Using The Law Of Reciprocity To Build Great Wealth
Business owners and entrepreneurs often tap into the law of reciprocity without knowing it.
They’re inherently pre-programmed to participate in the worldwide truth of give and receive. While there are those out there in this world who take take take, the vast majority of us swing to the other side of the scale and give give give.
Ever heard the quote – it’s better to give than receive?
Sure you have! Not sure if it’s true because invariably when you give you do receive – it’s the law of reciprocity.
Whether you give time, knowledge, money or even tangible things – you get it back tenfold.
Let’s take a look at this law in action!
Influence and Reciprocity
If you’ve been in business for any length of time or even if you’ve just begun to research business models and strategies you’ve likely come across Dr Robert Cialdini and his laws of persuasion and influence.
They are, in no particular order,
- Commitment and Consistency – If people commit, to an idea or goal, they are more likely to honor that commitment. This is used often in sales. A sales person gets the potential customer to agree to a few ideas and thus sets the tone for the sale.
- Social Proof – People will do things that they see other people are doing. The bandwagon mentality. If other people are doing it then there must be some value or benefit to it.
- Authority – People will tend to obey authority figures. Establish credibility and authority and people will be more likely to buy from you.
- Likeability – People are easily persuaded by other people that they like.
- Scarcity – Perceived scarcity will generate demand. Buy now only 10 left – enough said!
- Reciprocity – People tend to return a favor. This is often used in internet marketing by giving people lots of good content. We’re talking books, reports, even products or at least trial versions of products.
The law of reciprocity at its most basic level tells us that if we give our prospects and customers something, whether it is a free product or service, excellent customer service, or even something as basic as tons of valuable information on a website or blog, then they will return the favor and make a purchase. It’s a law that many business owners and entrepreneurs tap into without realizing it. They do it unconsciously.
Networking and Reciprocity
That being said, the law of reciprocity doesn’t stop there. It extends to your community – both your personal community and your professional community.
When you participate in your local community, whether it is through your church, through your child’s school, your local community education program, local team sports, your home owner’s association, the homeless shelter, your community’s cultural events and so on, you’re volunteering your time. You’re sharing your knowledge and experience with those who can most benefit from it.
For example if you own a business teaching copywriting strategies you can give back to the community by teaching free marketing writing courses through your local community education program or free university. You can assist at the junior high or high school and help during writing labs or workshops.
So how does the law of reciprocity work if you’re volunteering your time in your community?
It just does. Not very scientific, right? Well the truth of the matter is that when you’re out and about meeting people and sharing your knowledge and experience you meet people who need your knowledge and experience and are willing to pay for it. You meet people who are interested in your products and services and you meet people who present valuable business building opportunities.
It’s basic networking without the focus being about your or your business. In fact, in my experience if you go out to help others with the idea that you’re going to get something back monetarily – it doesn’t work. Instead, go out and help others, give back to your community and enjoy the feel good rewards you receive. The wealth will follow naturally.
The same holds true if when you are networking professionally. However instead of shaking hands and kissing babies with the hope that these same folks will come knocking at your metaphorical door (unless you own a brick and mortar business then it’s not so metaphorical?) connect with fellow business owners and entrepreneurs in an effort to education and to learn. Networking by and large is about sharing knowledge and helping each other become better.
When you network professionally the more charitable your approach the more you will receive. In today’s competitive marketplace the ones who survive long term are transparent and authentic.
The Universal Law of Reciprocity
The universal law of reciprocity pulls us out of our day to day actions, our day to day giving and receiving and puts it in the hands of whatever you believe is out there affecting your life – God, The Universe, an energetic force – it doesn’t really matter because the law is the same. When you give, you receive.
It isn’t a matter of faith. You don’t even have to believe in this law for it to be true. In fact if you go into the world giving and expecting something back then it’s just not going to be as effective. If you look at each good deed you do as a money in the bank – we’ll you’re taking all the fun out of it. Instead, rest assured with the knowledge that every time you give you will receive.
