The importance of giving back.

There’s a reason I believe so vehemently in capitalism – because, when?ethically executed*, it is the most effective way for you (and others) to improve your/ their quality of life, to break hereditary cycles, and to give back to the world.

*I say ethically executed, because, like all things of human invention, capitalism is corruptible. There are countless examples where it has been used as a means to achieve one’s self-absorbed, greedy desires. However, it is also the most effective economic vehicle with which one can do the opposite – to give as much as you receive.?

In instances where you do assist others (be that through introductions, providing assistance, or simply offering council), you are, in a way, practicing ethical capitalism (there’s a whole lot more to it than that, but this is an important component).

Everything you give can be likened to a fishing rod (see the, “give a man a fish”, proverb). By giving a rod, the person to whom you gift it has the power to create something sustainable.

The upside of this is that there’s no implication that you will continue ‘giving’ – once the rod is in their hand, so is their destiny. The onus of what they achieve and/ or do with what you give them is on them, not you.* Conversely, giving someone a fish implies that there’s an unending supply of fish that you can avail to them (a few of Capitalism’s counterparts come to mind when we think this way).

*Though, in saying this, why shouldn’t we do these small things whenever possible? There’s a saying I once read that comes to mind when I ask this: “A candle loses none of its flame by lighting another.”?

Looking inward, I’m sure that each of us can attest to the immense help these small gestures provide. We have, undoubtedly, received these small aids at frequent points throughout our careers. This is why I’ve titled this: The importance of?giving back.??

I am so profoundly grateful for the assistance that I have received at frequent points throughout my work life. There are individuals who have helped me in ways they will never truly know. The smallest, “Have you met Gareth?”, has led to some of the biggest leaps in my career. I passionately believe that by doing the same, by extending small (even seemingly minuscule) amounts of assistance, I am, in my own way, saying thank you to those who did it for me.??

This leads to my next point – giving back (or simply giving) creates a positive environment in which these acts of kindness become the norm. I am not, by default, a pie-in-the-sky, hold-hands-around-the-fire kind of guy, but I am a believer that the business environment does not need to be a hostile, exclusively self-serving one. I believe that we can, whilst enriching ourselves, do the same for others.

There is also the financial benefit that working in this way provides. By giving back to the business environment, we strengthen our network, create inroads to new revenue streams, and bolster our personal relationships. To exemplify this, let’s consider a feedback loop. I’ll use a referral as an example:

I introduce a supplier to a friend – the supplier secures a large deal as a result – the supplier can expand upon their marketing efforts with the increased revenue – the supplier refers a new customer (acquired through their now increased marketing efforts) to me – I secure a large deal.

This is an oversimplified example of how this works, I know. It does, however, illustrate the point I’m trying to make. It also exemplifies what an effective network looks like.

Finally, there’s the personal factor which I’d be remiss to ignore. Aiding someone, making introductions, and giving sound advice should be done from a giving heart. When we adopt a giving heart, we are serving someone greater than ourselves.

There are countless verses in the Bible where the Lord teaches us about the act of giving, though I think 2 Corinthians 9:7 is my favorite, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Each day I ask myself how I can assist others. Of course, there’s the act of giving money and time, but the act of giving a “rod” to another individual is something that I believe exceeds all other forms of giving. I genuinely believe that by helping another person empower themselves, to walk a prosperous path, you’re providing something incomparable to all other forms of giving.

I’d like to finish this off by challenging you!

I challenge you to reflect on where you can give back. I challenge you to step out and assist others in any way that you can. Take a young, hungry colleague under your wing. Make an introduction that could enrich someone else’s life. Help a friend learn a new skill. Expose yourself to the act of giving. Make 2024 your year of giving.

It sounds simple – and honestly, it is – but without making a conscious effort to do so, we turn away others without knowingly doing so.

Finally, I extend myself to you. My experience in operations and business finance has been bolstered through the help of others, and I would love the opportunity to pay it forward! Send me a message and ask any questions that you may have about these functions or let me know how I can assist you!

I look forward to hearing from you and making this year the most successful one yet!