I/we get approached a lot on DMs asking: can we promote this upcoming event, or that book, or this album release, or that donation link.
I can’t remember too many times we’ve said no to some individual or group.
It’s such an interesting dynamic when you slow things down & truly look into requests for help from others (whether you have a large platform or a small personal page to promote on). Everyone has some objective they are trying to accomplish – when they ask you. They want to sell more of something. They want to get their voice out more. They want to change a narrative. They’re hard charging for something.
When we’re asked by others for help, I think there’s a natural instinct that kicks in where we ask ourselves: 1) is this a good person looking to truly help others…& then 2) what might be in it for me/my product/my service/my voice, in return.
I still examine the first part of the above – is this a good person with a good message I/we can help get out there. But…I’ve pretty much stopped on the second part. Why?
If we help, expecting something in return, we are more often than not, disappointed. While everyone is moving 100 miles a minutes trying to accomplish their objectives, they often forget how you’ve helped in the past, when you might ask for the same courtesy. That’s not to sing a swan song…it’s reality. Most people are fervent about THEIR mission…& not as much so when it’s the mission of others.
As I’ve learned from a close friend “drop expectations.” And he’s right. Do things bc it helps others. If that “first part” is in line – they are a good person w a good message, that will help others: even if there are other motives they have, like $ and platform building – just help & root them on.
If you truly just give, without expectations, & you can enjoy someone ELSE’s success, you’re a winner in the end. Enjoying what you helped make happen, is more “reward” than any “favor” that they may/may not return.
