How Can I Help You?

5 words. Short sentence.

Probably the most important sentence I utter, and with the most feeling, after “I love you.”

I was at lunch with a friend a month ago or so, and as the lunch came to a close, my friend told me that I had given him the advice that as a CEO he needed to ask other what he could do to help more often.

“I thought you were pompous and condescending  when you gave me that advice.” he said.

“Oh,” I replied. “Im sorry. Im often pompous and condescending without realizing it.” (Well, I am.)

“But, the advice ate at me, and over the past month or so, I have tried it. I have offered help more often, and its been amazing. It changes the relationship dynamic so positively. So, thank you, and what I can do to help you?”

I smiled.

For years, I have finished most conversations with an offer for help. I do it unconditionally, because I truly enjoy helping others. I guess I never realized that its so uncommon.

Does that make me someone special? No. There are millions of people that help millions of people in a million ways more beneficially than I do.

In the Jewish religion, which I dont really understand very well, is the concept of a Mitzvah. As I understand it, its that helping other people out is a good thing and its something expected of Jewish people.

I learned that last year. Because I asked for help understanding the Jewish religion.

As a CEO, we are company builders. We are looked at as the people that has all the answers. We have the vision. We have the drive to act on that vision. We are company builders. We are company builders. We are company builders.

At least thats what I always thought. I figured, if I keep repeating that to myself, that one day I would know it all. I would be that guy that had all the answers. I would be that guy.

Yet, Ive learned that the greatest skill a CEO can have is to know what he doesnt know, and to be unafraid to ask questions. Ive been asked why we realized Graphic.ly so early and so raw.

“We dont know what the community wants. Why not ask them?” has always been my answer.

In essence, we have asked the comic community, “How can we help you?” and the response has been amazing and overwhelming.

Im not sure where this post is going. But I do know one thing, I wish more people would extend a hand and ask how they can help someone else. We spend so much time selfishly trying to build brands, and grow followers. Perhaps launch companies, or release products. We forget that people are the most important resource we have in the creation and achievement of dreams. And a simple extension of your hand–without expectation–can accelerate your ability to achieve your goals.

Without trying to be pompous or condescending, I am going to challenge you. For the next month, at the conclusion of any meeting you take or participate in, earnestly ask “How can I help you?”

At the end of the month, blog about it. Link to this post, and I will link back.

Lets help each other. Who knows what might happen? I was just introduced to a really interesting company and person that I would have never met if I didnt ask that question.

I promise at the bare minimum, nothing will have changed.

And, of course, how can I help you?

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