What do you do when a newish player (greenleaf) asks for help in game randomly?

I've had this happen to me a couple of times and I've tried to help as best I can. The first time I tried didn't go so well because I went about it the wrong way. I'm just curious how some other veterans handle it? Just give advice? Run through content with them? Gear them up to a more appropriate level and send them on their way?

Thanks!