Has The Art Of Giving To One Another In Small Business Been Lost?

I’ve been involved in the world of small business networking for many years and in my opinion, the mentality of giving to others has shifted.

Business networking that is widely accepted and enjoyed by people in small business has become one of the most sought after marketing tools to grow a business.

While networking typically is viewed as a low cost marketing for less idea, it does require a great deal of discipline and hard work to build the kind of business opportunities one desires.

But today, I want to dig deeper into the gift of giving.

In fact, a great quote that I have loved and appreciated over the years has been William Blakely’s quote saying – “That you always Give without remembering, and you always receive without forgetting”.

So what’s my gripe you ask? It’s simple, with no shortage of people networking, and places to network at (especially online), everyone is looking for something.

You see, the mentality is one of – What can I get from this group? Or what can I get from this person?

We love the Ivan Misner philosophy for networking, which is what BNI is all about:-

"Most people go to a networking group with the intention of selling. Nobody ever goes to a networking group with the intention of buying. The smart people go to a networking group with the intention of helping. Givers gain!"

What about this thought? – What can I give to this group. Or what can I give to this person.

John Kennedy said it so well in the 1960’s when he said – “Ask not what this country can do for you, but what you can do for this country.

So in closing, when were not able to attend a function or event, let’s simply accept the fact that when were not there, were not able to give.

As my mother always told me, the gift, is always in the giving.

So what are you giving or adding when you attend a networking group?

Acknowledgement: From some thoughts by Ron Sukenick