Law of Reciprocity

I received a fat envelope from St Jude Children Research Hospital this weekend. It is one of several I have received this year after we chose to financially support their efforts. Each one we receive includes free gifts such as a notepad or personalized address labels. These gifts are included with their request for support because St Jude understands the Law of Reciprocity. Please understand that I trust St Jude and I am not offended by their actions or feel I am being manipulated. They understand that they dramatically increase the chance of raising money if they act out in kindness first. Reciprocity is responding to one positive action with another positive action. "One of the most potent of the weapons of influence around us is the rule for reciprocation. The rule says that we should try to repay, in kind, what another person has provided us." ~ Robert B. Cialdini, Author of Influence; The Psychology of Persuasion How does this principle apply to you and your success? Instead of worrying so much about what you need, focus on how you can add value to your customer. I had the opportunity to hear Michael Hyatt, author and former CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishing, speak at Dan Miller's September Innov48 event. He referred to the 20:1 rule from his best selling book Platform; Get Noticed in a Noisy World. "It represents a ratio. It means that you have to make twenty relational deposits for every marketing withdrawal. If you want to build a social media platform – one where people listen to you – you must be a giver, not a taker." ~ Michael Hyatt 2 Corinthians 9:6 – Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Have you ever felt the slightest amount of guilt when you take those free samples at Sam's and Costco and then walk away without buying? Just saying. Have a great week! Pierce