Are you a Go-Getter or a Go-Giver?

Growing up as Gen X’er, we were taught the secret to success is nothing short of hard work. We worked off energy and enthusiasm, facing many hurdles, yet still moving forward with courage and conviction. We believed that a Go-Getter, in spite of handicap or constraints, can achieve goals through passion, determination, perseverance and persistence. Many times, even when it seemed impossible, we refused to give up and pursued on with innovative approaches and renewed vigor. We embodied the definition, wearing the look of exhaustion like a badge of honor across our face. Even Socrates suggested, the secret to success is the Go-Getter attitude. But what happens when all that hard work doesn't generate desired success? Is being a Go-Getter still not enough??

Sales always came naturally to me. I sailed right through the sales cycle closing deal after deal. It never really felt like work. I was a hustler at heart, able to sell anything, starting my career selling reprographic services, then construction, engineering design and finally technology. About ten years into my career, I could feel things start to plateau. After years of blowing past sales quotas and goals, I started to fizzle out. My enthusiasm dropped as I struggled to get out what I was putting in. I was feeling burned out and defeated, often leaving meetings and thinking, this deal isn’t going anywhere. I needed to change things up, but how?

In sales we are taught the ABC’s (Always Be Closing) is the path to the almighty yes! I soon realized the meetings I enjoyed most were the ones I wasn’t selling to directly, when I wasn't trying to close. Sometimes it was networking with peers, sharing intel on pursuits, or simply making an introduction for a friend. I found joy in giving instead of asking for something in return.?Super cliche, I know.

Giving started to trickle its way into every meeting I had. I learned giving more value to the customers than the payment they make can actually generate more business. You can make more money by helping people and influence by placing other people's interests first. The most valuable gift you can give to others is yourself, so why not be a Go-Giver instead?

In theory, “A Go-Giver believes that you give before you get”. So, if Go-Getter is all about "you and yourself", a Go-Giver is all about "others and theirs only". I started to embrace this methodology and over time went from being just a Go-Getter to a Go-Giver-Go-Getter, achieving much more success. Unfortunately it hasn’t been all sunshine and roses and I’ve been burned a few times, probably more than I’d like to admit. I can remember working for an engineering firm where I shared a lead with a GC, only to have them recommend a different firm to the owner. They ended up winning the project, I did not.

In the end it was a simple mistake, they forgot which teams I was on. That night, I cried a few tears over a bottle of wine and was back at it the next day. Even that hasn't stopped me from wanting to give, just to give.? If someone were to ask me how I got here? Genuinely caring about the people I serve was the best road I found to success.?

Do you consider yourself a Go-Getter or a Go-Giver? Let’s discuss.