Building relationships, connections, and networks are not just a brilliant business strategy. They apply to other areas of life, whether family, friends, or leadership.

I was reminded of this while reflecting on the book The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann, a fictional story about ambition and aspiration for success. In their writing, the two authors share five guiding principles, The Five Laws of Stratospheric Success, which focus on how giving is the secret to getting back.

As I move into the next stage of my career, they resonate with me even more, and they are too good not to share.

The Law of Value

“Your true worth is determined by how much more you give in value than you take in payment.”

Seemingly a little counterintuitive, this first secret seems a recipe for disaster and a business sense bankruptcy. But when you start peeling back the layers, it becomes clear that this is about the love, care, and attention you are investing in products, people, and ideas and the difference between exemplary and ordinary results.

As you look to develop relationships, firstly think:

How can I serve this person?

How can I add value to their life or business?

And only after that, ask yourself:

Does it make money?

The Law of Compensation

“Your income is determined by how many people you serve and how well you serve them.”

The second secret focuses on purpose, action, and impact. As you offer more to the relationship, it increases people’s willingness to invest their time, resources, or money, depending on a personal or business interest. 

As I read in another article recently, a clear purpose statement is as follows: We exist to {fill in an action} in order to {fill in the impact}. 

How would your statement read?

The Law of Influence

“Your influence is determined by how abundantly you place other people’s interests first.”

The modern world focuses on competitiveness with whom you know, not what you know, often being the driver of success. These relationships require trust gained by pouring your focus into others. The key to building influence is attracting people through an interest, desire, and love for helping others. 

You don't have to give up your aspirations and interests or allow individuals to take advantage of you. Through active, consistent, and innovative ways of providing value to others, they will reciprocate and help you find success.

The Law of Authenticity

“The most valuable gift you have to offer is yourself.”

Of all the secrets, this one resonates most. Over time we learn new skills, gain knowledge, and develop new solutions that are important to our growth. But even more crucial is representing what you know in a clear, consistent, and authentic manner. Embrace being a true representation of yourself without influence from others.

The Law of Receptivity

“The key to effective giving is to stay open to receiving.”

This law teaches you to receive and provides the balance to achieve growth. With the first four secrets focusing on delivering value to others and earning the right to receive, the final law allows you to accept it.

While the modern world champions independence, hard work, and privacy, this can often make us afraid of receiving. Imposter syndrome kicks in, and we may feel vulnerable or shut down. Receiving is the secret to staying enthusiastic, energised, and positive throughout your life. 

Remember, the secret to getting is in the giving, and the secret to giving is being open to receiving. 

Embrace being a Go-Giver!

Have a brilliant week!

David Rogers, Founder & CEO, Fuelled Fit and Fired Up Ltd