good question.
The answers are numerous, including – but certainly not limited to – providing useful information, referring business, making introductions, a kind word, a listening ear, a book or article they would enjoy or find to be of value, etc.
“But,” the question goes, “what if I’m out of work, or I don’t have a lot of resources or value to share?”
Rest assured, you do have value to share. Plenty of it. Lots of it. And, if you are out of work, now is especially the time to find areas of value you have within you and find a way to “share” that with the marketplace.
Not to get something; just to give something. Yet, we know how that often ends up working out. Get the Go-Giving momentum going. That’s when good things happen.
Saw a great article about this today from Social Media Titan and co-author of the bestelling book, Trust Agents, Chris Brogan. While the specifics of his post might or might not apply directly to you, the principle surely will.
As Chris asks, “Who could you help with what you know?”
Any suggestions? We’d love to hear what you are doing in this regard from which we can all learn.
I love Chris Brogan’s question. For me, the question that pops in my head is, “Who could I help with WHO I know?”
I was at a holiday networking event last night and found myself in conversations that included me asking, “Do you know…?” My brain is wired to connect people with common interests or connect people with needs to those with solutions. So, what I have that I share most is my network of generosity, kindness and benevolence.
Who could YOU help with who you know?
I ditto Berry. I can’t help myself when someone presents me with a challenge they are facing but to refer them to someone I know who can help. It’s a part of my DNA. If I don’t have the answer, I know people who might or know someone who knows people. And I can’t NOT make that connection.
Thanks, Bob, for sharing. And please give my regards to Dixie the next time you talk to her!
I like how your gang spun in the “use my network to help” angle. That’d be more like what we’d talk about in the book, anyhow. The value of the network.
Keep doing what you do here, Bob et al. It matters.
With Google search engine, we even can easily add value. As you said, we can provide free information. A lot of friends called me human search engine because I can almost provide any information they need. All I have to do is know how to search on Google.
Another way to help is provide contacts. We all have networks, just that we don’t use it. If one needs help, try to dig our networks, you will realize that we are actually surrounded by a lot of talents.