A couple of weeks ago, I took on a challenge: I decided that my team would adopt a few contestants in the race for the "Next Internet Millionaire" contest. I found some participants who seemed to have a positive message, then posted in the forum offering to promote them. The response was phenomenal and for the next 5 days, I did everything I could to build them up. I sent emails to my lists and blogs encouraging votes. I set up Squidoo pages for each of them. I even ran a small Google adwords campaign offering free advertisements to my list for those who would send positive comments.
What was interesting in this process was the fact that most of the contestants who wanted my help were not the ones I originally chose. Other participants asked me to add them in, make room for another one, or otherwise gave me good reasons why they were worthy of my help, and for the most part, I agreed. Why did I do this? The answer is simple: because I admired their courage in asking. I could have spent a lot less time overall on the project if I had only promoted the original favorites who responded. Instead, I took on most of those who asked because I felt the act of asking in and of itself showed their strength as a leader...and leaders like to work with other leaders!
Think now of the person or people you thought of at the beginning of this article. Have they ever asked for your help? How do you feel generally when someone asks for your help? For me it is validating. Someone thinks enough of me that my actions will somehow improve their situation. I am certain that at least a few of those who asked for my help did not need it at all. They were extending a hand to me as a way of validating me, lifting me up. They were being a leader.
Asking for help is not an easy thing for many of us to do. I have trouble with it quite often. Pride, fear, or for whatever reason, many of us simply do not like to ask for help. This has to change if we are to make it, especially if we are to lead a team. Showing vulnerability is actually an attractive quality. Why is that? Because people are innately, I believe, born to give. Helpful women, problem-solving men, all want to give. Ask someone for help; give them something of value in return, and you are well on your way to fostering a nice relationship. The leader in you is borne.
Copyright (c) 2007 Karen Kay
A friend of mine was lucky enough to move into a beautiful Victorian home from the 1800s. For the first year, she and her family did not change a thing. None of us noticed but when she finally had a Christmas party there, she let it slip that nothing changed because she was too terrified to change anything. She had a lot of renovation ideas but no guts.
"It's an old house," she said. "What if something goes wrong?"
As it happens, one of the other guests at the party was a building contractor. He was able to give her a lot of tips and a lot of confidence to finally take that first step. Here's what he told her:
First, figure out what you want. Do you need more space or are the plumbing and electrical systems obsolete? Those pretty Victorian kitchens can be real energy hogs in terms of heating and cooling bills. Is there enough storage space? Is the flooring in good shape? Does your kitchen meet the needs of your family?
Second, try to come up with a plan of what you expect in the finished kitchen's look. Don't just do things here and there without a plan or else it'll never look pulled together. Do you want hardwood flooring? Do you need more cabinets? Do you want a dining area or an island? What would your dream be for this space? Try to draw up a plan of what you are shooting for and keep it handy.
Third, find out the costs for each part of the project then tackle the individual parts as you have the time and money. You may be surprised: remodeling an older kitchen can actually save you money in terms of water and heating bills. Call contractors and visit home improvement stores to determine the costs. Also find out how much time each part of the project should take.
Fourth, try to come up with money-saving alternatives. Laminate can be less expensive and as attractive as hard-wood floors. Cabinets bought from the showroom rather than custom-made can be much less expensive. There are lots of money-saving alternatives available.
Fifth, if you need structural changes, hire a professional who can work within your budget. There are many professionals who specialize in older homes. They may be able figure out how to add or remove a wall, create a skylight or install a window seat. These relatively simple fixes that don't cost a lot and can make a world of difference.
Thanks to the contractor, my friend was finally able to find the courage to make the changes her kitchen needed. Now her family lives in a real showplace. She loves to show off her beautiful, comfortable kitchen, that blends old-fashioned comfort with modern amenities. These are ideas any homeowner can follow.
Both Karen Kay & Eric Slarkowski are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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