Tuesday Twist- Go fish?

Written on 8:15 PM by B

Reading other blog posts and stories online has allowed Omi, Joshua, and I to see our strengths and weaknesses in a new light. One of our areas of strength is being able to communicate a "call to action" and have others rally around our ideas. We have even surprised ourselves by some of the support we have received, but the more we think about it, the more we understand that it is not all by coincidence that we often get favorable responses.

Monica O'Brien wrote about the 4 Communication principles for a newbie to social media and we realized that we follow those principles pretty well. We understand that there is a certain way to go about asking for favors, advice, and opinions on issues. I personally love to help people, but I am turned off many times by how I am approached. The approach is usually " Help Me. Help Me". Ive grown up on the biblical principle of teaching people how to fish, instead of giving them fish. The problem is that most people just want the fish. Fishing becomes boring,unnecessary, and unfair because it involves waiting and patience....virtues that seem to elude the masses.

While I'd like to say just Go Fish! I want to leave you with a few simple tips when asking advice of others:

1. Make them feel important

- Don't be fake about it either. Obviously the person is important if you are asking for help, advice or tips. Don't come at them like a big shot. Be humble. I have had some of the greatest conversations with people, when I came into the conversation ignorant about the subject matter. I got to talk to the founder of the largest Christian Ad Agency in America about an internship, and he said he loved helping people like myself, because he started as an intern. I also talked with a former Head of State of Bermuda, because I was ignorant about how business was done in Bermuda, and I got in contact with him via facebook. We have met in person and have become great friends. Joshua has done even more than that! Do not feel the need to impress them, instead tell them why you are impressed!

2. Know what you want when you ask

-This one is hard for me. This is because I know that the person I am asking has a wealth of knowledge that I want to tap into. However, my question may not encompass everything I want to learn so I am kind of hoping to spark something that will have them talking forever. However, it is very important to know what you want specifically so that you do not waste the time of the individual you are asking. This opens the doors for future communication and adds to your credibility.

3. Bring something to the table

-People can sense when you are just trying to get something out of them. They can sense when people are trying to take advantage of them and their connections. Give them a reason to help you. Some will do it out of the kindness of their hearts, but make it as easy as possible to help you. Bring something of mutual interest and find a way to communicate the mutual benefits. Also include why you are asking and what the outcome will be once advice is given. Don't be desperate, because a person may not want to lend their credibility to a desperate effort.

4. Know the lingo

-Use key phrases like:

Dear Mr helper, I noticed your expertise in.....
Dear Ms Helper, I noticed that you are an authority on....
When you have an opportunity could you........
Given your experience, do you have any advice or tips that would aid in what I am trying to accomplish
What is the best way to get in contact with you?
I look forward to hearing from you..

-Dont Say Helper-

You are so hard to get in contact with
**High Priority**
Please hurry with a response
Please help me
I dont know how I could ever

These principles have worked for us throughout this journey and they will work throughout yours as well

What are some techniques you use to ask for help?
-B