How to Tap the Power of Generosity to Grow Your Business

Have you ever felt like networking and business development are just endless, soul-draining efforts to get noticed, without ever feeling like you’re truly connecting or making progress?

You’re not alone. This week with Mo Bunnell, author of “Give to Grow: How Givers Get Ahead”, we explore a refreshing, more human-centered approach to building relationships and growing your business. It’s not about chasing clients or pushing your agenda—it’s about giving, with no strings attached. 

This shift from “what can I get?” to “how can I help?” changes everything. 

Let’s dive into the key takeaways that can transform the way you approach business development.

 1. Fall in Love with Their Problem, Not Your Solution

In business, we’re often so focused on the product or service we’re offering that we forget to take a step back and really understand the problem our clients are trying to solve. As Mo puts it, "fall in love with their problem." This shift in mindset is essential. Instead of leading with what you’re selling, lead with questions that help you deeply understand the challenges your client is facing. 

Why does this matter? When you truly grasp someone’s pain points, you can offer more relevant, tailored solutions—and this doesn’t just build trust, it builds rapport. People want to feel seen and understood, not sold to. And when you demonstrate that you’re invested in solving their problem rather than pushing your solution, you create a stronger, more authentic connection.  

 2. Think Long-Term: Relationships Aren’t Transactions

It’s easy to fall into the trap of wanting immediate results, but true relationship-building requires a long-game mentality. Mo calls this “thinking 10x, not 1x.” In other words, don’t focus on trying to close a deal or secure a win in a single interaction. Instead, think about how you can add value consistently over time.

Why is this important? People aren’t always ready to make a decision when you want them to. Budgets fluctuate, priorities shift. But if you’ve spent time nurturing the relationship, offering insights, sharing helpful content, or simply checking in, when the time is right, you’ll be top of mind. This approach also builds an invaluable network effect—when you invest in several relationships, those people will start talking about you, expanding your influence in ways you can’t always predict.

 3. Give to Get: Create Experiences, Not Sales Pitches

One of the most effective ways to build trust and open the door to deeper collaboration is to offer a “taste” of your expertise, with no expectation of immediate return. Mo calls this a "gift to get." It could be a small analysis, a helpful introduction, or a complimentary consultation. The key is that it’s something genuinely useful that gives the client a firsthand experience of what it’s like to work with you—without any pressure to commit. 

Why does this strategy work? People don’t like being sold to, but they love getting a sample of value. It’s a way of saying, "Here’s how I can help," without asking for anything in return. This gesture not only builds goodwill but also demonstrates your capabilities in a real, practical way, helping you stand out in a crowded marketplace.

 4. Ask for Advice to Build Connection

One of the simplest yet most powerful ways to build a relationship is by asking for advice. Mo points out that when you ask for someone’s expertise—whether it’s professional or personal—it triggers a psychological response that makes the person feel valued and appreciated. Even more, research shows that asking for advice increases likability, because it acknowledges the other person’s expertise and wisdom.

Why does this matter? We often hesitate to ask for advice, thinking it’s an imposition or a sign of weakness. But in reality, it’s a gift. It shows that you’re open to learning, which can strengthen the bond between you and the person you’re engaging with. Plus, it gives them a chance to shine, which creates a win-win dynamic. In essence, it’s a simple but effective way to deepen connections.

 5. Overcome Perfectionism: Think Progress, Not Perfection

Many of us hesitate to reach out or follow up because we fear we’ll say the wrong thing or make a misstep. Mo shares a powerful technique to overcome this: “Think 10x, not 1x.” Don’t stress about making each interaction perfect. Instead, focus on making consistent, valuable touchpoints over time. You don’t have to hit a home run every time you connect—just keep showing up, and eventually, something will stick.

Why is this so critical? Perfectionism is paralyzing. It stops us from taking action, and that’s the real problem. By lowering the stakes on each interaction, we free ourselves to take more risks, build more relationships, and ultimately, get better results. Remember, building a network and growing a business isn’t about one magical moment—it’s about steady, consistent effort.

Mo Bunnell’s approach is a game-changer for anyone looking to build meaningful, lasting business relationships. It’s not about quick wins or slick sales tactics—it’s about empathy, generosity, and playing the long game. If you shift your mindset from “how can I get?” to “how can I give?”, you’ll not only grow your business but also create deeper, more fulfilling connections along the way.

For even more insights and actionable strategies, dive into the full podcast conversation with Mo Bunnell, where we explore these ideas in even greater depth.

#Networking #BusinessDevelopment #Generosity #Leadership

Is Your Content Falling into the Slop Trap? Have you noticed a rise in low-quality, AI-generated content clogging up your online feeds? This phenomenon, known as "slop," is the new digital spam, and it's more prevalent than ever. In this article, you'll learn to recognize the signs of slop—repetitive language, lack of originality, and poor engagement—and discover how to avoid creating it. By focusing on adding value, rigorously editing, and using AI as a supportive tool rather than a crutch, you can ensure your content remains authentic and impactful. Dive in to safeguard your digital presence from slop!

Bridging Generations: How Wisdom Work Transforms Teams Are you caught between the rapid rise of digital natives and the steady presence of seasoned professionals? In a world increasingly dominated by digital intelligence, the balance between youthful innovation and age-old wisdom is more crucial than ever. This article explores the untapped potential of "wisdom work"—the art of metabolizing and sharing life experiences to enhance workplace productivity. Could fostering intergenerational collaboration be the key to unlocking your team's true potential? Dive in to discover how wisdom might just be your company's most valuable asset.

Five Tips to Improve Your Focus: Feeling overwhelmed by endless tasks and constant distractions? You're not alone. In today's fast-paced world, maintaining focus can seem like an impossible challenge. But it doesn't have to be. In this video, Ali Abdaal—doctor-turned-entrepreneur and the world’s most-followed productivity expert—shares five evidence-based strategies to sharpen your focus. These tips will not only help you get more done but also guide you in building a life you truly love. Dive in and take control of your productivity!

Tap the + SUBSCRIBE BUTTON now!

To learn your Sparketype, check out the free Sparketype® Assessment.

If you'd like to submit your own questions for consideration for a future episode of SPARKED, you can do it here now.

DO NOT MISS AN EPISODE! - Stay up to date on the powerful conversations and insights on the SPARKED podcast, along with our curated resources and tips.