Comments on: Discovering It’s Okay to Receive

By: Steve

Steve — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:30:05 +0000

I remember the day I read The Go-Giver thinking how well I understood all the laws. When I got to receptivity I was a little stumped.

I heard a knock at the door. It was a vagrant type fellow selling brooms door to door. I would normally be very friendly and open with someone like this. I would normally try to help them and offer advice on how to do better door to door.

This time I just watched and learned, sensing there might be a lesson here for me (I was receptive!). I was wondering why I was treating this person differently but trusted that I would find out.

After he had gone and I had bought a broom and paid him more than he wanted (typical me), I worked out what he had been sent to teach me. The law of receptivity became clear to me.

I concluded that throughout his life, this unsuccessful vagrant had most probably “not” been open to receiving. If anyone ever offered advice he probably didn’t accept it with open arms. He had probably missed so many opportunities to learn and improve his lot because he was unwilling to receive. He was closed and non-receptive.

My learning that day was complete. It was a huge lesson.

By: Bob Burg

Bob Burg — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 22:58:35 +0000

Thank YOU, Joe. You’ve had a great impact on the entire Go-Giver community with your letters, your personal example and – fortunately for us – for allowing us to relate your and Renee’s story in our newest book. Thank you, my friend.

By: Bob Burg

Bob Burg — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 22:54:52 +0000

Kathy, your note was a very touching and powerful one. Thank you!

By: Joe Vizi

Joe Vizi — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 12:23:57 +0000

This is another example of why “your gift” to us should be required reading. We recently brought on our first employee (part time) and it is required reading for him! Yes John and Bob, your book has this big of an impact! Thank you again for it!

By: Kathy

Kathy — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 18:39:00 +0000

The note from your reader brought tears to my eyes. I know how she feels! And, although it has taken me time to also truly understand how important it is to be able to receive (which, as your reader mentions is a FAR cry from being a “taker”), I have found myself feeling more and more comfortable receiving.

I think that one of the breakthroughs for me was coming to the realization that if everyone gave but refused to receive, then the giver might find him/herself denying someone else the pleasure of giving. After all, someone must receive if another is giving.

Again, it does come down to the difference between being a “taker” and being a “receiver.” By the way, I love the term “Go-Giver.” It’s so brilliant, and just the thought of being a go-giver in business is beautiful!

Thanks so much again for sharing the note from your reader. I have a feeling that she’ll stop thinking of herself as a “failed real estate agent” very soon!