Seriously. This isn’t some new fangled spiritual, hippy, approach to wealth. People have embraced and prospered with this knowledge for centuries.
So how can you use the law of reciprocity to prosper?
Become conscious of it. Know that it is an influential factor in sales. When you give away value, people are inclined to reciprocate. That means integrate it into your sales and marketing strategy and tactics. Use the law of reciprocity to influence your customers and prospects.
Network. Get out and get involved both in your personal life and in your professional life. The people that you meet are wide open doors of opportunity. Greet them as such and be an opportunity for them. The wealth you will receive both personal and tangible – we’re talking about both the joy of giving as well as the joy of the monetary benefits you will receive, will astound you.
Finally, simply accept that the law of reciprocity works. Don’t force it. Enjoy it. Sit back from time to time and ask yourself – Am I giving enough? Take stock in the opportunities that have come your way simply by giving. And then make a plan to give more.
The law of reciprocity is always in motion. Don’t let it slip between your fingers – use it to generate the great wealth you deserve.
To Your Success!
Jeremy Gislason
SureFireWealth INC
SureFireWealth.com
What do you think about the Law of Reciprocity? Have you had any real life experiences? Do you believe this works or not? Leave your comments below…
You are free to link back to this article from your websites, blogs and social bookmark sites as well as tell others via email or word of mouth.
November 10th, 2008 at 3:31 am
The theory is sound. I have been giving, giving, and giving.
I wonder how long it takes to start receiving. I’m starting to think if I give a little less, maybe the freeby seekers, who will never spend a cent to grow their business, will unsubscribe from my list.
November 10th, 2008 at 3:39 am
If you give without expectations, it always works in your favor.
If I’m in a position to help someone, for instance, they need a buck or two to finish paying for their groceries, I always do try to do that. Somehow out of the blue there always seems to be something good coming my way in the next few days. It never fails. I may be doing it to get them through the line so I can get there, but that doesn’t matter. It’s just the act of helping them that makes it work.
November 10th, 2008 at 6:08 am
I agree to a certain extent. I think there will always be people who will take advantage of those who give, as you stated….but there is something to be said for giving without expectation. There is something to be said for putting the focus on feeding one’s soul and not focusing on money and letting the money simply come to you. I have found that when I do focus on money or worry about bills things only get worse. I have recently “let go” of any grip that I might feel that I have on the outcome of any particular venture monetarily and actually get excited by watching how things turn out when I just “let it happen!” I actually dance and laugh around the house when I realize that I am doing this effectively and see orders roll in all on their own! Shhhh! Don’t tell anyone…they’ll think I’m nuts! Try it and watch it happen…just let it go with the knowledge that the money will come all on it’s own without you worrying about it…as long as you are doing what is right and sincerely trying to help people and society on a whole…
…just my two cents!
Cheers!
Bret
November 10th, 2008 at 6:39 am
Banks have used reciprocal business models for donkeys years, especially from their counterparts overseas doing business with them, and vice-versa. It works, so there really is no reason why it should not also work well in the very different environments being discussed in your article.
MikeKL
http://www.makingdollars4u.com
November 10th, 2008 at 7:10 am
If anyone reads the Bible, it will be evident that this is not a new thing. It’s the Law of Compensation or Sowing and Reaping. No less than the Lord Jesus Christ preached this principle. Others say it’s the Law of Karma. It takes effect whether you like it or not because it is not you who is responsible for its manifestation but a Higher Power in the Universe.
November 10th, 2008 at 7:37 am
The Law of Reciprocity is really just a matter of kindness that you share towards other people who either come to you for advise or who come to you for your product or service.
In the process of sharing your experiences with others and having them do the same, you both become better for learning from one another and that experience you gain from another persons experiences means that should you ever experience the same situation that another person just shared with you, hopefully you can make a better decision than what they did and become a better person because you were able to share experiences.
