Day 14. Today’s topic – give more.
One of my strongest strengths is my ability to give. Sounds like I’m blowing my own horn, but the people who know me well, know this to be true. I also know myself – so I know this be true – and that’s all that really matters.
I enjoy the feeling I get from giving. It’s something that comes naturally to me without even trying. I always felt it’s a trait that others possessed, but I’ve been proven wrong, time and time again. Many people simply don’t like giving. Are they scared of helping others achieve success? Do they feel that if they give that information away, they’re jeopardising their own success? It’s always baffled me.
The world would be a much better place if people openly and freely shared information. Despite living in a globalised world, we live in an increasingly disconnected society with invisible borders. Instead of operating in tandem, we increasingly operate in isolation.
I see this with the way we do business. There are companies who don’t want to include links to competitors in articles they’re writing because they’re scared of the exposure it’ll give them. Hey, hang on! If it adds value to you article, does it matter? Surely your goal is to provide value to your readers?
If adding that link achieves that goal, add it. Your readers will thank you for it. If you’re reading this and thinking, no those companies are right, well then give this post a read. Then try and disagree.
We seem to be increasingly money-hungry, only chasing the initial sales, not seeing the bigger picture. Recently, a friend of mine was looking for samples for a project. The company agreed to provide the samples, mentioning they would send them via post. Happy days.
My friend then got an email saying that she now had to pay for the postage fee (a measly $9) before the company would send them. Hey, hang on! You’re going back on your word and revealing what a money hungry, short-sighted moron you are.
You’re missing the bigger picture, both the initial sale, possible future sales and referrals. Needless to say, my friend went with another company who was more than happy to provide free samples, realising the potential pay-off.
Then the other day I received an email from an aspiring writer – I went to look for the email, but can’t seem to find it. Anyways, in the email, she was asking how she can get started as a writer. I responded, gave a few pointers, and shared the first thousand words of an eBook I was writing on this topic.
Do you know what her response was? Thank you – you’re the first person who hasn’t tried to link to a product they’re trying to sell. That was a real eye-opener for me.
Her response made me realise that freely giving isn’t as widespread as I thought it was. It also made me realise that it’s actually a USP for me. If no one else is doing it, well then I have a competitive advantage.
Gary Vaynerchuck – another digital marketing guru -, and entrepreneur who owns VaynerMedia, helps build businesses and took his family wine business from $3M to $60M in five years, believes strongly in giving without expectation.
Giving. That’s what I believe in.
This is why I started this blog: to share what I’ve learned with others. It’s perhaps also fitting because the reason I’m here today is because of someone else doing exactly that. Bamidele freely shared his knowledge with thousands in the expectation of nothing else in return, other than perhaps, someone using what he’s sharing to make a success out of their lives.
So my message is this: start giving more in life and in business.
If you enjoy writing and are serious about improving your writing skills, becoming a freelance writer, and want to earn more, I can help! Feel free to email me at nick@nickdarlington.com.
P.S. No, I’m not selling you anything. I’m not going to ask you to buy my book or even sign up for my course (I don’t have one) or weekly newsletter, I’m simply offering you help.
But remember while I can offer you assistance and support, you have to put in the work. No action = No results.
Cheers
Nick D