The Five Most Powerful Words In Business

Business is all about people and problem solving. 

It doesn't matter what your business, it's made up of people, solving problems. Be it a doctor healing the sick, a burger joint feeding the hungry, or a bicycle courier getting your product to the customer, all businesses are made up of people solving problems. 

It's all about giving others a hand.

So it makes sense that the five most powerful words in business are:

How can I help you?

These simple words, when strung together as above are more powerful than any supercomputer program.They are more powerful than anything you'll ever Google. And they are more powerful than anything anyone else tells you.

Because all business is about people problem solving. 

I was reminded about the power of these five teeny-tiny words when I was at a networking event and after the usual small talk, my new connection asked me:

How can I help you?

I'm always looking for help from friends and colleagues, but when someone you just meet says those five little words, they powerfully resonate louder than anything you've ever heard before. 

Because hearing them from a complete stranger isn't common in our inclusive individual universe. 

At first I was in a state of delighted shock. Then I remember reading how the best way to network in business, is to offer to help wherever you can. 

Being bewildered.

Even if it means offering to help the competition.

YES -- even the competition.

Before his death, Steve Jobs and Bill Gates became friends, yet they both ran highly competitive companies against one another.

Though you don't have to be networking with the competition to see the power of these five extremely powerful words.

Try it for yourself the next time you meet a potential customer, client or colleague. Ask them

How can I help you? 

At first they may look uncertain, bewildered even. The look of bewilderment disappears quickly to that of joyous understanding and warmth, as your offer -- if genuine, as it should be -- is warmly accepted. 

The request won't be rocket science, and will be something which forges and strengthens your working relationship. Which is the whole point -- to build a stronger relationship with those you work with -- or against -- or want to work with or against. 

And remember, what goes around comes around. 

So if you can help, do. 

You'll WOW the person you helped, and they will reciprocate back tenfold. 

That's human nature. 

All just because of five little words.