The Benjamin Franklin Effect- Need to ask for a favour?
When it comes to asking somebody a favour I am probably one of the last people on this planet to ask to somebody for a favour. Its not in my nature. Yet I am sure people would not faulter to give a mate a favour.
Something really struck me today! I went to a business conference and the man speaking spoke about the Psychology behind growing your business, called the Benjamin Franklin effect.
Now coming from Australia, you only hear bits and pieces about Mr Franklin so for those who don't know, he was the 6th President of Pennsylvania and a prominent political figure in the 17th Century America.
The Benjamin Franklin Effect, is if you do a favour for somebody they will be more likely to return the favour and another one other than the favour returned.
How did he come about this?
Written in his autobiography....
He once had an opposing legislator who disagreed with him. An avid reader, Franklin was curious about a book that this legislator had in his library. With politeness he kindly asked his ENEMY at the time if he could lend it to him. After about a week, he finished reading the book and sent it back to him. He also wrote an extra letter to thank him for the kindness. From there they discussed the book and suprisingly developed a friendship.
I thought this is exactly what we do here!
Through website feedbacks, shares, likes, comments and engagement we are developing these professional relationships and learning from each other. So next time I will know it won't be so bad to ask for a favour next time.
Reading this has changed my perception of favours!
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Kindest Regards
Grace
Recent Comments
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You make a very good point Grace and that is completely in line with the 'pay it forward' ethos we have here at WA :)
Great story Grace. I believe in paying it forward, give to others without expecting anything in return. It will come back to you eventually.
Thanks for sharing.
Cheers Kev
ps I am an Aussie too and I don't anything about Mr Franklin except he had a very big influence in US history. They talk about him all the time lol
BTW, we don't have presidents of states, we have Governors. :) Excellent piece on Ben, thanks for sharing.
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Lovely article