“He that has once done you a kindness will be more ready to do you another, than he whom you yourself have obliged.” ~Ben Franklin
Read that quote again and make sure you truly understand what it is saying…
This is an odd phenomenon – when someone does you a favor, they are more likely to help you again! Wow, this is amazing.
Is This True?
It certainly is in my experience, and likely is in yours.
Think of times when someone has asked YOU for help, and you were able to assist them in something.
As I reflect on this, in almost every instance I have felt a deeper connection and relationship with that person by helping them. I often find myself saying, “Let me know if I can do anything else to help!” And sometimes, I get that opportunity.
Helping and serving others makes us feel good, and we want more of that!
How This Applies to Networking
When trying to network and connect with someone, often one of the first requests you might make is simply asking for a conversation. Asking for their time to get to know them and gain some insight from their experience and perspective.
We typically call this an informational interview.
In giving you this time, they are doing you a favor. They are donating their time to you, someone often previously unknown, simply out of a desire to help.
Put into the context of the Ben Franklin quote from earlier, they have done you a kindness. And now, they are more likely to do another one!
If you ask, they would likely be more willing to introduce you to someone they know, refer you to a job opportunity, or consider a deeper mentoring relationship.
It’s just a fact of life, even in early stages of relationships, that the deeper our relationships get and the more connected we feel, the more likely we are to desire to help others.
So harness the power of the Ben Franklin Effect. Build deeper relationships with others by asking for small favors.
Of course, don’t neglect to pay it forward and help others yourself!
See more in the video below!
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