Light the Path for Others: An Experiment in Being Genuinely Helpful

Photo Credit: CharityWatch.org

I want you to run a little experiment, so I'm keeping this post short.

To start, pick one of these things.  Then do it:

1.  Use and share your contacts to help a friend or neighboring band secure a show out of town or at a venue they are having trouble getting into.

2.  Promote another band's record or upcoming show on your social media sites, mailing list, or website - and link to it for people to check it out.

3.  Donate money from one of your shows to a local cause or struggling high school music program.

Repeat over the next few weeks.  Be genuine about it.  Expect NOTHING in return.

Watch what happens ;)  It'll kind of blow you away.

Comments

[Jeremy Mix]

here's why you won't take david's advice...

it goes against very human nature to do anything expecting nothing in return...especially for another human.

so I raise you all one...
Before you attempt 1, 2, or 3 and end up failing miserably because you can sustain the charade....don't

...until you search and find a motive that isn't self-seeking (this includes feeling good about yourself!)

[davehuffman4jakobfreely]

Wow...well put Jeremy. It really does start there. The "expecting nothing in return" part really is a bit of an anomaly and the large majority of the struggle I think. Even though I find myself working to lift others up around me, I still find myself expecting people to reciprocate.