What is Pay It Forward Friday?

I wrote a post recently asking for feedback on an idea about how we can use LinkedIn to better support each. Just make our world a better place to do business.

The What.

It's called #PayItForwardFriday and is fundamentally what it says on the tin.

Every Friday anyone can host a 1-1 session for any guest they choose for 30 minutes to discuss anything business related - support a problem, practice a pitch, get insights, whatever is needed.

Afterwards the guest is encouraged to become a host (or nominate someone else) and the original host nominates a new one, both paying it forwards. And so forth.

Quick calc - it will take just over 8 Fridays to reach everyone on LinkedIn once (but why stop there).

Why?

We, as a business community on LinkedIn, can and should do more to support each other and keep business moving. It's also great to meet new people, build networks, spread the love, try new things, be better humans.

How.

Host Rules (anyone can host)

1. Post on your LinkedIn feed that you're hosting a #PayItForwardFriday session, when and how (e.g. Zoom at 12pm.) with a link to this post to explain what it is.
2. Ask your network to spread the word, for them to read what you do and suggest people who may benefit from your help. They can then contact you via your feed or DM and you can pick who you'd like to meet, and set it up.
3. Run your 30 min session however you want to, record it, take notes, chat, and see what happens. Then post your video or notes into your feed to encourage more to pick up the batten, connect in referrals, share insights from the chat and whatever you think will add value.

Then nominate the next host via your feed.

Guest Rules (anyone can be a guest)

1. Find people you would like to talk to who can help your business. Reach out to them and share this article to explain what we're doing.
2. Ask the host how they would like to run the session (I prefer a blank canvas but others will prefer some warning of the topics to be covered). Be prepared with your questions.
3. Do not sell or pitch unless you ask permission prior to the session.

General Rules

• These sessions are for new connections to discuss a?#startup ?or?#business ?related challenge based on the profile of the host (accepting that work and personal blend, try and keep it work related).
• Be kind and open minded (some sessions may simply not flow, and that's ok).
• Respect confidentiality when relevant (ask permission).
• Must be totally free, no strings attached.
• And always use the #tag #PayItForwardFriday

Search the #PayItForwardFriday hashtag on LinkedIn to find examples and ping me on [email protected] if you want to be a guest. Happy PIFF'ing.