Richard, thank you. Absolutely, it works. John and I wrote this book based on the many people we know (including ourselves) who live by these principles. I’m afraid the stories simply aren’t reported as often because they don’t “sell” as well. Fortunately, there are many good books out there that have these types of examples. And, as you said, people such as the Andersons and their actions really reinforces the message.

Diana, I love your obvious great and giving heart. If I may comment on what you said . . .

“we need to remember that it is better to give that receive.”

In the book, John and I try and make the point that it really isn’t that one is necessarily better than the other as much as both are a natural part of the process. Remember, every giving is made possible because it’s also a receiving.

There is a time to give and a time to receive. As John says (and I’m praraphrasing very, very loosely here), to focus on one while trying to minimize the other not only is an exercise in futility (like trying to only breathe out without also breathing in) but shuts down the flow of abundance. So, may I suggest that you keep giving . . . and keep being open and willing to receive.

The concept of “Servant Leadership” falls in line with the second law (Law of Compensation). This was another reminder for me to serve people. I find that I am fulfilled in my work when I serve. The compensation will take care of itself.

The Anderson Family took ahold of the concept of giving and were able to influence and teach the community how to give, as well. I’ve never heard of a company compensate their customers based on their volunteerism in the community. This is a brilliant idea. This idea was a great marketing strategy.

I think it would be good to read “The Go-Giver” at the start of every year, no matter what our profession is. This will help us remember to keep our ambitions and goals in perspective. We need more books like this in our competitive society. Especially, with our weak economy. Bob Burg and John David Mann wrote a great book which is easy to read, not too long, but very poignant.

Best regards,

Bob

You guys are AMAZING!

Yes, I’m having a problem connecting to the Law of Attraction principle right now. Have to admit I’m over-the-edge depressed – and pretty darn cranky.

There are wonderful, honest, GoGivers out there.

I’ll just keep reading and hope your karma rubs off on me!

blessings,
julia

julia ward – a BLINDING heart – a writer’s blog – http://www.ablindingheart.com

Thank you. I really appreciate your kind owrds about the book,

Regarding The Five Laws,we also have those available on the website by going to http://www.thegogiver.com/buzz-giveaways.php.

We invite everyone to go to that page, download them, print them out, and keep in front of you.

Thanks again!

Bob

Thank you for writing. I’m very sorry to hear about this very troubling and challenging situation you and your sister are going through with the real estate agent. It’s extremely unfortunate. It’s also not necessarily typical. The world is filled with all types of people, many good, many not-so-good (hey, and some downright nasty). To say otherwise would certainly not be truthful. Yet, to focus on the bad also brings much more of it into existence.

I love how you spoke of your father. He was obviously a great man, and it’s easy to see how and why he was loved by so many.

Where you say:

“The last year has taught me that the honest and moral men like my father are gone…”

… I must respectfully disagree. The fact is, there are still many, many honest men and women. They are not only located in the world of The Go-Giver story, as you implied in your note. In fact, we based those characters and the story itself on the many people John David Mann and I have worked for and with throughout our respective lives and business careers.

And we meet more and more of them every day.

I say this to you not to argue or to be disagreeable. My heart goes out to you for what you’re feeling right now in terms of the dishonest people you feel you are coming across. I just want to encourage you to “not base all on the few” . . . and it is relatively few compared to those who basically live an honest life and just try to do good.

I wish you the very best of success,

Bob

I grew up in a family owned dry cleaning business in a “tiny little” rural Ohio town like the thousands of other “tiny little” rural towns which populate the American landscape.

When my father grew ill with Parkinson’s disease, he often forgot to lock the door on the shop or take the money out of the drawer. I’d go to the shop after school and find a pile of money on the counter from a customer who had found their own clothes, paid for them, and left a note asking if my dad was okay?

My father never had a marketing plan, never lived to enjoy the benefits of social networking. But his kindness and honesty, fairness to everyone in the community, and hard work were a treasure to the “tiny little” town. He became the School Board President, and taught Sunday School, and saw to it that forty or so kids in the marching band always looked good on Friday night – especially at away-games.

The last year has taught me that the honest and moral men like my father are gone. Replaced by card carrying MBA’s that wouldn’t dream of having to clean someone else’s clothes. They are protected by lawyers and their monthly-breakfast-meeting-at-the-church-basement politcal cronies and their equally devoted staff.

After reading from your website, I’m amazed that there are any people left that understand that “kindness” isn’t a random act. That “profit” isn’t generated by stealing from your customers.

It’s like digging out after a nuclear storm and finding out that there are surviors (and not the kind you find on reality TV). I hope one of them is reading your book!

be blessed in all you do,
julia

julia ward – a writer’s blog – http://www.ablindingheart.com