Do you want to help others? Do you want others to help you? Here’s a secret to helping others (and them helping you too).

Show Up in life and Listen! 

This sounds really simple. But it also sounds like a secret people either don’t know, or they forget: if we show up in life and listen to the people around us, we will inevitably help others. Whenever we do, it comes back to us, often in mysterious ways. 

People naturally tell us what they want and need in life. They also often tell us what they can offer to others. By being there and being present in conversations, we’ll pick up on both of those things. While some people are really obvious about both, many are much more subtle, that’s why we need to be present and listening.

Here’s what this means: you can connect people based on their skills, wants, and needs. We all know people who need help, but don’t know who to turn to for help. We all know someone with the skills to help others, we don’t always know someone who needs help. These two people could be in the same room together and never connect.

Now is when you step in and help them connect with other people.

This secret is critical to your success because you don’t learn about the wants, needs, and skills of others if you don’t show up in life. During COVID, sitting in my apartment by myself, the world of people I interacted with was relatively low. It’s hard to help people you don’t interact. But once I started getting out in the world again, my circle of people grew.

Once you’re there, don’t talk about yourself. Ask others about themselves, and listen to what they say, and the clues they give..

To put this into action, you need to show up in life with family, friends, and colleagues.
Listen to what people say (and don’t say), they will tell you what they offer to others and what they need. When you can put skills and needs together, you’ll help others. The more we do this, the more others remember us – not in an “I owe someone a favor way,” but because you are front of mind.

Before I forget, if you’re a person who wants to help others, check out this coaching course, Label Breakers – learn to turn obstacles into opportunities – You’ll love it!