The business secret they don't teach....

"Have you ever heard of the word 'reciprocity'? If you haven't, then you probably haven't experienced any great business success"

This is one of those things that is so obvious that, they would never teach it in a business school and yet, if you don't understand it, it is like running a race with your feet tied together.

Fear not the Truthteller loves to reveal all! First off 'reciprocity' means....mutual exchange. In simple terms, reciprocity is the idea, based on the thought that people have a very hard time saying no to someone who has done something (of value) for them. This is a very powerful psychological tool, and you really should read this paragraph over again, just to make sure you understand it.

Think about this....if someone does something kind or generous for you, without any apparent motive, how does that make you feel? Assuming that you are like most of us, you feel the urge to respond in kind, right? So if you are in any form of business, this is in incredible strategy to follow. Do favors, every chance you get.
Make introductions, offer profitable advice freely, be generous, promote and speak kind of others....chances are, your generosity will come back to you many fold.

Here is a common mistake. Companies give out cheesy calendars, hats and pens every year. They of course want to promote their company so they put their name on the gift. The problem is that this is not viewed as a gift by the recipient, instead it is viewed as a promotion, a calculated method to advertise and market their service or product. Therefore, although the gift is welcomed (why not it's free) no obligation to reciprocate is felt by the recipient of your gift. You pretty well, wasted your money!

Now imagine that you just received a gold pen with YOUR name on it, how do you feel? First of all it has become personal (it has your name, not some business). No one except you will know that it is a gift. Most people upon receiving such a gift would experience the feeling of reciprocity (and the urge to reciprocate). Or, when someone has done you a personal favor...ditto, right?

This is one for the really smart business person; give you client a gift that they can in turn give to their spouse or children. This could be something like a gift to the local spa or even sports tickets. They get to be a hero at home and they will remember you for it. The urge to reciprocate (with their business) will be HUGE!

This is advanced reciprocity; give the customer, more than they expected. A little extra service, product or even a gift. The extra is what compels them to reciprocate (they expect a quality product or service).

Ok, you're smart, I think you now understand how this valuable technique can work for you, not just in business, but in your personal life. And there is a BONUS to all of this....(there's always a bonus here at the Truthteller) it just makes for a better and nicer world to live this way.

Now go out there and make piles of money, make new friends and remember, the next time you see me, buy me beer....I just might reciprocate!

Eduardo