How May I Help You?

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.

I have been out of work since June 30th. I have set my own personal best and in this economy I believe I am going for a gold medal as to how long I will it will take me to get the work I love and ultimately, love the work I do, once again.

Trying all the traditional job hunting approaches from paper to paperless, networking to social networking is nearly a full time job. But there is a secret: the most successful way I know how to make something happen is to offer to make something happen for someone else. New concept? No, not at all.

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 everyday.