Reap What You Sow

by Rebecca Monet

As a behavioral scientist and developer of a suite of psychographic assessments used to predict franchisee compatibility and performance, I’m frequently asked if there are some common traits of successful business owners. I could go on and on about franchisee-franchisor fit and how that impacts success, but I will spare you. Instead I’d like to share with you the one trait super-performers possess in spades: they are givers.

The battle of the ego.

Our egos tend to resist the idea of giving. The ego only cares about our wants, needs and interests. For some, fear prevents them from being generous. Many have been programmed with a scarcity mindset. Others were taught that to survive or to be successful we must look out for ourselves. Giving confronts our fear and boldly claims that we are not held captive by our thoughts of lack. As Maya Angelou says, “Giving liberates the soul of the giver.”

You reap what you sow.

You likely have read The Go-Giver, by Joe Berg and John David Mann. In it if you recall, Pindar, a frustrated salesman, learns that happiness, fulfillment, satisfaction and success are by-products of serving others—not the result of seeking these things for their own sake. This positive-sum, almost altruistic focus in business is likely embodied by most entrepreneurs who have built successful businesses.

Yet, this ‘you reap what you sow’ law speaks to all facets of our lives. An acorn when planted, watered and given sunshine will bring forth an oak tree. It will not bring forth savory grapes that you can turn into wine. Similarly if we sow greed, we bring forth grief, sorrow and unhappiness. If we sow selfishness, we bring forth loneliness, estrangement and disconnection. In contrast:

• Love when shared gives rise to more love.

• Success when shared creates further success.

• Friendliness when given brings forth friendships.

• Knowledge when shared generates wisdom.

• Money when given provides opportunity.

• And so it goes.

A generous woman gives of her time, money and talent. She does so without keeping score. She listens to the needs of her children, spouse, friends, employees and customers and looks for ways to serve. She gives 100% placing their needs ahead of her own. There are days she is tired of course, but there is great satisfaction and oh so much more by giving authentically of herself.

Unlike the woman who complains she is cold but refuses to put a log on the fire, the thoughtful actions of a generous woman act as kindling to a fire that will never extinguish. Zig Ziglar said it this way, “You will get all you want, if you help enough other people get what they want.”

Odd but real nonetheless.

Ironically, this universal ‘you reap what you sow’ law works even when you have less than altruistic motives. Many businesses strategically engage communities where they desire influence by giving to causes these communities find worthy. This gives them a competitive advantage.

As the world becomes ever more uncertain, there is an increasing need for trust and belief in the good. Customers, employees and communities expect more from business than just a single-minded focus on the bottom line. Companies who can show their value in actions and inspire their people to give and make a difference, do well.

There are many benefits to developing a culture of generosity and social responsibility. Giving will:

• Build your reputation and increase brand equity

• Enhance your relationship with your customers and drive consumer preference

• Improve engagement and retention of your employees and customers

Most importantly, giving will drive your growth. BrandZ, the largest global brand equity platform which covers over 100,000 brands across 45 countries, states that businesses with a clear brand purpose, those seen as making lives better, on average, grew three times faster in value.

Giving acts as a boomerang.

It’s almost like magic. The more we give of our time, money and talent the more we receive. However, to do so requires the casting off of ego and fear and embracing the sow and reap mentality. Do you want more happiness, fulfillment, satisfaction and success? Then sow more. Serve others. Give on purpose and to a purpose. Ask yourself each day, “How can I be of service to someone today?” Give freely with no intention of receiving anything in return. As Winston Churchill wisely stated, “Happiness is not so much in having as in sharing. We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”What kind of life will you choose to make? Remember: If you sow sparingly you reap sparingly. If you sow generously you reap generously. (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)

Rebecca Monet is chief scientist and president of Zorakle Profiles. Zorakle Profiles is a franchise-specific solutions provider of psychometric assessments. Zorakle’s SpotOn! meta-analysis provides insight no singular profile, survey, algorithm or assessment can. Zorakle’s SpotOn! science determines franchisee-franchisor compatibility and predicts performance. Zorakle reduces recruitment and support costs while increasing franchisee validation and performance.