Everything that I'm reading these days points to an adaptation of the old but true concept of the "Golden Rule." That is, that when give away things you freely receive. Modern marketing, especially on the Internet, says to give out free valuable content to people, and they will visit your place of business. People don't want to be sold, they want to have a favorable experience.
Yesterday, I participated in the first annual, Ace Hardware Guys Who Grill competition in Wickenburg. We had about 400 people paying $10 to sample wonderful food prepared by grilling teams. The people had a great feast, the teams had a lot of fun and promoted themselves and their businesses, and the sponsors saw great benefit from being involved. Another organization to benefit was the Webb Center for the Performing Arts and especially its programs for kids. Everyone gave a little, and everyone got a lot.
This is a key for any business or organization. When we develop an organizational culture to give, we benefit from getting both a good response and monetary benefits from the public.