Sincerely,
Keith Boynton, Overseer
The Gates of Zion
http://www.thegatesofzion.org
November 10th, 2008 at 7:54 am
The law of reciprocity, just like the law of gravity, keeps on working, whether we believe in it or not. How we approach it will either make this work for us or against us. It’s good to know about this, otherwise we will have no idea how to work with it.
The law of reciprocity has always been there. It’s always working whether we like it or not. Why not coordinate and work with it for our advantage the way we do with gravity?
It just makes sense!
Cheers,
Ricardo
– Free $250 in Advertising –
http://www.ad-alyzer.com/727/adsncash
November 10th, 2008 at 8:04 am
I have found that giving with no strings attached is the best way. It prevents one from expecting something back from the person(s) you have given to. It also leaves one free in spirit and mind which promotes better relationships and longer friendships. The person who follow this principle will always have some- what to give. It is a solid Bible principle to give to others and expect nothing in return. You will receive much much more than you ever imagined.
Arthur Cooksey
WealthsWay.com (Site in process)
November 10th, 2008 at 8:24 am
I agreed Pat I’ve been giving, giving alot but don’t know when the time will come will be a windfall for me.
Dickie Lim
http://www.internetwealth-en101.com
November 10th, 2008 at 9:05 am
Both Pat and Dickie Lim it appears are transmitting that they are giving and giving? It is possible that giving to them is an effort? If that is the case and people see it coming, the good deeds will not always come back. If it hurts to give so much people will feel it and not respond.
November 10th, 2008 at 9:24 am
Well said Brad. Your two cents looks like GOLD to me. We in America are living in a bastion of freedoms and liberties. And many believe that life itself is a gift like no other. and that giving back is a natural impulse (“Resisistance Is Futile” Borg). I believe that the law of reciprocity is a supernatural manifistation of the goodwill we feel towards our fellow man. Practioners in the pursuits of happiness that are transparent and authentic are of great value to all of us. I am most thankful to Jeremy for sharing an excellent, compelling article.
….letting go ….for now, Steve D
November 10th, 2008 at 11:10 am
No, I cannot agree that the “law of reciprocity” is a valid law. Some people are naturally caring and nurturing, others are out for what they can get. And of course many are in between these 2 extremes. I spent 30 years of my life living according to spiritual ideals, not for what I could get, but because I thought that spirituality contained truths, and I wanted to live as truthfully as I could. I saw no evidence then, and I see none now, that a general attitude of giving is helpful to either party (notwithstanding charitable efforts for those struck by trauma or tragedy).
On the contrary, where giving is offered without deservedness or readiness, the gift is frequently wasted, and engenders an unwarranted attitude of deservedness. At best it fosters over-dependence, and at worst fosters selfishness.
An attitude of giving is frequently perceived as a sign of intellectual weakness or softness, and the services of the giver are devalued.
There’s a lot of talk about “moving the free line”. The top guys who’re moving that line are doing it for 2 reasons: firstly to wipe out the competition, which is possibly most people reading this blog, and secondly to stake their claim on a captive audience (which of course overlap).
There is no law of reciprocity, just as there is no law of attraction. Want to be wealthy? Master your profession and behave professionally, learn how to market yourself, and also pay attention to your mental and physical health. There are no magic wands. Only gurus who want you to think there are.
November 10th, 2008 at 11:33 am
I would suggest to Pat and Dickie to not just give to your ‘clients’ or prospects. Instead try giving to the needy like the orphanage or old folks home where your gifts will be much appreiated. Even if you do not receive anything materially, just the look of happiness in those that you gave to should be enough to make your day.
November 10th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Yes, of course the law of reciprocity works. How often have we heard it expressed in various way. The Golden Rule, what goes around comes around, it all comes out in the wash and I am certain there are more. Every Prophet has endorsed a version of this law.
