What is the most interesting fact that you know and I don't, but I should?
Hi Chad, You asked, What is the most interesting fact that you know and I don't, but I should? Not sure if you know about the Ben Franklin Effect. It says that if a person does you a favor, they are more likely to do that same favor for you again, than if you did them a favor. I know this from experience. One of my friends asked me to help her do her taxes one year. Every year since, whenever she has asked me to help her with her taxes, I’ve said yes. Likewise, I asked a neighbor of mine to help me with my car a few years ago. After he helped me the first time, every single subsequent time I have requested him for help, he has given me his help. Here’s how Ben Franklin put it: "He that has once done you a kindness will be more ready to do you another, than he whom you yourself have obliged."
I’ve been on both sides of the Ben Franklin effect - the help receiving side, and the help giving side.
Help receiving side: When I lived at my apartment, I had a friend who lived in the same apartments, who helped me again and again with my car. For some context, I drive an old car with 265,000 miles on it. Which means small things break down regularly. Back when I lived in the same apartments as him, my handy-with-cars friend saved me considerable money, by identifying and fixing problems with my car. I had done him a favor a few years earlier, and he seemed happy to show his gratitude, by helping me with my car. The fact that he never thought of it as a nuisance, even though I asked him for repeated help, is proof that the Ben Franklin effect works.
Another example…
I had another friend who lived in my apartments, and she was handy with assembling things. So whenever I bought something which needed assembly, I would call her, and she would be at my door, to assemble whatever I needed help assembling help with - a kid’s bike, furniture, etc. This went on for years, in fact, only ended when she moved out of state.
These are just 2 examples of the Ben Franklin effect in my own life.
Moving on to me proving the Ben Franklin effect, by giving help to people again and again, myself…
Examples of Minoo proving the Ben Franklin effect:
I consider myself capable enough to do my taxes on Turbo Tax myself. I have helped other people
with my tax capabilities by teaching them how to do their own taxes on Turbo Tax, sitting with them and jointly doing their taxes with them, or helping research answers online to tax questions. I have helped some friends multiple times, proving the Ben Franklin effect.
I will give you 2 more examples:
Ever since I can remember, I have enjoyed giving people career-related advice and help.
I have looked at resumes, done mock interviews, and put heads together with them, on
a situation at work.
Rarely is this a one-off, for the person who decides to ask for my help.
Typically, someone who contacts me for career-related help, will usually contact me again.
Some, several times over the course of their career.
On a completely unrelated front, I pride myself on being able to create party games.
I have created games for multiple events for an organization I belong to called the
NCMA (Northern California Mangalorean Association), as well as for personal parties hosted by NCMA members.
These examples - of giving help to the same people or organizations — again and again, are all proofs of the Ben Franklin effect.
You have probably experienced the Ben Franklin effect yourself.
What are situations in which, the same people typically help you out, with the same things?
There you go. That’s an example of the Ben Franklin effect.
What are situations in which, the same people turn to you for help, for the same things?
There you go. That’s an example of the Ben Franklin effect.
The neighbor, who loves tinkering with cars.
The friend, who enjoys doing taxes.
The community member, who enjoys creating party games.
The church lady, who is ever willing to give of her time, and lend a helping hand, when there’s a need.
The cousin, who can figure out why something is not working in your house, and fix it.
The friend, who is ever ready to style your hair, cut your hair, or do your makeup.
The team member, who enjoys leading, organizing, and planning events for your team, or company.
The sociable friend, who is willing to go to a movie or an outing, at short notice.
The friend’s mom, who is handy with sewing or baking.
The friend (or friends), who invite you to visit or stay, again and again.
The friend, who helps you research personal finance questions.
The friend, you can call up for medical advice.
The friend who is a tech geek, and can help you make good computer decisions.
The friend, who is always open to helping you think things through.
The friend you can call up for nutritional advice.
You can find
your people.
Life is easier, and more fun, when you let people, who like doing some things, and are good at doing those things, be a part of your “
getting things done” team.
