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By now, few—if any—aren’t familiar with the process of Paying it Forward. Doing something for someone “just because”, with no expectation of return other than the sheer gratification of the act. Some call them Random Acts of Kindness.

I like to think of it as being a Difference Maker.

As author Melody Beattie said, “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.”

Paying It Forward has a power in this process that’s hard to describe; a feeling unlike any other and the good news is: it’s addicting. Once you start, it’s hard to stop. There’s a great website for the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation at www.randomactsofkindness.org that is certainly worth spending some time exploring.

I recently had the good fortune of meeting and getting to know Aileen Bennett (www.creatingclever.com), a dynamic author and speaker with a positive attitude that is absolutely contagious. Aileen started the Do Good Project in Lafayette, LA this past December. Her challenge: She gave $50 each to more than 20 people with two rules: you had help someone else with the money and you must document it.

The results have been astounding as you can read here.  The bottom line is that it made people think about and focus on GIVING.

Bob Burg has two books, The Go-Giver: A Little Story About A Powerful Business Idea and Go-Givers Sell More that simply focus on the act of giving in order to receive.

So, what can YOU do for a client or potential client and seek nothing in return?

How can you be a Difference Maker for someone—someone that is not expecting it?

Where can you offer a helping hand “just because”?

Why not offer a free test of the newest version of your product to a customer—with no expectation of any reciprocation? (Be careful, because if you go into it “looking” for a sale, you are really defeating the purpose of the entire process)

Find ways that YOU can help others, find ways that your company, product or service can be of service to others.

Lead the charge and don’t wait for others to get the ball rolling. Aileen didn’t. Bob didn’t.

Participate. Get involved. Be a Do Gooder, Be a Go-Giver.

In the coming days, weeks and months we’ll get into sales training, motivation, inspiration and personal development. But, through it all remember one thing:

Be a Difference Maker.

Lagniappe: In South Louisiana “Lagniappe” is defined as “a little something extra”. Here’s your Lagniappe for today:

As my way of Paying It Forward one commenter on this post will receive a free copy of Bob Burg’s newest book, “It’s Not About You: A Little Story About What Matters Most in Business”. There’s no obligation, you’re not signing up for anything and you won’t be contacted in the future for any “extra, special offers”. It is just my way of Giving to You. All you have to do is leave a comment, any comment just to show you were here.

Photo courtesy of zirconicusso

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