What Can I Do to Help?

These are some tough times we’re faced with.  In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of unemployed people increased by 851,000 to 12.5 million last month, increasing unemployment rate to 8.1 percent.  

We all know about the challenges of unemployment, housing, credit, and so on and so forth.  However, I do believe that as individuals, we can make a difference and united, coupled with the commitment to help others, we’ll thrive.  

Today, I’d like to encourage all my readers to ask yourself, “How can I help someone today?”  and act on it.  There’s no special requirement for this.  All it takes is a sincere, conscious effort and decision to lend a hand.  It’s simple yet powerful.  

I’ve been to social functions where you’ll hear people talk about “networking to get a job.”  Hmmm…  that may be your ultimate goal BUT again, can we not focus so much on personal gain as the first and foremost agenda?  When people are approached in a way that they’re being networked with, they cower.  It gives an implication that they’re being used, being put on the spot or being asked for contacts that they’re not comfortable providing.  A self-serving approach can make people feel uncertain if they even want to share any names or any other type of information with someone of this MO.   

There’s nothing wrong with networking to exchange information for professional or social purposes but it must be valued and properly maintained.  If you’re the one who is seeking information or relationships, instead of just thinking about what you can take out of the networking opportunity, think about what value you can add or offer and share it.  Change your ways a tad —  Give in order to receive [not receive in order to give]…  Instead of the “what can you do for me”, try “what can I do for you“.  Last but not least, if and when you do receive, also remember to give back.  Always think of long-term effects and not short-term rewards.  

Let’s make a greater impact in our society and in each other’s lives.  Reach out and see if there’s anything we can do to help.  So, whenever you’re in some type of a mixer, an event, or some type of gathering (online or offline) get involved and participate.  Think about how you can positively contribute.  

Now more than ever, we need to be supportive of one another and lean on each other.  This is our country…  our economy… and these are our people.  So with all that being said….  what can I do to help?