Using Your Success to Help Others

Congratulations: you’ve reached the top of your field, earn a great wage and are doing pretty well in life. In many cases, this also puts you in a great position to help people in need or who may be struggling to find their way. If you’re scratching your head wondering how to contribute in some way, read on for a few options you may or may not have considered.

Offer Advice

They say it’s lonely at the top, but it doesn’t have to be. Help others find the path to success, whether it’s by giving public talks, appearing on television, or offering advice in print and digital publications. Don Gayhardt, the president and CEO of the CURO Financial Technologies Corp, regularly writes helpful articles about business and finance on his web site’s blog. If you lack your own blog or site, you can easily sign up for free on web sites like Medium, where, incidentally, Gayhardt has also contributed. You can even write an entire book about your professional journey and the insights you gained along the way.

Philanthropy

A common choice for celebrities, but famous or not, it never hurts to lend a hand to those most in need. Donate money to charities and the causes you most believe in, or go even further and arrange or take part in fundraising and volunteering opportunities. You can even become a spokesperson for a charitable organization and use your influence to give it a stronger voice and spread its message.

Reach Out to Your Network

It’s rare for even the most self-made of people to reach the top completely on their own. You’ve likely accumulated a list of trusted contacts in your field (e.g. former colleagues and bosses): get in touch with your connections on a regular basis and ask them how they’re doing, and if they’re struggling, see if there’s a way you can offer help. Don’t be afraid to reach out to contacts you may have fallen out of touch with either, especially if you were on good terms when you last spoke: chances are that still stands. In general, caring for your network is important, as those relationships could help you in the future. As the old adage goes, “You scratch my back…”

Be Open and Kind to Others

Too often, people who make it big become paranoid that others may try to take away their success. While a well-off person should always make sure they are not being taken advantage of, success is best maintained through positive relationships. To act coldly, cruelly or arrogantly to others will likely make you even more enemies to be distrustful of. Instead, show the people you meet the “best” you, not by trying to live up to the pressures of your “legend,” but by expressing genuine interest and care for the people you meet.

Success can be even better when passed along. Do your part and you’ll not only feel good, but reach heights you may not have even dreamed of.