photo credit: Dave Duarte
I recently had a conversation with a business acquaintance where I started sharing information about the strategies I deploy when writing. It wasn’t until he said, “Wow, I should be paying you for this information,” that I realized I wasn’t expecting to receive anything in return for my advice.
This got me thinking about sharing. Whether online or in person both business models offer opportunities to share information, ideas, technology, products and services. And these can be shared freely or with strings attached.
Now I know, most of us in business are driven by the bottom line. But I’ve noticed lately that there are two broadly defined groups of companies: one that is looking inward, holding on to all it has, looking for the next quick sale and the other that is looking outward, letting idea sharing flow, seeing their customers as long term investments.
The first group has its reason for not sharing. When you share you leave yourself open and vulnerable to be taken advantage of. Your competition knows what you’re about. Giving for free takes away from revenues earning potential.
And the second group has its reason for sharing. When you share you leave yourself open and vulnerable to form a relationship. Your competition knows they have to work that much harder to be better than you are. Giving for free keeps clients returning, adding long term revenue to your bottom line.
I’d like to urge each business to share one wise thought or give a product or service every day to one existing and one potential client. Then watch what it does for your company’s popularity and for your own morale.
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