Satruday Saves - How will being a GO-GIVER save your business?

Written on 9:38 PM by J

Brian and I go back and forth on giving each other books to read. I may suggest “The Path: Creating Your Mission Statement for Work and for Life” by Laurie Beth Jones; a book about finding the mission statement that best identifies with your career and your life. Brian would suggest “Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man’s Soul” by John Eldredge; a book about simply looking at the dreams and desires written in the heart of every man: To be a hero, to be a warrior, to live a life of adventure and risk. More recently, Brian advised me to read “The Go-Giver” by Bob Burg and John David Mann; a heartwarming and inspiring tale that brings new relevance to the old proverb “give and you shall receive.” Unfortunately, I have not had the opportunity to read the book; especially now that we’re building the business but I’m sure I will soon enough.

The concept of being a “Go-getter”, in my opinion, is about running as hard as you can towards the goal and accomplishing it no matter what stands in your way. Now, imagine applying that same passion to the “Go-GIVER” inside of you. To give until you have no more to give, to help until all is helped, to volunteer until everyone knows who to call for a volunteer.

You never know what can come out of an opportunity where you give, help, and/or volunteer. For example, on Monday I am volunteering at the Politics Online Conference (POLC) in Washington, D.C. I am doing it, genuinely, because I knew the event would be huge and volunteers were needed, I have a passion for Politics, and I have a passion to help. We had a meeting today to outline our roles at the conference. Following the meeting, I met an interesting young man. After he went into detail about my role at the conference would be, we struck up a conversation. I was intrigued to find he was the database manager for President Barack Obama during his campaign. WOW!! Although, I currently work about two blocks from the White House, I am always overjoyed when meeting people who worked with the President!

Of course, he received a brief overview of our endeavor. That was before shooting for the fence and asking him if he knew Chris Hughes. Without hesitation he answered that they used to work in the same office (he said it as nonchalantly as when he said he saw President Obama on a daily basis). After our conversation, he proceeded to give me an email where Mr. Hughes could be reached…that’s INSANE!!!!

All this from a volunteer effort? From pouring your time and energy into someone else’s passion, dream, life, and/or ambition. You never know the result of volunteering, helping, and giving. Please don’t confuse this by giving, helping, and volunteering with alternative motives. Be genuine and find a cause, initiative, or endeavor you’re passionate about.

If you’re in the Washington, D.C. areas, April 20 – 21st, stop by the Politics Online Conference! Go to the Institute for Politics Democracy and the Internet for details.

How will being a GO-GIVER save your business?