When used in the context of “business owners should give back” I’d ask – “Why, have I taken something that doesn’t belong to me?” Businesspeople are the ones who risk, invest, and create things that help other people. They bring others along by creating jobs and paying taxes on commercial real estate and equipment, and if they are successful – on profits. They make life better for customers who voluntarily exchange money for the products or services created by the business – that is theie customers value the product or service more than the money. Business owners make the world better or they don’t exist for long.
I’m a firm believer in giving for the right reasons, and “I owe” is not one of them.
What do you think?
Once again, you hit it right on the head.
The true measure of success is the extent to which we can take from life and give back at the same time.
Amen Brother!!!!
I think Elaine’s message has some merit but I would add that it is from being blessed (with whatever it is that the giver is blessed with)and anyone can give back, it doesn’t have to always be about money.
There seem to be two issues conflated together here; entitlement, and gratitude. (I find things get confusing when you don’t separate out potentially opposing issues.)
If you are giving of your own free will, that is gratitude and reciprocity for the blessings you feel have been bestowed upon you. I like that type of internally driven giving back.
Entitlement and gratitude don’t coexist. If gratitude is lubricant, entitlement is friction.
If you are compelled by outside manipulation that feels like others determining what you owe, that type of “giving back” feels more like having something taken, not a true “give back.”
I love it. Thanks Larry for always being frank and honest.
John Mackey says it better than I ever could. Give back not because “you owe,” but because you want to be of greater service to your employees, your vendors, your community, your country, and your world.
http://reason.com/archives/2005/10/01/rethinking-the-social-responsi
Very well said, Larry. I enjoy these messages and agree here. I feel that the contribution of successful entrepreneurship is often overlooked. Anything that aides in cycling money through this wretched economy and puts food on people’s tables should be applauded. I run a few contracting businesses here in CT and sometimes the thought of how many people eat and thrive (wives,children, families, etc.)from the phones lines that ring here blows my mind. My employees, my sub-contractors, suppliers, the guys working at the supply house, the truck drivers shipping product from all over…it doesn’t end. Business ebbs and flows. Imagine if we all packed it in and got in the government cheese line???? YIKES…
Give as a verb, is “freely transfer a possession of (something) to (someone); whether in the context of ‘business owner’ or any lay person on the street it is an act of detachment.
No one have to feel pressured or be cornered that they ‘should’ give. If they do it without detachment, then it is not considered ‘giving’. Give is without thought of reward or waiting for what you will get back.
Business owners have given a lot to the world by providing security to the employees and their families. That alone is a gift. When giving is done is the right spirit, not just in monetary or possession terms, (it could be a smile, a greeting, volunteer time and many more intangible acts,) they bring warmth and it feels good! I am just ‘giving’ my opinion.
In the spirit of thanks-‘giving’. Thank you all for the gifts you give. Happy Thanksgiving. May you enjoy the gifts you already have in your life.