And scientist, through their work in particle physics are proving some of this concepts that were once thought to be metaphysical. I won’t go into specifics, but a good book to read that demonstrate this is Stephen Hawking, The Universe in a Nutshell, for anyone who thinks it is a bunch of hooey.
That said, it doesn’t work as a simple 1 + 1 = 2. It’s your intentions, your true intentions that count, not just you actions. If I an being generous to appear spiritual, or to boost my ego, I have already been paid. If I am doing a good deed to receive a reward in the afterlife, I have already billed for my service.
And we can be ripped off even if our generosity has been freely given. I have been ripped off on the internet to a tune of over $10,000. But part of that was because I wanted to succeed so badly that I didn’t listen to my inner knowing, I didn’t check the organization out, and I allowed them to talk me into something more than I could afford.
While that doesn’t excuse their tactics, I did learn a few things about myself, and it reaffirmed that I should not doubt my own instincts. If someone pushed the right buttons, they can easily trigger that self doubt. But even if those feelings are triggered, I can not act on them. That incident underscored the lesson in a expensive way.
The point is, my generosity doesn’t assure that I won’t get ripped off or stabbed in the back. There may be other issues that create those situations in my life. Besides, if I am disillusioned because I am not getting back as much as I have given, then my generosity has expectations. It is not free. When I give freely, I don’t keep tract of what, when, who and how much. I am not upset if my generosity is not recognized. I do it because it need to be done and then I pretty much forget all about it. ( Understand, I am not saying that I can do that all the time).
And the last point, one that is often overlooked, is that it is not my place to judge whether or not someone is deserving of my help or generosity. And even if the person should misused or waste the opportunity, that doesn’t mean that my generosity was wasted. Sometimes, the same person will change late, and perhaps remembering that their are people who will help without judging, was the motivation that made the difference.
I know that it works. Although there have been many times that I have been ripped off or stabbed in the back, it came down to a lesson a needed to learn, or an awareness I needed to develop or a belief that I needed to adjust. And in the bigger picture of my life, I have been the recipient of generosity when I needed it most, that came out of the blue. I have been fortunate in situations that logically should have ended my life.
And the biggest payoff, is the sense of worth, freedom and empowerment that grows inside. And there is no better payoff than that.
November 10th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
I believe so much in the Law of Reciprocity, that I created a website about it.
Without a doublt The Law of Reciprocity works. This is true in both business as well as personal interactions.
I feel it is one of the most powerful and influential laws in the universe.
Here is a true story. A number of years ago I got a flat tire. I went to the nearest tire store and asked how much it would cost to repair.
No charge they said. I told them I didn’t buy the tire there. No problem: no charge.
Guess where I went the next time I needed to buy a tire? I shared that story everytime someone talked to me about tires.
That free tire repair, netted that company hundreds of dollars in sales from me. And they got lots of business everytime I shared my story with my friends.
That’s the Law of Reciprocity in action: when you give back, you get back.
Live it, practice it, profit from it.
Albert Grande
November 10th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
I think the law of reciprocity works, we need tho offer significant value in order to keep readers in our sites, otherwise all business will be more difficult to make.
I understand the opinion of Christine, but we have to adopt a more open mind to reap the benefits, and have more faith in our plans.
November 10th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
An extract of a brief business breakfast presentation I gave in late 2007…
“…There are 8 important points regarding The Law of Reciprocity:
1. People expect repayment over time.
2. Acts must be mutually rewarding.
3. Deposits don’t simply accumulate.
4. You can go in the red.
5. You make deposits or receive credits by making favorable impressions on others—by doing things for them.
6. A history of reciprocity promotes trust.
7. Reciprocity is a very powerful form of power.
8. Reciprocity can be both positive and negative.
“One of the most potent of the weapons of influence around us is the rule for reciprocation. The rule says that we should try to repay, in kind, what another person has provided us.”
Robert B. Cialdini, author of The Psychology of Persuasion (William Morrow, 1993)
In Wayne Baker’s bestseller, “Achieving Success Through Social Capital” (Jossey-Bass), this “law of reciprocity” is described as also being true the in the workplace.
