This week, I explored The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann, a book that flips the traditional idea of success on its head. Instead of focusing solely on getting, the authors highlight the immense value of giving—offering your time, effort, and service to others as a way to achieve success. To bring these ideas into real-world context, I had a great conversation with David Roth with DHR Headshots, a photographer who embodies the principles of this book in his business.
Going Beyond the Basics
One of the key principles in The Go-Giver is providing value beyond what’s expected. This can take many forms, whether it’s offering a more personalized experience, delivering additional services, or simply showing extra care. For example, if you’re a web designer, you could create a resource guide that helps clients maintain their website post-launch. If you’re in sales, you might offer ongoing advice and check-ins after the deal is done. The goal is to make the client feel valued and supported, even after the immediate transaction is over. When you go the extra mile, you differentiate yourself from competitors and leave a lasting impact. Use this handy follow-up tracker or invest in a CRM system to help you add value.
Building Relationships for Referrals
Another powerful lesson from The Go-Giver is the idea that your success is directly tied to how well you serve others. The more value you bring, the more people will want to work with you—and refer you. Building relationships is at the heart of this. Instead of focusing on immediate gains, think long-term. Follow up with clients after the initial engagement, share useful information, and show genuine interest in their goals. For example, if you’re a financial advisor, checking in on clients after tax season to see how they’re doing could lead to new opportunities. The more people feel connected to you, the more likely they are to recommend you to others. Use our Habit Tracker to establish some healthy added value habits.
Staying True to Yourself
Authenticity is another major theme in the book. When you’re true to your style and values, you attract clients and collaborators who resonate with you. This could be as simple as choosing to work on projects that align with your beliefs or sticking to a creative approach that reflects your true vision. For instance, a writer may stay true to their voice by not chasing every trend but instead focusing on storytelling that feels authentic to them. Over time, this builds a brand that’s unmistakably yours and stands out in a crowded marketplace.
Embracing Constructive Feedback
Finally, The Go-Giver emphasizes the importance of personal growth. One way to grow is by embracing feedback, especially the kind that challenges you to improve. This might come from a client, mentor, or peer, and while it can be tough to hear, constructive criticism often holds the key to greater success. If a marketing consultant receives feedback that their presentations are too complex, they might take the opportunity to simplify their messaging and make their services more accessible. Feedback, when viewed as a tool for growth, can be transformative. That’s why here at The Coaching Network we help you track what’s going “wrong” so you can learn from it.
David’s Insights
During my conversation with David Roth, he reflected on how he uses these principles in his photography business. Beyond just delivering photos, he focuses on providing a full experience for his clients, building strong relationships that naturally lead to referrals. By staying true to his creative style and being open to constructive feedback, David has been able to distinguish himself in a competitive industry. His story highlights how putting The Go-Giver principles into practice can help any business thrive.
Take Action
Whether you’re a business owner, freelancer, or working within a company, the principles from The Go-Giver can transform how you approach success. How can you provide more value? What relationships can you nurture? And how can you stay authentic while being open to growth? These questions are a great starting point to shift your focus from simply getting to giving—and watch how your business grows as a result. And if you’re struggling to find answers to these questions, book a free 30 minute consultation with Maria from The Coaching Network.
What’s one way you’re going to give more in your work this week? Let me know in the comments section of the YouTube video!
– Maria Medina
P.S. – Don’t miss next week’s blog where we explore Stop & Shift: The Mindset Reset that Changes Everything and talk about breaking through our limits through mindfulness!
