I hesitated on writing this because I don’t want anyone to think I’ve been systematic in my business dealings. The only rules I follow are being honest and real. I don’t go out trying to make friends to get connections. I’m a naturally caring person who wants to see others succeed, and having this attitude has helped me in business.
“Favors” is a weird word. It sounds very mafia-like, very taboo, but it’s a real thing. It is similar to taboo words like “popularity” and “notoriety.” “Favor” is a gift bestowed as a token of goodwill, kind regard, love, etc.
Examples of requested favors (in our current startup business landscape) + Hey, can you RT this for me? + Do you know any designers that need a job? + I’m looking for work, can you tell a few people? + Can you introduce me to XXXX person? + Can you vote this up on Hacker News?
Everyone needs a favor. Especially when you have no money or marketing budget. Favors, connections, and friendships seem to drives business, at least for us it has. I need favors, I need help with marketing with our accounting software, getting mentioned on podcasts, blog posts, and all that stuff. I need favors.
The people that let us know they need favors are the people that get favors. Not all people get favors when they ask, only people that deserve them. Read on.
As Jon Crawford puts it, “Be a person others want to root for.” When you’re a person that people want to help, they’ll help you.
By not being an asshole. By being a person people care about, by showing a little of your personality, and by caring about others.
I’m making a joke about points, but in reality you’ll notice if someone has been super “good” to you and down the road they might be more likely to help them when called upon.
The flip side is you might be able to call in a favor if you’re the type of person that helps others, or someone so freak’n cool people just want to do nice things for you. I’m not that cool, so I end up helping others.
You’ll notice yourself being on the lookout to spot opportunities for the people around you. Helping others as much as you help yourself will result in building goodwill to the people around you.
When you conduct business with the mindset of helping others, people will want to help you in return. The more favors you do, the more favors you’ll get. Be the person others mention in their success stories.
If you wanted it to build a product you’d find a way to get time to work on it. If you really wanted to start that new hobby you’d sacrifice something to find the time and money to do it.
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