Offering to help is a powerful way to build and support your relationships. It is easy to get caught up in our own needs and wants. It isn’t hard to focus on ourselves and let it eclipse how we can help others.

The recent stories of people helping one another during hurricane Harvey are moving examples. So many people moved to do what they could, with their own vehicles to help evacuate others. A family opening their home to another family that has been displaced. The impact on these families can give us a perspective of appreciation for what we have, and trigger us to offer to help. We aren’t limited to helping during times of crisis.

I recall thinking earlier in my career that I was not in a position to help many people. I didn’t have a big professional network. I didn’t have money to invest. I limited myself in thinking that I didn’t have much to offer another person. I saw only things that I needed and I didn’t have. I assumed everyone else had similar needs.

Do not assume you cannot help someone else. Offer to have a conversation and find out. You do not know what will be helpful. Kind words. Someone to listen. Moral support. Making a connection with a resource. All these may seem like small gestures and can be a big help at the right time. Sometimes you can offer inspiration for someone to tackle a seemingly insurmountable obstacle.

I ran into a former colleague at a conference this year after not seeing one another for at least eight years. I enjoyed working with him, and we had fallen out of touch. We sat and had coffee for thirty minutes, and during that time he said, “Thank you for some of the advice you gave me back when we were working together. It has helped me in my professional development.” I was humbled that he had been helped. The conversation reinforced how every little thing can make a difference.

If a friend or colleague asks you for help, try hard to find a way to say yes. Maybe you have to say “yes, later”. Or maybe your help is something other than what they specifically ask for initially. When you keep your mind open to being helpful you can make a big difference in unexpected ways.

In the midst of a conversation where somewhere has shared a challenge or obstacle, consider offering to help. The simple act of caring for someone other than yourself is a powerful gesture in a relationship. Consider saying “Would you like help with that issue?” or “Is there something I can do that would be helpful?” Stay open to the option of helping.