Youβre a business owner, you want more clients. I get that, we all do.
And sometimes itβs valuable to set aside what you want and think about what other people want.
Ask yourself how you can help other people get what they want and reach their goals.
One way to do this is to give some of your time to support them.
βYou can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.β Zig Ziglar
So why would you do this, spend your precious time (yes, I know how busy you are) giving to others?
Well, quite frankly it feels good. Itβs human nature, itβs the way weβre built. Giving helps other people yet you get as much, sometimes more, being the giver. Funny how that works.
βGiving is as good for the giver as it is for the receiver. Science says it’s so. We’ll be happier, healthier, and even — odds are — live a little longer if we’re generous.β Steven Post, Why Good Things Happen to Good PeopleΒ
Giving is an opportunity for you to make a difference for the person you give to. And that will help that person reach even more people whom they can help. Cool ripple effect.
In addition, people remember generous people and naturally want to reciprocate when possible.
Iβm sure youβve heard the expression, βwhat comes around goes aroundβ. The reason to give isnβt to get something in return. And often, thatβs exactly what happens naturally.
But donβt let this be your motivation. Give because you want to and donβt expect anything in return. I like to say, βgive and forgetβ.
Ways You Can Be Generous Right Now
1. Give some recommendations or endorsements on LinkedIn to people you adore.
2. Send a thank-you note in the mail (yes, snail mail) to someone who has done something to help you.
3. Be helpful and answer questions people have, be useful.Β
4. Refer a client to someone.
5. Introduce two awesome people that would benefit from knowing each other.
Doing the things on the list above wonβt cost you a thing, just some time. And the return on that investment of time more than pays for itself.
And if addition to time, if you have some extra money youβd like to invest, you can give a loan. Yes a loan, not a donation, to Kiva. Kiva is a micro-lender for small business owners. You can look through theΒ profiles and select the person you want to lend to.
Convinced that giving is a good thing to do? Take five minutes each day and show some generosity to your community. Youβll be helping people reach their goals and youβll feel fantastic.
Β© Stephanie Ward
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR NEWSLETTER, BLOG OR WEBSITE?
You can, as long as you include this information with it: Stephanie Ward is the Marketing Coach for Entrepreneurs who want to create meaningful and prosperous businesses. Grab yourΒ FREE copy of the special report β7 Steps to Attract More Clients in Less Timeβ plus business building tips, at: https://www.fireflycoaching.com.
What’s your favorite way to show some love? Share your thoughts below in the comments section.
I love your perspective on the “givers gain” philosophy…I totally agree with the abundant life belief system! Here is a post I wrote a few months ago about the value of “cross-pollination”: http://www.livinglabuenavida.com/lang/en/2011/03/10/the-power-of-cross-pollination/
So many are afflicted with the mentality that they need to self promote all the time…not true, better to promote others since then people will listen to you, and want to promote your business (which is of course much more valuable!). Great article Stephanie! Keep up the great work!
Thank you for your feedback Ginny, I really appreciate it. Also thanks for sharing your post on cross-pollination, a fabulous metaphor and post.
Dear Stephanie
Thanks for the tips. I have implemented 3-5 by virtue of networking online. Great feeling! Now onto 1 & 2, especially as others have been giving me Klout (something I am only recently paying attention to along with Linked in, thanks to your prior article!)
And kiva, a favorite. Christina (who we both know) and I have sponsored children through an Ethiopian orphanage and now onto Kiva this year. Couldn’t think of anything better aside from supporting children and empowering women!
Cheers,
Rajka
Fantastic Rajka! It’s clear that you are all about giving. I agree, supporting children and empowering women are important matters.
Love this Stephanie. BTW how can I see your article on KLOUT?
Great to hear Gillian, thank you for your feedback. I’m not sure I understand your question about Klout, can you tell me more? Many thanks!