Prepare a one-line, specific answer to "what would be most valuable for you?" and put it in your signature and bios.
The idea
We all live in a reality distortion field. We know our own business so well that we assume everyone else knows what we do and what helps us. They don't. "How can I help you?" should be the best question anyone asks you, yet most people fumble it: they freeze, downplay, and say "nothing right now, thanks!" When you don't have an answer ready, you leave value on the table and waste both people's time.
How to do it
Write down, in one sentence, what would genuinely help you right now. Specific and achievable.
Memorize it. Keep two or three variations ready.
Put it where people see it: your email signature, your LinkedIn bio, your social profiles. I think the signature is one of the most underused tools out there.
As you wrap up a conversation, mention it casually ("Oh, by the way, if you know...").
Example
Someone I respect asked how they could help with a new project. I'd been so busy reading their reaction that my brain went blank, and I mumbled something about "getting the word out." I flopped. Completely. Compare Angela, a commercial agent in my conference prep post: she wants to be the first call when a medical property in her region changes hands, so her ask is simple. Subscribe to her new medical real estate newsletter. Clear, easy to ask for, easy to do.
Script
"I'm looking for introductions to HR leaders at mid-size tech companies" beats "I need more clients."
"I'm trying to meet CTOs at mid-market SaaS companies."
"I need a recommendation for a fractional CFO."
Watch out for
Asks so broad nobody can act on them ("I need more clients," "getting the word out"). The more specific, the better.
Listen for Their Ask: People hint at what they need in passing. Capture their "ask" after every conversation and offer help before they think to request it.
Kill the Vague Ask: Say what you want, how long it takes and why them, and build in an easy out so that "no" is safe.
Asking for Help Is a Gift: Helping lights up the brain's reward centers, so never asking for help denies the people who care about you a genuine feel-good moment.
Don't Be the Stump: Give generously, but let relationships run both ways. Only ever giving robs the other person of the chance to help you.