Have you ever done something nice just because you could?
Goran Burcevski recently contacted me asking for some web content. He asked our rates but mentioned he was only evaluating the situation. He added that we were probably out of his league.
Now, Goran was simply stating a fact. He wanted to work with us, but he lives in Macedonia. I hear 10$ an hour is a great salary in that country. Goran was taking a chance and being hopeful about working with us – but preparing for disappointment. He was just being realistic.
I’m not in this line of work to become wealthy. I just want to make a living and be happy doing what I love. I discounted my rates and went to work. In a couple of hours Goran had new site content. He was pleased and asked me to confirm the cost so he could pay me.
It didn’t feel right. I’ve been tight with money myself, once upon a time. I’ve had to work hard to pay for the bare essentials. Now I was in a position to help someone and make a difference, even if it was just a small one. Why not cut the guy a break?
“No charge. Enjoy it with my blessing.”
It felt great. It cost me nothing but time. I could help someone and make a difference. A small one, but still.
Ever think about how little we show kindness to others these days? We’re too busy, working too much and moving too fast. We forget that it’s easy to be nice and that people could really use our help.
So do something nice today. It doesn’t have to be anything big or involve money. Tell the lady at the checkout she has a nice shirt or a pretty smile. Help the neighbor. Pick up something a person dropped. Give someone a freebie just because you can. Anything.
To help get things started, I’ll tag five people. (Hey, someone has to be the kick in the arse to get people moving, no?)
Naomi Dunford of Itty Biz – because she knows about people needing something good happening in their day
Melissa Donovan of Writing Forward – because I’m interested to see what a night owl comes up with
Brian Clark of Copyblogger – because Brian can put a copywriting spin on anything – and because no one in his right mind would dare tag Brian. ‘Cept me.
Wendy Piersall of eMoms – because I think Moms do lots of nice things already. One more can’t hurt
Charlie Pabst of Ignite Living – because Charlie makes me think and I like that.
Even if you’re not tagged, feel free to participate. Blog about doing something nice. Then come back here and drop a link in the comment section. I’ll gather them all up at the end and post them.
Nice tags
What goes around comes around, right?
Dave Navarro – Million Dollar Leverage’s last blog post..By: Christine OKelly
It certainly does, and it’s so easy to do.
I probably do more freebies than I should.. but I’ve never regretted it.
Anthony Lawrence’s last blog post..The “R” Word by Anthony Lawrence
James,
I hope you won’t mind, I’m going to link to an article I wrote about someone else doing something nice.
In extraordinary times, we all pitch in. Lyndon’s Window is a snapshot of a storm in up, up, upstate New York last summer, and the flashback that resulted. I posted it at Thanksgiving, thinking of karma, I suppose… giving in business always comes back to you.
May your kindness come back to you, James!
Regards,
Kelly
Kelly’s last blog post..Retirees say Wii, Wii
This one’s hard for me because being kind and considerate is part of my way of life rather than something I set out to do intentionally on any given day. I do a lot of typing, writing, and editing for friends, family, and acquaintances as well as help with web development. So, I definitely do plenty of work for free.
It seems weird to cite an act of kindness like this… I’m realizing that I am very uncomfortable asking other people for help, even when I need it (other than close family), despite the fact that I really enjoy helping others. I always open doors for people, let cars go in front of me, stuff like that. Sometimes I get e-mails from young writers asking for help and I always oblige if I can. It’s just something I do. I don’t really think about it.
Melissa Donovan’s last blog post..Onscreen Characters
@ Melissa – it’s not to cite an act of kindness. It’s more about showing other people who don’t realize the potential how easily it can be done – and the effect it can have. We’re all good people every day, so it’s not about changing from a crabby Scrooge into something else. The idea is creating effect. I was just curious, no big deal.
@ Kelly – Thanks for the link; I’m going to go have a read right now.
@ Anthony – Nothing to regret in helping others. I think many people, especially those caught in the fast pace online, tend to forget to go a little deeper. Good on you, man.
@ Dave – Sometimes it goes around twice
James, I’m on the same page… I guess while I was responding I started thinking about all the people who don’t like to help others, people who prefer to take rather than give, or at least strike a balance. Or people who are only nice because they expect something in return. Your post has my mind wandering into philosophy and that is where I become pretty contrary since I have been cursed (or gifted, depending on your perspective) to see many sides of any situation.
Here’s a funny thing too… last night I was thinking about this same topic… just the idea of being nice to others, probably because of a film I had watched. So it was weird to come here today and see you’d written about it *insert Twilight Zone theme song.*
I’m definitely going to accept the tag and write about this on my blog, by the way
Melissa Donovan’s last blog post..Onscreen Characters
Wow, James, you too got me thinking so the feeling is mutual.
Interesting timing in that I usually spend my weekends doing volunteer work of some kind. But…it almost seems stupid to write about being kind with volunteer work because…well…that’s what it is by nature. Sort of almost disqualifies it from being anything special? Maybe? I don’t know. It’s late and it’s been a long day.
But I’m gonna play with this one, for sure. I don’t have a name for what these are, these random acts of kindnesses. Karma maybe. Or ethics or just plain help. Whatever it is I know we all recognize it when it occurs. It’s that thing that puts a smile on your face, and that feeling in your chest.
Thanks for making me smile, James. And thank you too for the multiple kindnesses you’ve already paid me this week.
Charlie – Ignite Living’s last blog post..Anti-GTD advice: Managing your email and good customer service
@ Charlie – That’s the challenge. Most of us are nice people to begin with – what can we do over and beyond that to make a difference?
I think, too, is seeing the difference between making a difference (ie, deliberately volunteering to do good) and creating a difference with an unexpected random act (can I help you carry those bags?). While they both accomplish good and they do make people feel better, they’re very distinct from each other and achieve different reactions, both in others and in ourselves.
Think away. And you’re welcome
This is a great topic and one that I take to heart.
Over the years I’ve built websites and helped people market their businesses for free, in part because it was never a business for me – just something I liked to do. I’ve also helped them incorporate and structure their business. Most of these people were just starting out. They had no money and lived paycheck-to-paycheck.
Like Dave (and James) said, what comes around goes around, that’s true. Here’s a little business-minded spin on this process I see:
By helping people get what they want, you are helping yourself get what you want in business. By giving Goran what he wanted for free, Goran needed James and will be more likely to help James succeed, because his own success is tied to James.
Now I don’t mean be generous just for the simple fact that people will take care of you. I simply mean it’s a nice side effect.
John Hoff’s last blog post..My Marketing Hero Himself – Seth Godin
The best side effect James had was feeling he’d made a difference.
I ended up doing some great work that afternoon, was in the best mood, and got more done than I had in weeks. Huh, now there’s a thought: being nice increases your productivity!
Today, I didn’t hand my infant son to the nearest Labrador Retriever and say, “Here. You deal with him.” Does that count? Even a little bit?
Fine. I’ll go and think of something else.
Naomi Dunford’s last blog post..Frugality Vs. Reality: Cash Flow When Working From Home
That poor Lab… really. I should call the SPCA.
I feel ya, Naomi. I feel ya.
John Hoff’s last blog post..My Marketing Hero Himself – Seth Godin
James, I say create efficient gifts. Info that can help people help themselves.
When it comes to your business time? Be stingy. Be a soldier of profit. There’s thousands upon thousands out there with bottomless need looking for free help. You can be sucked dry and be left wallowing amongst those you were trying to help.
On personal time you can find ways to help others. I’m a Rotary member and we do lots of good for lots of people. Yet most members are successful business people who have learned to separate charity from their place of business.
Joe