photo by Marc Falardeau, used under Creative Commons license
Once, while working on a Habitat for Humanity building project, one of the construction pros volunteering on the job told me, “You have good worksite awareness.”
I took it as a compliment … and then asked what he meant.
Good worksite awareness is about paying attention to the work and workers around you, anticipating what needs to be done and offering to pitch in however you can. It’s about being helpful.
‘Help’ is sort of a loaded word. Shouted in panic, it signifies danger. In a certain context, it identifies those in a position of servitude. Some people have trouble asking for it, for fear it demonstrates a weakness.
In business, though, ‘help’ can be a powerful word. And I’m seeing this four-letter verb more and more as I research and collaborate with other creative companies that exist to serve clients. Maybe the word sounds soft to some, isn’t aggressive enough, doesn’t demonstrate strategy.
But all manner of business relationships—client relationships, customer relationships, co-worker relationships, employee-manager relationships, vendor relationships—would be more successful if at least one of the parties entered in from a position of service and giving. And if we’re not in our chosen profession because we want to make some kind of contribution to others and to the world, then why are we?
How to Be Helpful in a Business Setting
Think of every business transaction or conversation as an exchange of assistance: You’re busy. I can help. You need a product or service. I can deliver. You have a question. I have the answer.
Ask, “Can I help” or even better, “How can I help?” Initiate a new-business relationship in a positive way by asking your prospect what they need (and then offering a solution). “How can I help?” is a question that can reveal challenges or pain points; it’s a great research query.
An offer of help is a great lead-in to a conversation that can close a sale. “I’m ready to help” is much more powerful than “Are you ready to buy?”
On your website and in conversation, frame your work as it assists your clients, solves their problems, improves their business, makes the world a better place. Demonstrate how you help.
Finally, when you need help, ask for it. Shouldering a crushing workload or struggling with a problem that’s a little over your head serves no one. Open yourself to the knowledge and wisdom of others. But don’t assume that someone will jump to your aid; you have to ask for help.
I’m touched by the idea that when we do things that are useful and helpful—collecting these shards of spirituality—that we may be helping to bring about a healing.
—Leonard Nimoy
Worth Reading
How to Be Helpful—A 7-point list, including my favorite bit of advice: Don’t be more trouble than you’re worth.
Don’t Be Nice; Be Helpful—If you think being helpful means being a pushover, this article from Harvard Business Review (about delivering constructive criticism) will help you walk that line.
Worth Eating
Peanut Butter and Jam Thumbprint Cookies—Where I come from, an offer of help is likely to be accompanied by a batch of homemade cookies or soup. Help yourself to this recipe for classic peanut butter and jam cookies.