LESSON 04 · GIVING BEFORE ASKING

Share Useful Information

Eighteen easy tips to share useful information, so you become a trusted source of good ideas.

A good link is a gift. Share with care.

26 tipsEasy things to say7-day plan

26 tips that really help

These ideas come from Give and Take (Adam Grant), The Go-Giver (Bob Burg and John David Mann), Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.

Photo for the tip: Why sharing helps
TIP 1

Why sharing helps

A useful link or tip shows you listened and care. It makes people think of you when they need help.

TRY THIS
Share one.
Photo for the tip: Read and listen widely
TIP 2

Read and listen widely

The more you learn, the more you can share. A little daily reading goes far.

TRY THIS
Read ten minutes.
Photo for the tip: Save things you find useful
TIP 3

Save things you find useful

Use a notes app or folder for good articles, tools and tips. You will share with ease.

TRY THIS
Save one.
Photo for the tip: Match the info to a person
TIP 4

Match the info to a person

Think of who might like it. A well-chosen link feels like a gift.

TRY THIS
Think of one person.
Photo for the tip: Add a short personal note
TIP 5

Add a short personal note

Say, this made me think of your project. A line of care makes the link meaningful.

TRY THIS
Add a line.
Photo for the tip: Keep messages short
TIP 6

Keep messages short

Busy people prefer quick, clear notes. One link and one sentence is enough.

TRY THIS
Keep it short.
Photo for the tip: Share good news too
TIP 7

Share good news too

Pass on praise or opportunities. Good news spreads warmth.

TRY THIS
Share good news.
Photo for the tip: Ask if it was useful
TIP 8

Ask if it was useful

Gently ask if the info helped. It starts a conversation.

TRY THIS
Ask kindly.
Photo for the tip: Script: sharing a link
TIP 9

Script: sharing a link

I read this and thought of you, I hope it helps. Say it warmly.

TRY THIS
Use it.
Photo for the tip: Script: summary
TIP 10

Script: summary

Here is the main point in one line, in case you are short on time. Say it kindly.

TRY THIS
Use it.
Photo for the tip: Script: follow up
TIP 11

Script: follow up

Was that article useful? Happy to share more if you would like. Say it lightly.

TRY THIS
Use it.
Photo for the tip: Mistake: sharing without reading
TIP 12

Mistake: sharing without reading

Bad links hurt trust, so check before sending.

TRY THIS
Check first.
Photo for the tip: Mistake: sending too much
TIP 13

Mistake: sending too much

Piles of links overwhelm, so choose one best.

TRY THIS
Send one.
Photo for the tip: Mistake: sharing private information
TIP 14

Mistake: sharing private information

Never share what is secret, so stay respectful.

TRY THIS
Be careful.
Photo for the tip: Troubleshoot: when they never respond
TIP 15

Troubleshoot: when they never respond

Do not take it personally, because they may be busy. Keep sharing lightly.

TRY THIS
Be patient.
Photo for the tip: Troubleshoot: when you cannot find good things
TIP 16

Troubleshoot: when you cannot find good things

Ask others what they read or follow trusted sources. Good ideas are close.

TRY THIS
Ask around.
Photo for the tip: Drill: send one useful link today
TIP 17

Drill: send one useful link today

Choose someone and send them one helpful link with a short note.

TRY THIS
Send one.
Photo for the tip: Drill: build a sharing list
TIP 18

Drill: build a sharing list

Write the names of five people and one topic each cares about.

TRY THIS
Write five.
Photo for the tip: Keep sources reliable
TIP 19

Keep sources reliable

Share from trusted sources. Good sources protect your name.

TRY THIS
Check the source.
Photo for the tip: Share with a summary
TIP 20

Share with a summary

Add one line that says what the item teaches. It saves time.

TRY THIS
Add a summary.
Photo for the tip: Share a book or tool you love
TIP 21

Share a book or tool you love

Personal picks feel warm. Tell why you like it.

TRY THIS
Share one.
Photo for the tip: Save time with a reading folder
TIP 22

Save time with a reading folder

Save links in one place. Look at them weekly.

TRY THIS
Create a folder.
Photo for the tip: Example: the weekly email
TIP 23

Example: the weekly email

Ana sent one helpful link each Friday. Her readers waited for it.

TRY THIS
Try Fridays.
Photo for the tip: Example: the quick tip
TIP 24

Example: the quick tip

Ben texted a friend a trick for a spreadsheet. She replied with heart emojis.

TRY THIS
Send a quick tip.
Photo for the tip: Mistake: sharing news that scares
TIP 25

Mistake: sharing news that scares

Fear-based stories upset people. Share helpful, calm items.

TRY THIS
Choose calm items.
Photo for the tip: Troubleshoot: when someone does not read
TIP 26

Troubleshoot: when someone does not read

Do not worry. Give once and let it go.

TRY THIS
Let it go.

Easy things to say

When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many networking and career moments.

SHARE

“I found this and thought of you.”

WHY

“It may help with your project.”

SHORT

“Here is a short summary.”

ASK

“Would you like more?”

THANKS

“Glad it helped.”

CLOSE

“Happy to share anytime.”

Your first week

One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.

DAY 1
Read often
DAY 2
Save good finds
DAY 3
Match to a person
DAY 4
Add a note
DAY 5
Send kindly
DAY 6
Ask if useful
DAY 7
Keep a list

Further reading

  • Give and Take (Adam Grant)
  • The Go-Giver (Bob Burg and John David Mann)
  • Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi)

The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.

Keep your place and keep growing

Create a free account to save your progress and pick up the next lesson where you stopped. No card needed.

Start free

These lessons share general learning and everyday ideas. They are not medical or mental health advice. If you feel very anxious, low or unwell, please talk to a doctor or a qualified professional.

More lessons in “Giving Before Asking”

Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.

← Previous: Know Your Own GiftsNext: Make Helpful Introductions →

  1. Why Helpers Win Over Time
  2. Give Without Keeping Score
  3. Know Your Own Gifts
  4. Share Useful Information
  5. Make Helpful Introductions
  6. Offer Your Time and Skills
  7. Ask for Advice, Not Favours
  8. Make Your Request Small and Clear
  9. Say Thank You Properly
  10. Protect Yourself From Takers
  11. Say No Kindly
  12. Pass It On
Scroll to Top