One thing my husband, Don has always implores of our family is to ask, “How much can you give?” (not “how much can you get?”)
I grew up with very generous, sacrificial parents, so this is a part of my inherent makeup as well. Don and I genuinely like getting to know others, surprising people, making people’s day, and helping people in their businesses. It starts a super fun “cycle of generosity” as I like to call it. Cheesy, I know, but true. 😉 The exchange of great gifts, introductions, invitations, and opportunities just repeats and escalates. It really is a beautiful secret to life and living abundantly.
Simple, Daily Ways to Give
Tim Sanders talks about the value of sharing your knowledge, network, and compassion with others in his book Love is the Killer App. It’s the best way to keep growing and make a difference in the world.
Here are a few simple, practical things you can do (that we love to do 😉 ) on a daily basis:
Knowledge
You’ve collected a handful of skills, knowledge and experiences over the years. Share them generously.
- When you work with a client, always try to go above and beyond in your service. Help them think about their whole business, growth, products, and opportunities, not just the specific service you are providing.
- When you find a great restaurant or recipe, share it via text with friends and clients.
- When you read a great book that you know someone else would love, just send it to them via Amazon. Easy peasy.
- If you have skillset that can benefit a nonprofit, like marketing, graphic design, video editing, or leadership, volunteer your time if you are able.
- If you love traveling like we do, share tips for remote work and exploring the outdoors as a family.
Network
Your network is priceless. Take initiative to meet people, be genuinely interested in everyone’s unique design, and enjoy watching people do amazing things together.
- If you meet someone new, think of a few people who would resonate with them and try to connect them immediately via text. Share people’s contact cards, and then text them together to initiate the introduction. When it makes sense, schedule a happy hour or dinner to introduce them in person.
- If there’s a fun event coming up, share about it with as many friends as possible. Attention is scarce, and it’s great to tee things up for people who want to stay connected.
- Host a dinner at your home and invite a handful of couples and individuals from different backgrounds who you know might resonate.
Compassion
Never underestimate the power of genuine care and compassion. Especially in this attention economy, taking time to be present with others means the world. It’s so easy to get caught up in our own challenges, but what a gift to initiate and reach out to others. Here are a few simple things you can try:
- When you hear a great song or podcast, or come across an awesome Instagram post or article, immediately think, who would appreciate this as well? Then text them the link right away to let them know you’re thinking of them.
- If there’s ever an opportunity to take a photo for a couple, a family or individual, initiate and ask them. Use your phone if it is better than theirs and then text them the photo. I’ve been sharing photos since high school, and the digital age makes it soooo much easier! It’s also a great way to make new connections.
- Write hand-written notes to people when you think of them, just because. You never know when your words will literally make their day!
- When you hear of someone who is sick or who just had surgery, bring them a meal, send them flowers or mail them a card. Your encouragement will mean the world.
Your Newsletter Is a Gift
Your newsletter is honestly a labor of love. Sure, you will deepen relationships, accumulate new contacts, and grow your business and opportunities from it. But there is not always a direct correlation between the effort you put into it and the “monetary” reward. Sometimes you will receive personal responses, but sometimes people are so busy that they may have intended to reply, may have even thought they told you how much they appreciated it, may have even financially benefited from a tip you shared, but forgot to let you know. And that’s ok. 🙂 You can trust that your generosity will produce a great reward. Seen or unseen.
I believe there is a magic to timing, and when someone is ready to pay for your product or service, or share about it with others, you will have earned their trust because of all you have given. Your newsletter may just be the perfect reminder at the perfect time!
Here are some things you can “give” in your newsletter, as you seek to offer as much value as you can and share your knowledge with others:
- New articles or videos around your area of expertise
- Favorite new books, podcasts, albums, or apps
- New business ventures
- Sports Updates
- Travel tips around destinations, gear, and accommodations
- Healthy Living Ideas (recipes, exercise, self-care, alternative remedies)
- Financial investing tips and opportunities, crypto tips, real estate trends
- Favorite restaurants or boutiques
- Parenting wisdom, resources, activities for kids
- Productivity hacks
- Photography or Videography tips for personal or professional goals
- Favorite hikes, tours, resorts
- Home Maintenance Tips – remodeling, organization, design, gardening
- Pet resources – training, food, travel tips
- Quotes or songs that inspire you
Include these things in a regular newsletter, and your audience will look forward to receiving it and not want to unsubscribe!
As you are learning and growing and just doing life as you know it, you collect so much knowledge. Be generous and compassionate in sharing it with others, and watch your network and opportunities abound! Let us know if you have any questions! We’d love to help you share as much value as you can with your network.