In an increasingly digital and metropolitan world, it’s easy to lose sight of the fabric that underpins it all:  genuine connections between human beings.
 
For your business to thrive, it’s worth taking the time to consider how to enrich it with this authentic building block. Doing so will pay dividends in unexpected ways.

This was the essence of what Theo Simeonidis, Chairperson of the Silverdale Business Association, shared at a TNG online networking event recently.

Simeonidis’ presentation was entitled ‘The Power of Giving’, and through it, he showed how the law of reciprocity follows the act of giving without expectation.

He began with some anecdotes about how the act of giving leads to the fostering of goodwill. An associate of Mr Simeonidis once received a free pair of sandals, given as a gift. Later he would take his entire visiting family to the sandal salesman, who then sold ten pairs. The sandal salesman had sowed the seeds of goodwill by the act of giving, without expectation, and then benefited from that act of kindness.

1. Give of your business
Mr Simeonidis shared an anecdote related to his insurance business too. He spoke of ‘orphan insurance clients’, clients who had disengaged from their previous consultant. He gave these ‘orphaned’ clients free analysis and documented advice without any obligations attached. He noted that this produced four effects.

Clients expressed genuine appreciation. It also built their trust in his business, which increased their willingness to refer business to him. Moreover, it inspired loyalty and ultimately led to them using his services again in the future.

By giving selflessly, Simeonidis increased his business’ reputation, gained more in the long run, and most importantly, helped those in genuine need. With the ongoing pandemic, there has never been a time more opportune or vital in which to give.

2. Give of your time
Giving doesn’t necessarily have to entail products, services or business referrals. Time and attention can be just as valuable. Speaking about TNG specifically, he noted that there are three types of people who join. The first is after instant gratification. They sign up quickly and disappear just as quickly. The second group join and take time to build associations and make things work. The third group ‘get it’ from day one.

The difference between the first and second groups is that the latter invest their time in others. In doing so, they build relationships that pay off later and while drawing on experiences from outside their niche, diversifying their understanding and building their skillset.

3. Give of yourself
To give of yourself is to become a part of something bigger.

Simeonidis articulated the benefits of this when discussing how a business association can extend beyond business and become a support structure. By forging strong bonds in the association, its members can help patch each other’s deficiencies.

By way of example, he explained how associates came together during the pandemic to help those whose businesses had been severely damaged due to lockdowns.

Going a step further, consider also giving back to your community.  Over the last four years, Simeonidis’ Greek Extravaganza has raised $66,000 for the Hibiscus Hospice.

He did this by giving of his business, time, and energy, calling on his associates and helping make the community a better place. Something it shan’t forget. This is the power of giving. By giving with an open heart, without expectation, you receive back. Or, as Mr Simeonidis ends his talk: “as we work to create light for others, we naturally light our own way.”

 Watch the full presentation here

Join us at our next TNG ConnectNZOnline meeting Friday 5th November, 10.30-11.30am to hear our guest speaker, Sharon Kawe, SJK Accountants, speaking on the key areas to focus your business for the next five months.  Please register to attend here.