Good morning! I was given a great new book "The Go-Giver" by a fellow Rainer after he mentioned it in his blog. Thanks for sending it to me.
What's remarkable about the "Go-Giver" is the paradoxical idea that a person should give first and keep on giving with no expectation of getting anything back. I'm the first to admit I've always liked "win-win" deals. According to the "Go-Giver", even this isn't right as there is an expectation of getting something back.
I know I'm on the right track as I build my business. In fact, I enter into any relationship these days with no expectation. If I can help my fellow man/woman I do so without any expectation of return. In the "Go-Giver", a young man meets an older mentor who proceeds to teach him how to give. This was something the young man hadn't learned yet.
If you haven't picked up the "Go-Giver" yet, I strongly encourage you to do so. I think I'm going to order several copies and dispense them to people in my sphere. This idea of giving first is not new. And it's been bandied about by several people including Ivan Misner of BNI, etc, etc. The interesting thing is how often I (and perhaps you) forget the golden rule. I'll repeat that here if you've forgotten it; "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you".
I strongly encourage you to give. Report to me how you are becoming a "Go-Giver". Thanks for reading!
Paul McFadden
I saw a saying on a billboard one morning that fits right in with this. I don't know if I have it exactly right but I think you'll get the meaning. "Having a Living is about what you get in life. Living Life is about what you give." I wish I could remember it exactly but the theory has stuck in my mind. I don't expect anything in return when I give - but I am always rewarded with the satisfaction that I gave my best selflessly and the hopes that I made a difference for someone.
Valerie: Amen. I think as we age most of us are looking for something more meaningful. Giving selflessly fits that bill. Thanks for commenting!
Paul, I think giving is catching on. Not the type of giving that has political value. I'm talking about the type of giving that is an expression of a core value. When I look at today's successful businesses as I trace their core values giving always shows up. But it's not like giving to a single charitable organization, etc. It shows up in the way they treat their employees, their community and their clients. It's a core value.
Hi Paul,
Thankks very much for sharing "The Go-Giver" with your network. I too changed my mind about a 'win-win' situation when I read it. I'm delighted to let you know that hte authors, Bob Burg and John David Mann, and myself are collaborating on a movie version of the book.
Once again, many thanks for your support of this book and its values.
Best wishes, Fiona.
Fiona: Thank you! Every once in a while a great book comes along. This is one of them. Take care.
Steve: So true! We should all take note. As "The Secret" says, we are being attracted to like-minded people and ideas. Have a great day!