How Can I Help You?

Article contributed by Hazel Walker.

How many times have you been asked, “How can I help you?” or “What can I do for you?”  What was your response? Did it sound something like this, “Nothing right now, but I will let you know.”

What an opportunity lost!  Here is someone who wants to help you and you can’t think of anything at all, really, nothing?  There are lots of ways that people can help you, but you must be prepared with an answer when they ask.

Today I was asked by someone in my network, “What can I do to help you?”  My response was, “I would love it if you could write a recommendation for me on my Linkedin account based on the work you have done with me.”  It was easy for my network partner to do and important to me as a speaker.

Here are a few things that you could consider the next time you are asked that very common question, “How can I help you?”

You could ask to be a guest blogger or have them be a guest on your blog.
You could ask for a recommendation on your Linkedin account.
How about asking if they would put your information in their newsletter.
You could ask them to invite you to a networking event they may be attending.
You could ask them to put your flyers in their store or office. Ask them to volunteer for one of your event.
It is important that you have a plan, give some thought to what others can do for you, what would you find valuable, meaningful or helpful.  Make a list of the things that you could ask for.

Don’t let a great opportunity pass you by, your network is more than willing to help you, but you have to know what you want from them and let them know what it is.