Introduction
This isn’t a trick. It’s not a gimmick. It’s not bait-and-switch. It is selfish; please allow me to explain:
I Am Here To Help™
This has been my motto for the past few years. How can I serve you today? Are you thinking about starting a User Group and don’t know where to begin? I can help. Are you planning an event and encountering obstacles? I can help. Having trouble getting an SSIS package to do what you want? I can help. Trying to troubleshoot a SQL Server issue? I can help. Have a question about raising chickens or guinea fowl? I can help.
For things with which I cannot personally help you, I know someone who can either answer your question, put you on the correct and best path for an answer, or who knows someone who can help.
“How Do I Contact You?”
There’s an Email link in the upper right corner of this blog. Or you can email me at andy.leonard@gmail.com. Or contact me on Twitter.
“Why is this Selfish?”
I’m glad you asked! Because I enjoy helping you. I believe everyone is put into life for a purpose, and serving you is my purpose. I am thrilled each time I get to help someone.
Helping others makes you feel awesome. People can give you money and things, but no one can give you the satisfaction that comes from contributing.
Helping others is contagious. I’ll talk about this more in a future installment of my series on Managing Teams.
You can get in on this too. How? Pull over next time you see someone stopped on the side of the road with the hood of their car up or standing next to a flat tire. Help someone struggling to load their groceries from the shopping cart into their car. Call someone and tell them you’re thinking about them. Add an encouraging comment to a blog post or send a friend or co-worker or enemy or competitor an email just to say “Hi” and catch up. If you have nothing left due to the economy – financial, emotional, intellectual, social, or any economy – offer the next person you see a smile. Smiles are free in every currency. Be nice.
Conclusion
Try it. And holler if you need a hand. I’m here for you.
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Thank you for the offer and thank you for the suggestions. They remind me of the suggestions at Random Acts of Kindness- http://www.randomactsofkindness.org/
For anyone in doubt of Andy’s offer, don’t be. I count myself immensely lucky to be acquainted with such a gentleman and will vouch for his willing and helpful advice. (I even brought up the chickens)
Thanks again Andy!
I can not only vouch for the sincerity of Andy’s offer but also for the wonderful sense of fulfillment when you get as selfish as he is.
I have enjoyed watching the reactions of people (especially those in the armed services) when, for instance, I tell the cashier at StarBucks, “I want to pay for the drink of the next person/soldier in line . . . but don’t let them know who did it.” It’s one way I can show my appreciation for _their_ sacrifice and, by not claiming credit for it, I leave them knowing that they are appreciated but not knowing who to try to pay back. 😉
Even just opening or holding the door for someone can be a “selfish” act . . . I’m old enough to have a daughter and granddaughter for whom I hope someone may be holding a door. 😉
Keep this up! I make it a point to call and/or text at least 1 person a day just for the purpose of encouraging them.
Usually goes something like "I just wanted to encourage and love on you today. Have a great date and be blessed!"
Usually some of the best parts of my day!
Love the transparency, Thanks and keep it up!