The secrets to life can be so simple and so obvious, once we see them. Let me explain with a story.

I work with a marketing executive, Jane Payfer, who Seth Godin told me to listen to. I have a note in Seth’s handwriting in my office that reads, “Steve listen to Jane! Seth.” I should have taken his advice earlier, but I admit, I am not the sharpest tool in the shed.

So one morning, feeling frustrated and dour, I ambushed Jane. I rambled off a dozen things that I believed were ruining a project and then said, “We’re transparent here, right? Let’s blog about it.”

She paused and gave me one of those thoughtful looks with her finger across her lips and then said, “No, don’t blog about it.”

“Why not?” I asked.

“Because it isn’t helpful.”

The words “Be Helpful!” rang through my mind. It sounds corny, but it was like a Homer Simpson epiphany…

Be helpful! Duh!

If you write posts that are truly helpful, people will read your blog. If your products and services are helpful to your customers you will succeed. If you are helpful to others your relationships will flourish.

I realize I am oversimplifying here, but being helpful is something that you control.

So go be helpful!