The Go-Giver theory: Why generosity is the secret to success

The more you give in life, the more you receive. It’s a simple principle anyone can live by. But it's an especially under-utilized approach in the business world. Authors Bob Burg and John D. Mann developed this concept into five laws of “stratospheric success.”

The Law of Value dictates that your worth is decided by how much you give – specifically, how much more you give than what you take in payment. True value is increased by giving your customers more – not by raising prices.

Some of the world’s wealthiest made their fortune by giving and sharing passionately. Conversely, many have lost everything by focusing on getting. Value is more of a mindset than a strategy. You have to really believe in it. Money is merely a byproduct of the value you provide.

The Law of Compensation posits that your income is determined by the volume of people you serve and how effectively you serve them. The more lives you can touch, the more you will earn as a result.

Work can be split into three levels, according to Burg and Mann. First is survival: when you’re just meeting your basic needs. Next is saving: a stepping stone toward abundance. Finally, serving is making an impactful contribution to the world.

The Law of Influence states that your clout is determined by how much you’re prepared to prioritize other’s interests. Doing so will earn you a network of loyal followers. Although not all of them will be recognizable as customers, they will readily recommend you to others.

Rather than focusing on the concept of win-win, make it your mission to give other people wins. This is enlightened self-interest: where your goals and needs are satisfied as a natural result of furthering others’ interests.

The Law of Authenticity states that the most precious asset you have is yourself. No matter what business you’re in, you are at the core of whatever it offers. Trying to be someone you’re not is only counterproductive.

Reaching any goal requires knowledge and/or technical skills – but that’s only 10% of what it takes. The rest comes down to people skills. Make sure you continue to learn, improve and grow. Who you are is the true measure of success.

The Law of Receptivity states that effective giving requires being open to receiving. To evade receiving altogether is just as detrimental as only thinking about getting. Don’t negate the gifts being offered. Once you understand this dynamic, abundance will gravitate toward you.