How To Value Time From Others (Time Series Part 4)
This week I’m going to write a 4-part series on “time” where I tackle the concept from different perspectives.
In Part 1, I discuss how Time Makes No Sense.
In Part 2, I break down the value of Extra Time.
In Part 3, I show how I have been Evolving Over Time.
Here’s Part 4.
Everyone’s time is valuable. Especially to them.
When someone else gives you their time, they are choosing you over other people in their life, downtime with themselves, or working on their own dreams.
So, how do you value the time that other’s part with on your behalf?
Here are four strategies you can use to show respect for the time someone else has given you.
- Don’t show up as a blank canvas. It is ok to be stuck. It is ok to not know. It is NOT ok to have not done some work beforehand. These are YOUR problems. This is for YOUR benefit. The least you can do is do a little homework beforehand. Don’t ask for someone’s time for something you can google. Don’t ask people to help you make a decision if you aren’t giving them options. Always, and I mean always, come prepared with a viewpoint that they can build from or redirect.
- Make it relevant and valuable to them. Make your time together beneficial to the other person. Your ask should be rooted in their skill set or interests. I am really good at design and business strategy. I enjoy those things. I can’t help you with an accounting question. That’s not what I do well or what I enjoy.
- Take action on their advice. People ask me for advice often on how to break into UX design. I’m happy to have those conversations. What I loathe is seeing people take my time and never take action. If I suggest a book, read it. If I suggest a course, take it. Conversation is not action. Don’t use my time just to be next to me. Go out and actively pursue your own dreams.
- Show progress. When someone gives you their time, they are making an investment in you. Show a good return. Follow up with them and show that their time was valuable. Maybe they discussed a podcast that helped them learn more about the topic you were interested in. Send an email a few days later to let them know you actually listened to it. It is also ok to follow up and show that you took a different approach. Maybe you talked with them about a job that you wanted but ultimately, you decided not to pursue it. Follow up and let them know why you decided to go in a different direction. Following up and showing progress is a simple gesture to let people know that you truly valued their interaction.
If you do this consistently, you’ll find that others will not only give you their time, but they will start asking other people in their circle to make time for you also.