Giving Gifts for One Day or 365 Days?

by Jen Gluckow

I am a giver. Growing up my parents set a giving example.

Growing up, I watched my parents give all the time. One day my French cousin who was visiting us in New York told my dad how much he liked my dads sneakers. My dad took his sneakers off in the middle of Manhattan (seriously!) and gave them to my cousin. Giving the shirt off his back was natural. And soon it became natural for me too.

Are you a giver?
What would your family say? Friends? Customers?
NOTE: Giving starts at home.

This holiday season I reflected on gift-giving. The day I give the least amount of gifts is Christmas. I try to give of myself 12 months a year. I am a helper (helpers are givers in disguise). I give my time, and I invest in my relationships I give them ideas, referrals, and make them connections.

I give enthusiasm when people need it. I give my expert opinion and advice. I help others go from concept to business and from struggle to success. I help salespeople go from objection to sale.

I do it because it makes others happy, but it makes me happier.

NOTE: Yes, I also do stuff and get paid for it. Hey, I live in NYC and need bagel and rent money, just like you.

Now that the “season of giving” is over. It’s time to ask yourself:

What do you give?
What makes you happy?
“Are you giving for two weeks, or 52 weeks?”

Heres your 2018 giving challenge: When meeting with clients, prospects, and just about anyone you meet, set the giving standard. Give time, energy, empathy, positive assumption, referrals, ideas, your business, AND MORE.

In return,you will make lifelong friends and business connections, all of whom would do almost anything to help you, and oh yeah, give you referrals and do business with you.

Ask yourself: Do you consider yourself a giver? What would others say?

Giving is also the key to networking,
connecting and building relationships.

While its natural for me to give to others, its not usual for me to give to myself. As a traveler, I am reminded of the oxygen mask theory all the time you know, In case of emergency, put your mask on first so you can take care of others. Although reminded of this often, I dont normally act on it. However, I believe that if I start taking care of myself first, I will in turn be able to help others better, second.

I am making this one of my 2018 intentions: GIVING better care to myself. You?

As you plan for 2018, you might want to make a list of who you want to invest your giving time with, and what you can give to them. And then make a list of things you can do to (give to) help yourself.

Start with yourself. Make 2018 your year. Make it the year you invest in yourself to learn more and earn more.

Here are a few ideas to start in January: