Please can I ask you for some advice? (The Ben Franklin Effect)

Such powerful yet little-used words. As Business Leaders we should ask ourselves the same question.

Such powerful yet little-used words.

Words we probably associate with, and expect to be used by ambitious young people making their way in life but how often do we hear that phrase? Not enough.

As Business Leaders we should ask ourselves the same question, how often do we use these words? Again not enough.

Never underestimate the power of these words and how they can help you access those inaccessible business contacts, reopen those apparently locked negotiations, and open doors previously closed to you.

Generally, we all like to help other people, it makes us feel good when we hear those little-used words, can I ask you for some advice? There is science behind this. Psychologically it is perceived as a compliment, flatters us, and makes us more inclined to try and help.

In his biography, the American intellectual Ben Franklin born in 1706, wrote ‘He that has once done you a kindness will be more ready to do you another than he whom you yourself have obliged’

We use this psychology in our Pabasso – Peer Advisory Board Associates boards where we encourage business leaders to use the experience and expertise of up to 12 other Business Leaders to provide advice and help each other resolve challenges and evaluate opportunities, it’s a wonderfully powerful technique.

So regardless of whether you are a Business Leader or making your way to the top, try and use these 6 ultra-powerful words more often – you will be amazed at the results.

Here are a few words from a Business Leader already benefiting from the advice he seeks and provides in one of our Pabasso – Peer Advisory Board Associates boards:

“Pabasso has been really valuable to me. Running any business is challenging and is going to be difficult from time to time. There are always challenges, unforeseen problems and circumstances that can be very stressful to even the most experienced company Directors. Pabasso has given me an excellent forum where I can share my concerns and problems with other business owners, founders and leaders. The ability to unpack and discuss each other’s issues in an informal yet intimate environment with experienced professionals that appreciate the nuances of leading businesses is invaluable. Not only do I get very well thought through suggestions and advice from the group but I also value the friendships that have formed between us over time. Pabasso is a valuable part of my business life and has benefitted me enormously.”

If you are a Business Leader and you want to experience for yourself the power of asking for and receiving help and advice from up to 12 other Business Leaders from non-competitive sectors, then please get in touch and come along as a guest to one of our boards – it’s easy to try and hard to forget.

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