Give... give more

I need to tell you... be nice, you never know when it'll literally pay off.

Don't believe me?

Ok, one night, a few months ago, my mom calls me to ask if I can help one of her employees write a bio for a new company he's working for on the side. I didn't even know the guy - never met him... and it's after 10 p.m. (Now, as a side note, I want to comment on my mom doing the right thing as a manager. She was helping her employee better himself even though it would not directly benefit her company. Note I said that was the RIGHT thing to do. I'll explain why in another blog.)

I nearly said "No." Wouldn't you? I mean you get a call after 10 to write a piece as a favor for someone you've never met for no pay, and you're broke to boot. I do things like that a lot for people I know. I don't mind doing it as a favor, but the pay sucks. For someone I don't know? Enough is enough.

Well, I did it anyways. He needed help. I gave him what he wanted and he became a raving fan. Funny, that never helped my wallet... before that night. I knew he didn't have much money. He works for the same company my mom does, they've never exactly been known for the incredible salaries they hand out. He explained that he'd pay me as soon as he made money with his new job. I said, "Yeah, that's what I always hear."

He said, "I'm going to show them this. I'm going to get them to have you do all their writing and advertising...". I was skeptical to say the least.

Anyways, long story short. I now have a new client: My Broker Realty. I received an email from them a day later and we began working together almost immediately. They have been very receptive to my ideas and theories and are well on their way to becoming a real estate heavy hitter in the Eastern Panhandle of WV. If they maintain their tenacity and creativity, there won't be any stopping them.

It just goes to show you: when you don't think you have anything more to give, give anyways. The results could be just what you expect, but sometimes you may receive far more than you gave.

Take care.

Be better.

-Bill