The law of reciprocity is not what can best be described as “transactional reciprocity.”
Baker says that, “Many people conceive of their business dealings as spot market exchanges–value given for value received, period. Nothing more, nothing less.
This tit-for-tat mode of operation can produce success, but it doesn’t invoke the power of reciprocity and so fails to yield extraordinary success.”
Baker explains, “The lesson is that we cannot pursue the power of reciprocity. When we try to invoke reciprocity directly, we lose sight of the reason for it: helping others.”
Paradoxically, it is in helping others without expecting reciprocity in return that we invoke the power of reciprocity. The path to reciprocity is indirect – reciprocity ensues from the social capital built by making contributions to others.
The deliberate pursuit of reciprocity fails, just like the pursuit of happiness. Acts of contribution, big and small, build your fund of social capital, creating a vast network of reciprocity. And so those who help you may not be those you help. The help you receive may come from distant corners of your network.”
“To the extent to which one makes happiness the objective of his motivation, he necessarily makes it the object of his attention. But precisely by so doing he loses sight of the reason for happiness, and happiness itself must fade away.” Viktor E. Frankl, The Will to Meaning (Meridian, 1988)
In conclusion it is only through giving without reserve or expectation within your business, social and familial worlds that you will receive reciprocal benefit – but there are no guarantees it will be what YOU want, or what YOU expect.
In the words of the great British philosopher, Mick Jagger… “You don’t always get wot you waannt, but if you try real hard you might, jus’ sometimes, gettt wot you need.”…”
Just give!
Bob Parker
FBP & Assoc
http://www.fbpandassociates.com.au
November 10th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
Great insight! Personally, in my experience, I feel that when I give little without expectations, I receive more than I deserve. When I give with expectations, I receive little or nothing.
Rogerio Job
http://www.rendaautomatica.com
November 10th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
I feel that the law of reciprocity works only when you believe in it. It`s just like any religion. If you believe everything you do will come true if you wait long enough. The problem is way too many people lose faith too soon. The result is that there is no chance for the law to manifest and they conclide there is no such thing as the law of reciprocity.
leefrank
November 10th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
I Love this and agree with everything that you have said. I also have a name of a guy from Australia Mr Pat Mesiti who teaches this stuff along with other wonderful laws of nature and i can whole heartedly say that this has helped me get to where i am today. Thanks and keep up the good work http://www.baddebtconsolidationloan.co.uk
November 10th, 2008 at 11:44 pm
I’m a firm believer in the saying ‘Give and you shall receive’. It’s very important though not to expect anything in return. Whatever is given needs to be done freely with no strings. It’s amazing how often when you are in need of something yourself, suddenly the doorbell rings or a letter arrives in the post and you find you have got the very thing that you needed.
Sue
http://www.loseweightresources.com
November 11th, 2008 at 12:02 am
Pat and Dickie, you give but never get? First, you are attaching to getting which automatically blocks reciprocity. Second, how do you know you haven’t received? If your sole focus is on money, you won’t get with your current beliefs. Rewards come in many different ways. If your rewards are too small to have value to you, then you aren’t grateful, which also blocks reciprocity.
Christine, you are a jaded and cynical person who clearly has been hurt. Giving isn’t wasted on ungrateful people. It’s the giving that counts here. Reciprocity does not happen in a positive way with that belief. Instead, negative things happen. Your advice of self education and professionalism is sound but in doing those things, you give…..to yourself and your employer and their clients. No such thing as Law of Reciprocity? Don’t you get raises, bonuses or other perks? I hope someday you are able to trust yourself enough to be able to give from the heart, without thought of receiving anything in return. Then you will know the true meaning of reciprocity.
