I Can Help You With That!

I have had a lot of fellow LinkedIn folks reach out and connect with me personally and I truly don't mind helping anyone out. Whether it be helping put them in contact with someone about a new career opportunity or simply helping answer some questions that I have been fortunate enough to gain some knowledge in. I have provided my email address and even my phone number on occasion to just work out a problem or be a cheerleader in making a big decision in their professional lives.

Here is a perfect example:

I used Lyft the other day and was picked up in a very clean Lexus and it was a pleasant surprise compared to the typical Uber vehicles I have been accustomed to. And guess what, the Lyft charge was about 15% cheaper then the base Uber ride. But that is a whole other story.

I am always open to talking to individuals in all different kinds of industries and I typically make small talk with the drivers when I am riding in the backseat. I stated to him, "You have a really nice car, have you ever thought about starting your own private car service, where people can call you and you set up a schedule to pick them up or drop them off at the airport."

He said, "I would love to, however I need to get my name and brand out there first" I asked, "What are you doing towards that?" He said, "Nothing, I don't even know where I can get started at without spending a car payment amount of money."

Since one of my service offerings is to help small businesses to create an online presence and to establish a social media presence, I said, "Tell you what, I can get you up and running and I will charge you a small flat fee for a basic setup. What do you think?" The look on his face was priceless. He said, "Are you serious? You aren't messing with me are you? I mean I will literally drop you off here on the freeway if you are." I said, "Well I don't want to be dropped off on the freeway, but I was sincere. I like keeping my skill set honed and would be happy to."

Just like that, I had a new customer. I have accomplished two things with just asking what someone does, and offering to help out.

1. I gained a new customer
2. I am able to keep my skill set honed.

So when you speak to someone, you never know what opportunities may arise.

He reached out to me this afternoon, and stated, "Hey if everything works out, I already talked about you to other people I know and they are interested as well. I will even pass out your business cards to people when they get in my car."

And this all started by simply saying, "I can help you with that!"