The Giver's Edge
Forty ways to put generosity to work, with ideas from The Go-Giver, Influence and everyday sales.
Giving first builds lasting trust. Generosity is a practical strategy.
22 tips that really help
These ideas come from The Psychology of Selling (Brian Tracy), Secrets of Closing the Sale (Zig Ziglar), To Sell Is Human (Daniel Pink), and everyday practice. The first six help the most. Pick one and try it today.
Give first
Bob Burg and John David Mann argue in The Go-Giver that value given freely tends to come back as trust and business.
Give one useful thing today with no strings.
Reciprocity is human
Robert Cialdini describes how people tend to return favours. Use this honestly and kindly.
Notice when someone helps you and how you feel.
Give real value
A useful gift beats a gimmick.
Choose something that truly helps.
Share your knowledge
A short guide or tip shows expertise and care.
Write a one-page tip sheet.
Give your time
Ten minutes of help can mean a lot.
Offer a short helpful call.
Make introductions
Connecting two people is a lasting gift.
Introduce two contacts by email.
Give kind feedback
Help them see something useful.
Offer one idea gently.
Offer a small sample
Let them try before they commit.
Plan one low-risk sample.
Offer a quick review
A short audit shows how you think.
Offer a ten-minute review.
Share a template
Save them time with a checklist.
Share one template.
Give early
Before the sale, not after.
Send value before your next meeting.
Be consistent
Small and regular beats big and rare.
Plan one weekly gift.
Give publicly
Share tips where others can benefit.
Post one tip online.
Give privately
A personal note is powerful.
Write a short card.
Give referrals
Send business to people you trust.
Recommend one person today.
Give honest advice
Even if it costs a sale today.
Tell the truth kindly.
Give full attention
It is rare and valued.
Put your phone away.
Receive well
Accepting help is also a gift.
Say “Thank you” simply.
Set healthy limits
Giving is not being used.
Decide what you will give free.
Give to the right people
Choose where to invest your time.
Focus on good fits.
Give joy
A smile and humour lift others.
Bring a light moment.
Give today
Start with one act now.
Do one generous thing before day end.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many sales conversations.
“I put together a short guide for you.”
“Here is a tip that may help.”
“I know someone you should meet.”
“What would help you most this month?”
“Thanks for trying it.”
“If it helps, I can go further.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Give one useful tip
Make one introduction
Share a helpful article
Offer a free review
Thank a customer
Give without asking
Reflect on what came back
Further reading
- The Psychology of Selling (Brian Tracy)
- Secrets of Closing the Sale (Zig Ziglar)
- To Sell Is Human (Daniel Pink)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
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Start freeThese lessons share general learning and everyday ideas. They are not medical or mental health advice. If you feel very anxious, low or unwell, please talk to a doctor or a qualified professional.
More lessons in “The Confident Seller”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
← Previous: Sell to Serve, Not to ImpressNext: See Your Customer as a Real Person →
- You Are Already a Salesperson
- Throw Away the Pushy Salesman Picture
- Believe in What You Sell
- Silence Your Inner Critic
- Your First 90 Seconds of Courage
- Borrow Confidence You Do Not Feel Yet
- Celebrate the Small Win Every Day
- Why "No" Is Not About You
- The Rejection Reset in 60 Seconds
- Turn Every No Into a Lesson
- Ask for Feedback Without Fear
- The Numbers Game Made Simple
- Bounce Back After a Bad Call
- Why Great Sellers Hear Thousands of Noes
- Breathe Away Pre-Call Panic
- Your Pre-Meeting Ritual
- Stand Like Someone Worth Hearing
- The Power Pose Myth and What Really Helps
- Sound Calm When You Feel Shaky
- What to Do When Your Mind Goes Blank
- Speak Slower, Sell Better
- Sell to Serve, Not to Impress
- The Giver's Edge
- See Your Customer as a Real Person
- Your Job Is to Solve, Not to Push
- Be Proud of the Value You Bring
- Lead With Honesty Every Time
- The Quiet Power of Integrity
- Start Your Day Like a Pro
- Set Goals You Can Actually Hit
- The Two-Minute Daily Review
- Read, Listen, Learn: 15 Minutes a Day
- Find a Mentor Who Pushes You
- Say Your Wins Out Loud
- Survive Your First Sales Slump
- Protect Your Energy Like Money
- When Sales Are Slow, Do This
- Stay Hopeful in a Long Sales Cycle
- Turn Pressure Into Focus
- Become the Seller You Admire
