Most humans are selfish beings. We learn how to consume value created by others before we learn how to actually create value on our own.
It’s in our nature to think of ourselves before we think of others.
We tend to look for opportunities where we can extract value from others to serves ourselves.
And unfortunately, THAT behavior has gone mainstream within our societies.
When you are at a networking event or any other event for that matter, people come up to you and ask what you do for a living. Why is that?
Well, they want to know if you can add any value to their lives or careers, and if you can’t, they just move up to the next person.
It doesn’t sound so pleasant when it’s put that way, does it? Yet, we all do it.
If we all don’t like it when someone extracts value from us, then why do we do it to other people? I think about this question often.
It seems to me that this happens in a natural way as we move up the ladder in our careers, businesses or even our personal lives.
So how do we change this?
It’s simple. By turning things around. Instead of extracting value from other people, we can first create value for them to prove our worth.
Instead of asking someone what they do, just tell them what you do and ask if you can help them in an area where they might need help.
Or even better, find out about their current challenges and do your best to add value to their lives first.
If you do this with an open heart and without any expectation, people will remember you. You know why? Because no ones else does it.
Now let’s look at an example of how this works in the real world.
I’ve been following Dan Martell (a Canadian tech Entrepreneur and Investor) and his journey for a few years now. He almost acts as my mentor without him knowing it.
Throughout the past few years, I’ve learned a lot from him, especially from his blog and YouTube channel.
He’s created so much value in my life and career that I almost felt obligated to give back to him.
So when I found out he was growing his YouTube channel, I finally found a way to create value in his life. I had been working inside the online video and YouTube space for a few years now and knew I could use that expertise to help him out.
What did I do? How did I approach Dan? Well, see it for your yourself:
https://pedramdara.wistia.com/medias/awb8096w8w?embedType=async&videoFoam=true&videoWidth=640
I’ve been working with Dan for a few months now because I believe in his mission and I‘ve had no expectation of getting something in return.
If anything, I’ve been actually returning the favors for what he’s been teaching me.
It’s no surprise that there are many value extractors in the world. But this is not all bad news.
It has created an enormous opportunity to stand out and grab anyone’s attention. And it’s as simple as being that one person who adds value first. That’s memorable.
I hope this has inspired you to see your relationships through a different lens.
Whose life are you going to add value to? I’d love to hear about your experience.