I've had people try it on me. It was incredibly awkward. It did come off as arrogant. And the first thing it made me wonder is 'wtf? who are you?' I don't know

I've had people try it on me. It was incredibly awkward. It did come off as arrogant. And the first thing it made me wonder is 'wtf? who are you?' I don't know if it was tone, timing or something else, but I don't think it should be a cold opener. There needs to be some small talk beforehand, a decent understanding of what someone is doing. If you and I talked and I just told you what I'm working on and you actually seem engaged, interested and knowledgeable then asking 'Is there something I can do to help you?' might be a natural and genuine statement. Taking advice/help from someone requires some degree of trust, establish a little before trying this imo.