Giving Is The New Getting: The New Social Entrepreneurism

Have you noticed that some of the most successful business people are also the most generous? Take Blake Mycoskie, Founder and Chief Shoe Giver of TOMS Shoes, Inc. You’ve seen him in Time Magazine, on The Amazing Race, AT& T commercials, and featured on TED. TOMS’ simple promise is to give a pair of new shoes to children in need around the world with every pair sold, revolutionizing the way consumers shop. Over 140,000 pairs of shoes have been given so far, and we are still counting.

What began more than 30 years ago as Tony Robbins’ individual effort to feed families in need, has now grown into the International Basket Brigade, providing baskets of food and household items for more than 2 million people annually in countries all over the world. Throughout the Thanksgiving and holiday season, International Basket Brigade volunteers deliver food, clothing, and hope to those who need it most.

These are only two examples of entrepreneurs who incorporate giving or applying the universal law of reciprocity into their business plans. There are many more. Tony says, “Everyone has the need to contribute. It is one of the six human needs. If you give from your heart, it will come back to you tenfold.”

My question to you is: What are you giving?

I agree with Tony in that we all have a need to contribute. I also believe that we have a social responsibility to contribute… a calling, if you will. We are all blessed with a certain DNA, choc full of inherent gifts that we alone are “supposed” to give away. I believe this with all my heart. The cool thing about giving, is that you get so much back in return in the way of spiritual fulfillment.

On a practical and financial level, you also win by giving! In business, when we give away our best information, people grow to know, like and trust us, and when they are ready to buy, they will buy from us. Internet marketing genius and all-around great guy, Frank Kern says, “Selling stuff is easy. All you gotta do is give away stuff that makes people happy …and then sell stuff that makes ‘em even happier.”

Bottom line is this: Business success begins with giving. Success in life begins with giving. I would urge you to take a look at your current business plan and see how you can implement giving in your daily business practice. It does not matter how big your contribution is. What matters is that you expand your mindset and your business plan to include giving in a way that helps another. When you do this, I can guarantee you that your bottom line will take care of itself.

Now, go buy a pair of TOMS shoes and put a new pair of shoes on a kid’s feet or make a contribution to Tony’s Foundation and feed a family. It’ll make you feel GOOD… pass it on.

Keeping the world a friendly place,
Charlene Murphyr
GoodLife Media