The Laws of Reciprocity and Attraction work with a sound belief in the self. Accepting who you are and valuing yourself without taking on the judgment of others is important in making the laws work. Ask the Universe for what you want specifically and release attachment to the outcome. Believe it can happen. Be open to receiving all that comes to you without limits or ego. Then you will be truly abundant.
Sara Harp
http://www.goldmagick.com/
November 11th, 2008 at 12:38 am
WOW, I am sooo glad to find so many people who know about reciprocity. I know it has worked well for me as I am a natural or supernatural giver. My website is totally giving and remains fresh as His word is unchangeable and goes on and on eternally.http://newfreshcreatedjustforyou.blogspot.com/
I am blessed every which way I turn and learned the hard way about giving freely. I also agree that the ones you give to are not usually the ones you receive from. In that it seems a strange law but definitely it is a fun way to live. Freely you have received, freely give is the Jesus way…
November 11th, 2008 at 3:42 am
I believe in the Law of Reciprocity because I have truly witnessed the principle in action as both the giver and receiver. This law is central to my core being, operates in all areas of my life and contributes significantly in maintaining perceptive balance when it comes to others perspectives.
From, the giving side I’ve learned how to have reciprocity work best to my advantage and that is to give freely, by releasing without ANY expectation of a return. Somehow I think the nature for this law has it all figured out. When someone is simply going through the “giving” action, yet there is an unconscious intent or thought that a reward will arrive later on down the line; the subtle expectation is still present which prevents the law from moving full circle.
From the receiving end, there have been times, I have been so broke, I did not know how I was going eat my next meal. I’ve had total strangers help me, yet when I said I want to pay you back, each response has been along the line “all that I ask is you Pay It Forward”.
So a phrase I keep near and dear when giving is, “Blessed Are Those Who Expect Nothing For They Shall Not Be Disappointed”.
However, I am also mindful of the biblical verse, “don’t cast your pearls among swine”. Possibly this passage is for those people who others spoke of here that rip others off, stab others in the back, and receive, receive, receive and never give back.
Either way, the discussion here has been very thought provoking and interesting to read.
Christine Range
November 11th, 2008 at 5:36 am
I do believe that there is a universal law that makes this happen. Like most things in life though, it’s about balance. There are obviously people out there who will happily take, take, take all day long from those who just seem to give.
So, it probably makes sense to use a bit of common sense when deciding who to give to. Beggars on the street are 10 a penny now, some even making a business out of it and making a lot of money.
However….I think the secret is INTENTION. Now, I’m not religious in any way at all, but through my self learning and personal growth, I’m sure I read that the ‘Kabbalah’ talks a lot about ‘intention’.
I suppose it makes sense. If you go out and genuinely give from the heart with absolutely no thought of anything in return, then your intention is good and true. The same then would be true with the example of the street beggars. If we never passed any judgment as to whether the street beggar was genuine or not and just gave money with true, genuine ‘intention’ of helping that person no matter what. Then the universal law will…. and has to send that good deed right back to us….magic.
This would mean that, even if you go out and do a good deed for someone and it doesn’t go to plan, in fact even if it goes horribley wrong but your INTENTION was truely good and genuine, then you must be rewarded in some way good. Only you will truely know if your intention was true and good. No matter how good you lie or make people think you were trying to help them, only you will know when you look in the mirror. And the universe will respond accordingly.
We are only human however, and if we’re all honest, it would be quite hard to give so generously without the tiniest fraction of a thought of…”hmm, I wonder what might come to me now”.
But, every day we try or genuinely do our best, is a day higher on the ladder of personal growth and evolving.
I have often thought (and imagine this if you will), what if EVERY SINGLE DAY….EVERY DAY, the first and only thought we all had and I mean EVERYONE on the planet, was….”Who can I help today other than myself”
Just really visualise that for a moment. EVERY SINGLE PERSON on the planets only intention was to go out and do someone else a good turn. NO one in the world would go without. Everyone would be looked after…including YOU!
NO WAR…awsome eh?
Getting a bit heavy here, but…really simple stuff if we could all see the power in it.
