How can I help you?

Robert Gerrish When I first met Zern Liew, now one of our fine contributors, I said something that stuck with him. The fact that it did and that he went on to blog about it means that it’s stuck with me also.

Oh, that I was profound! Oh, that my words were planned and intentional! Alas, it was a simple statement said with zero preparatory thought.

After an initial exchange of pleasantries, all I said was ”How can what I do be of assistance to you?”

Simple words, indeed and a genuine enquiry as at the time I had no idea what we hoped to accomplish together.

Don’t worry, I prepare for meetings a little better these days.

Anyway the point is that since this meeting I have come to better grasp the benefit of asking an open-ended, or ‘open possibilities’, question.

If, in our business dealings we concentrate much more on ‘what can I do for you?’ rather than the more typical ‘what can you do for me?’ position, we can get rapidly to a place of meaning and purpose in our relationships.

Far too often at networking events, I witness business owners thrusting business cards and flyers into people’s hands while following the misguided belief that this is ‘effective promotion’.

To my mind it’s about as effective as those after-hours telemarketing calls – you may well convert one in a hundred, but you risk off-siding the other ninety-nine.

So in the spirit of this theme – and at the risk of attracting over 14,000 requests: How can Flying Solo help YOU? Tell us and we’ll do our best.

Finally this week, and in case you missed it a wee while ago, we have summarised the findings of ‘Understanding Micro Business, 2008’ (our recent survey to which so many of you generously contributed), into a complimentary ‘community edition’. Get your copy here.

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SOLO SPECIAL: FREE online community for astute business women who want to do business, make money and meet new contacts. Ask questions and get free advice. Join now at www.businesswomenunite.net

Until next week.

Love your work,

Robert Gerrish is Flying Solo’s managing director and founder and works as a business coach, professional speaker, business commentator and consultant. He’s the co-author of Flying Solo – How to go it alone in business.

17 comments | Add your own 1 2 3 | Next» View all»

Thanks Robert great article. As a follower of Robert Greenleaf's philosophy of Servant Leadership I applaud your initiative in opening the floodgates. My request for how Flying Solo may assist is simple - can you provide a rolodex of business contacts you can highly recommend who have added to your business success? Heidi Alexandra Pollard from Warners Bay, Australia
Hi Robert, provide a needs and wants marketplace i.e. anybody who wants to promote their services pays $10 a month to be listed with each service promoter allowed ONLY 3 keywords and no blurb). Anybody who wants to buy/investigate a service gets access free. Grant Hyman from Sydney | Read my articles
Thanks for the opportunity to ask for help, what a great idea! I have two issues at the moment... I'm looking for the best program to manage my contacts and email marketing campaigns (can you review some of the reasonably priced programs???) and also, I would love some tips on drafting e-newsletters, especially ideas for catchy titles that will make people want to read them!
Thanks!
Annie Annie from Melbourne
Hi Annie some tips for your catchy headlines - use a combination of numbers and benefits eg: 'six steps to improve your bottom line' or 'four ways to boost your inner health this winter'. I have found a great and reasonably priced package for managing online contacts, email marketing and website inquiries perfectly suited to solopreneurs - for more information visit (http://pmzmarketing.com/AP.aspx?ID=354&;EID=2201823). To see how it works on my website go to www.leadingvalue.net. All the best with it! Heidi Alexandra Pollard from Warners Bay, Australia
I'm not sure that's what you said...
"How can what I do be of assistance to you?"
;-) Loic from Hobart, Australia
A Q&A section would be useful - e.g. forum or readers questions. Heather Smith from BRISBANE | Read my articles

17 comments | Add your own 1 2 3 | Next» View all»

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