Biopharma Commercial & C-Suite Communications Head I Professor I CHIEF Founding Member I Relationship-Based Networking Expert & Speaker I Former Senior Leader @ Takeda Pharmaceuticals & Weber Shandwick
I'm starting to notice a pattern with people in my network engaging with my content immediately right before or after they ask me for a favor. I'm always happy to help support - friends, students, industry peers, former clients, etc. One doesn't have to find a way to immediately support me in exchange. However, so as not to contradict the advice in my upcoming book on #networking - depositing and contributing value before we withdraw it - I happily accept client referrals, chai lattes, Insomnia Cookies triple chocolate chunk cookies and lunch. I am less worried about the performance of my social posts as long as they are resonating and helping someone out there. For instance, I dog sit my friend Yoda (pictured below) for a neighbor in exchange for gin. 🤣
I did not have today, Black Women's Equal Pay Day, in mind when I wrote this post yesterday. But now that you know, you know:
Monique, I think we need to discuss the concept of "paying for a favor". Since I am not from the US, what I noted coming here, is that people have a very high sense of "not asking for a favor" unless they can repay, or not doing something to someone because this someone can't pay back. Of course we can't generalize, but this is way different from my country. I feel people keep a "count" of favors done or received here. So, some months ago, my neighbor traveled abroad and she asked me to get her mail and water her plants. Also, asked my husband to drive her car a little so the battery wouldn't die. The tasks took less than minutes twice a week. For us, it was nothing and we were happy to do it for her. When she came back she didn't rest until she took us to dinner. I thought that was so unnecessary, but again, she would be offended if we said no.
We are dog sitting for a couple of weeks in exchange for a house on the river, near the beach, a pool and kayaking. I'm going to go look for the gin now.....
That guy is loving life
And some people engage right before trying to sell you something. 🙄
I hear you on this score, and always up to doing a favor for someone just starting their consulting journey or advice on how to treat a specific internal comms problem. I will say I will give a free call window, but multiple calls means I bill for that time. It is important to value yourself as your advice seekers value your advice. That said, I would totally dog sit for chianti!
I've had a few people in sales I don't know send me a connection request and then immediately endorse me for a skill. Showing me you're unethical is not a good way to start a relationship. 🤣
Yoda's sideways look says it all. 😒 And Insomnia cookies... YUM.
I could be paid in Gin too 🤣
Biopharma Commercial & C-Suite Communications Head I Professor I CHIEF Founding Member I Relationship-Based Networking Expert & Speaker I Former Senior Leader @ Takeda Pharmaceuticals & Weber Shandwick
4wWhat is something unique that you have received for supporting a friend or coworker?