Entrepreneurs Should Look for the ‘Yes’ Face

Throughout the entrepreneurial journey, the number of requests and times you ask for help is innumerable, from the product launch to recruiting team members, building teams, and scaling the business. Seeking help from others is an integral part of the experience. Only sometimes, it’s hard to know who’s willing to help and who isn’t. Traditional networking, going to alumni groups, participating in different meet-up organizations, and generally socializing are all great techniques.

Last month, I heard the story of Thomas Jefferson and the ‘yes’ face for the first time:

During Thomas Jefferson’s presidency he and a group of travelers were crossing a river that had overflowed its banks. Each man crossed on horseback fighting for his life. A lone traveler watched the group traverse the treacherous river and then asked President Jefferson to take him across. The president agreed without hesitation, the man climbed on, and the two made it safely to the other side of the river where somebody asked him: “Why did you select the President to ask this favor?” The man was shocked, admitting he had no idea it was the President of the United States who had carried him safely across. “All I know,” he said, “is that on some of your faces was written the answer ‘No’ and on some of them was the answer ‘Yes.’ His was a ‘Yes’ face.” (source)

Now, after having heard it, it’s been rattling around in my mind ever since. Some people have a look about them where you can tell they want to help. You can tell that they’re interested in helping others. You can see something in their eyes that’s just a little bit different.

Entrepreneurs would do well to pay more attention to who has a ‘yes’ face, to those who more frequently volunteer to help. Then, turn that understanding into a strategy to seek out more people with a bias towards saying yes. Entrepreneurs should look for the ‘yes’ face and get help on their mission.