When were kids every day was an adventure. The neighbourhood was filled with other kids our age and we played different games all the time. We climbed trees, ran short-cuts through other properties, raided fruit trees – all kinds of kid things. One thing that was consistent was our reliance on one another. There was a kid’s code on everything. How we shared and how we helped one another. One area that strikes me as a great lesson that I took into adulthood was boosting. When ever us kids found it hard to shimmy up a tree, or found the fence just a little too tall, we’d look back over our shoulder and ask our closest buddy, “hey, can ya gimmie a boost?” At the time it was a simple forgetable request. But looking back now, I realize that it was a great lesson in trust, humility and charity.
In the business world, there are networking groups built on the concept of boosting. When you give someone a boost, you are helping yourself as well. When you give a boost, you are giving of yourself for the betterment of someone else. You are not expecting an immediate reward but you will definitely feel good inside from your effort to help someone else. Mentoring programs give a boost to young professionals. For every person that you give a boost up, you build a strong bond. They don’t forget your selflessness in helping them to succeed. They in turn become powerful advocates for you.
I know myself, when someone I see impresses me with their professionalism and honest business ethics, I am more apt to help them out. I work with them and help them to achieve their goals. Sometimes this is at the expense of regular rates, standard time-lines or background reconnaissance. Sometimes you just instantly respect this person, and wish to give them “a boost up”. What ever your motivation for giving a boost, don’t you find you’re all the better for doing it? There are just some individuals who cross your path who deserve a break, a boost. In the scheme of things the boost will mean more to them and frankly that is the way it should be.
BUT, more times than not a boost today will result in something positive coming your way as a result of this effort at some future point. As any strong networking group will tell you – it is best to give first if you wish to receive. Remember Wimpy from Popeye -”I will gladly pay you Tuesday, for a hamburger today?” Give ol’ Wimpy a boost and he will be your advocate forever. Remember your neighbourhood friends – when you gave them a boost over that fence – didn’t they cheerfully share that Coke with you in the shade later in the day?
Giving a boost to someone is good for one’s soul and great for your brand – IT’S WHO YOU ARE.
