So i’ve been trying my hardest over the last few years to help build a community here - sometimes a little too hard - and I’m at the point for the first time where I have a reason to leverage my network - I’m in the process of launching two companies, Groupable & Apparition Ads and I need to raise money and get publishers and advertisers for both. It’s interesting as I’m slowly calling up friends to see what I can do to learn how people react when you try to call in a favor. Those of you that know me well, know I hate asking for things and would rather help than ask to be helped so it’s a bit of a challenge. So as I reach down to tap the keg of my network, I am stopping to think and will soon learn what is the true value of my network. Wish my luck!
Richie Hecker
Oct 25, 2007
The world runs on favors. You scratch my back, I scratch yours. There are a number of issues with favors. First the obvious, a lot of people are users and won’t come through for you when you need a favor back. Or they do it out of guilt or hoping to cash in another favor in return - these situations are usually obvious.
The truth is very few people help without asking for favors in return. Personally, I never count things tit for tat. Life is too short. I also typically offer favors without people asking and tend to do lots of them. I volunteer goodwill. I don’t care if its not strategic, its my nature. However, when I ask for a favor, I always reciprocate several times over and I don’t ask for many favors.
My issue tonight is different and it’s a surefire way to kill a relationship. Doing favors builds goodwill however agreeing to do a favor and not coming through or worse putting it off or not taking it seriously is really fucking stupid. Letting someone down is not cool. Trying and tell them you are trying and not being able to come through is ok but saying “sure, i’ll do it, no problem” and not coming through gives off such badwill its not even funny. It essentially burns your chance of getting a favor back and you gain nothing in the process….my 2 cents…
