When to stay back and when to step in

I got a text from a friend a little while ago.  She needed to get some work delivered and it was too late to arrange for shipping.  She reached out to me for help and was hoping that I was doing the same show she was.  There is a fair distance from where she was physically, where the work was and where it needed to be.  I called the event to see if I knew anyone who was going to be there, and I knew a few people.  Turns out, I did have a couple people who could give a hand.

20 minutes of time invested on my part and we had a solution.  There were several people who were ready to jump in, all they needed was a coordinator.  Just call me facilitator, there were several different phone calls but I didn't actually need to do anything accept answer the phone and call other people.  Wasn't very difficult in the end for me and at least 2 people were very happy with the end result.  The question remains, why did I bother?  Because I could and someday, I hope that someone might move things for me.

Those who follow me know that I believe in helping others in this industry.  I share information, time, techniques, knowledge and materials because I know I am not building competition; I am building a community.  I also only give what I can afford to.  Energy, information, supplies; not everything I give will come back from the same source but that is okay.  I don't over give, or over extend myself because I don't want to be resentful.  Figure out your limitations, give what you can and remember to accept "Thank You" even when you don't feel like making 20 minutes of phone calls is all that much.  One of the people I called told me "I can if...." limitations are fine, she is still offering to help with what she can.  Thank you to all those who answered the phone, you all helped.