Are you familiar with this term? It comes from a great little parable in book form written by Bob Burg and John David Mann. In this story the writers tell of five key principles that define a “go-giver”. With so much buzz about networking for new business, networking for your next job, and all the social media hype, there is a good chance the fundamental spirit has been stripped from networking.

If I am to reach out to others with the single goal of finding what the target can do for me, we both miss the best possible outcomes. Long term, sustainable, and rewarding relationships are what make the best networks. Good, some may call old fashioned, one-on-one relationship building is the true key.

I encourage any reader here to grab this book and I bet you will find it a life changing story. To those who already practice this fine and rewarding method, my congratulations to you. Please drop me a note and let me know about your experiences and outcomes.

Here are the 5 principles I mentioned:

1. The Law of Value – Your true worth is determined by how much more you give in value than you take in payment.
2. The Law of Compensation – Your income is determined by how many people you serve and how well you serve them.
3. The Law of Influence – Your influence is determined by how abundantly you place other people’s interests first.
4. The Law of Authenticity – The most valuable gift you have to offer is yourself.
5. The Law of Receptivity – The key to effective giving is to stay open to receiving.