Sales
The Go-Giver
Bob Burg & John David Mann
A short story on why giving first is a real growth strategy.
Recommended for: I'm Networking but Nothing Comes From It
All Challenges
Marketing
I'm Networking but Nothing Comes From It
Collecting business cards isn't networking. Build relationships by giving value first.
The Challenge
Collecting business cards isn't networking. Build relationships by giving value first.
Why This Happens
- No follow-up after events
- Selling instead of helping
- Not tracking relationships
Questions to Ask Yourself
- 1.Who did you meet last month?
- 2.Did you follow up?
- 3.How did you help them?
What to Do First
1
Follow up with three people you met.
2
Make one introduction.
3
Share one useful resource.
Step-by-Step Solution
- 1
Make an introduction.
- 2
Share a useful resource.
- 3
Refer business to someone.
- 4
Help another owner solve a problem.
- 5
Thank an existing customer.
- 6
Reconnect with an old relationship.
- 7
Share something you learned.
Three Levels of Solutions
Quick Win
Do this today
Send one helpful introduction today.
Build the System
Next 30 days
Use a Relationship Follow-Up Plan for everyone you meet.
Long-Term Transformation
Where you're headed
Relationships that produce referrals naturally because you give first.
Lessons From the Pass It On Library
From The Go-Giver
Who can you help this week without expecting something in return?
Framework: Give Value First
Pass It On Action
Do the 7-day Give Value First Challenge.
Practical Tool
Relationship Follow-Up Plan
Fill it in here, then download or print. Your answers stay on your device.
Your Action Plans
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7-Day Action Plan
- Day 1 — Identify the problem: write down exactly how “I'm Networking but Nothing Comes From It” shows up in your business.
- Day 2 — Review the numbers: gather the facts, figures, and examples connected to this challenge.
- Day 3 — Find the root cause: answer “Who did you meet last month?”
- Day 4 — Choose one change: Follow up with three people you met.
- Day 5 — Assign responsibility: name ONE owner, a deadline, and the expected result.
- Day 6 — Implement: Make one introduction.
- Day 7 — Review what happened: what worked, what didn’t, and what you’ll do next week.
30-Day Action Plan
Week 1 — Diagnose
- Answer: Who did you meet last month?
- Answer: Did you follow up?
- Answer: How did you help them?
- Complete the 7-Day Action Plan.
Week 2 — Build
- Use a Relationship Follow-Up Plan for everyone you meet.
- Make an introduction.
- Share a useful resource.
- Refer business to someone.
- Help another owner solve a problem.
Week 3 — Implement
- Thank an existing customer.
- Reconnect with an old relationship.
- Share something you learned.
- Train the people involved and assign owners.
Week 4 — Measure & Improve
- Compare results to where you started.
- Write one lesson learned.
- Adjust the process.
- Share what you learned with someone in the fellowship.
Biblical Principles
Wisdom for the journey — encouraging stewardship, integrity, and service, never a promise of guaranteed success.
#81 · Giving
Give generously
2 Corinthians 9:6
#95 · Partnership
Choose relationships carefully
1 Corinthians 15:33
#97 · Partnership
Build relationships that sharpen you
Proverbs 27:17
Related Challenges
Recommended Books
Approved Bookshelf resources related to this challenge.
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Challenge → Diagnose → Prioritize → Learn → Take Action → Measure → Improve → Help Someone Else
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