The Business Generosity Principle

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“Why are you being so generous with a total stranger?” asked the young entrepreneur sitting next to me on a recent flight. Once he found out I owned a similar business, his questions became very strategic and somewhat personal. After spending the best part of two hours giving him an “MBA” crash course, as the business man on the other side labeled our exchange, I gave him my information in case he had more questions. He was bewildered with my apparent generosity in sharing some of my businesses practices and lessons. The big question was still looming: why would I share business practices with a potential competitor?

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My response was simple but not simplistic. In all my years, I always receive more in return than I give away. It doesn’t mean I’m ready to give valuable consulting for free or undercharge for my company’s services. But every time I have felt compelled to help someone who seemingly did not have a way to reciprocate, I have been blessed for it.

It’s counter intuitive, specially in the business world, and counter cultural, but it has somehow worked for me.

From time to time we are all faced with an opportunity to share, mentor, bless someone who needs our help. If you’re like me, you’re already over committed and the last thing you need is spend time with someone new that might not have a way to ever repay your generosity.  I want to ask you to consider pouring some of your time, knowledge and even resources into that person. I believe you’ll be better off for it. I really do.

What’s your experience with those in your field that are ahead of where you are?

 

  • Bari Watson

    Your daily posts are always great, but I especially liked this one!  Your faith is clear in this message, without you even having to say it.  I am so glad that Trevecca has partnered with your company.  You are a talented group, but more than that, you are a quality group of people whom I am glad to call my “friends.”  Have a great day, Maurilio. 

    • Thank you Bari for the kind remarks. I’m glad we are friends.

  • I’ve been so grateful for people who have mentored me and helped me out even though we could be viewed as competitors. So many times I’ve been lucky enough to get a “big break” or two – and I look forward to helping other people in the future.
    One of the things I’ve learned about business is that it’s all about relationships, so I can see how this approach is incredibly beneficial.

    • Loren, the older I get the more I realize it’s all about relationships.

  • I’ve been on both sides of this story: I have given free advice to help someone in a similar business/organization and I’ve received the same, if not more, advice and help from others. I truly am blessed when I give!

  • There’s enough competition out there that we don’t have to hog all the business. You’re right. Sharing with others benefits us in the long run. 

    • It’s hard for some people to see that. They have a scarcity mindset that goes against  sharing. I have to remind myself of that many times.

  • Caleb Magnino

    Maurilio…from someone who has sat in your office and gleaned wisdom, thank you! I know that your willingness to take time and talk with me has challenged me to invest in people that I come into contact with. I, too, have seen that investment of time always come back to bless me beyond what could have ever imagined. 

    Thank you again!

    • Caleb, thank you for the kind words. I remember our last conversation well. Interestingly, it helped me refocused part of my life that needed some attention as we talked through some of your challenges. I believe I ended up benefiting the most out of that conversation.

  • Mark Clark

    Simple principle: when you sow, you reap. 

    The corollary principle: when you hoard you lose.  The closed fist leaves no room for God’s blessings.

  • “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:31-33

    Thanks, Maurilio.

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