A phrase I love and which I have as one of my daily goals is, “Do a favour for someone who can NEVER pay you back.” Absolutely love it.
November 11th, 2008 at 8:37 am
The philosophy of your post is true, and it’s best not to look for a return, on daily good deeds.
This is because the reward is immediate. That quick reward is the endorphin flow in your brain,
which, immediately, gives you a certain level of “feel good”.
Does Karma keep tabs on good and bad, like “Earl” in the TV show believes?
Does Karma pay you back, later, when you allow someone to go before you, in
the supermarket line? That’s unknown, and you shouldn’t concern yourself with it.
A better question would be, “is a pattern/example being set for others to use the
same good manners, thus, the favor is returned to you, at a later time?”
Yes, I believe so. Hey Earl, just maybe, that is one of the ways that Karma works. :O)
Alfred Jones
Answers & Solutions http://tinyurl.com/5a8bju
November 11th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
yea is true but it is difficult when you think of bills that need to be paid, family to feed, expectation you are required to meet etc sometimes one is really tempted to ask does it really work?
i want assure you it does work ………………………..
November 11th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
Pat and Dickie, I can only speak from my own experience when I came across one of those supposed free massive giveaways offered by one particular website, but in reality were given by 50 other separate dealers when I signed up. Each one had a particular gift they were giving away to entice us to sign to receive their own newsletter. Each of those 50 dealers were trying to outbetter each other with the gifts. Foolish that I was that one day, I let my guard down, or had too much time on my hands, anyway I signed up for most of them. What was I thinking, I know better than that. I haven’t unzipped most of the free offerings, maybe never will. Already forgot what they were. My email box got inundated with newsletters coming from every direction. So through a process of seek and destroy, I unsubscribed to those newsletter which had nothing to offer other than wanting me to buy their product(s). To those newsletters which offered any of the following: business insights, information, tutorials, training, advice, good articles, news, business tips, web advice, internet advice and included trying to sell me something, I continue to subscribe to. Everyone else, three quarters, I have cancelled because one and all are offering the same products as the other guy is selling anyway, and none were saying, here’s some information that may help in your continuing efforts to try and make a go of your business. Giving isn’t a one time process for the saking of getting something in return immediately. Giving isn’t something you do for the sake of getting something in return. That is not what giving is about. Giving something away for the sake of selling something to a person in the future, is not giving. Giving is expecting nothing in return. Gifting because you want a customer to purchase from you is not gifting. It’s marketing. So I feel no guilt whatsoever about accepting your so-called gift, knowing you are giving it only because you want me to buy from you. The Fuller Brush salespeople used to give a free gift of some sort when they came to our doors. It was a reminder of who they were, that they would be back, and that yes, they would try and sell their wares. And if you think giving away the store to get or keep a customer is the answer, then you’d better look for another profession. But never ever think that giving a gift in business is a gift, it’s a marketing promotion item to encourage a potential customer to buy from you. Nothing more, nothing less.
If you really want to give, give to a charity, any charity, but give from the heart!
November 23rd, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Hi Guys, I have been reading through your contributions and I can’t help feeling that it would seem that some of you have missed the point here, sorry.. I think it all has to come naturally, I say this because I have been giving many things for many years in some way or another.
My nature is not to remember who, what or when I gave.. its like I don’t really care or even expect any favours in return in fact I do remember that in my younger days I actually had feelings of embarrassment when people had tried to offer me something in return and I just kindly refused to accept.
Karma is a word that I guess is somewhat spiritual in the sense that you have no control of the outcome whatsoever.
Quoted Extract-> Whether you give Time, Knowledge, Money or even Tangible things –
[Here is the karma]… You get it back Tenfold.
I have benefited over many years like some of the others have mentioned here, so in my humble opinion if you try to plan for an outcome I feel sure it just wont work.
I hope I have made sense,
If it feels good ..Do it.
Dennis