I just reread a book that has become one of my favorites. It is called “The Go-Giver” by Bob Burg and John David Mann. I first read it in 2009 when it was given to me as a gift for helping someone get ahead in their career. It meant a lot to me because the message written inside the book said, “I read this book and it reminded me of you.” Here is a summary of the book’s key messages.
 Five Laws of Stratospheric Success:

  1. The Law of Value: Your true worth is determined by how much more you give in value than you take in payment.
  2. The Law of Compensation: Your income is determined by how many people you serve and how well you serve them.
  3. The Law of Influence: Your influence is determined by how abundantly you place other people’s interests first.
  4. The Law of Authenticity: The most valuable gift you have to offer is yourself.
  5. The Law of Receptivity: The key to effective giving is to stay open to receiving.

My only regret in my career is that I didn’t start practicing these business principles until middle age. If I had read the book in my 20’s, I think I could have accomplished even more.  I suggest that if you have high school or college age children or friends, gift them this book. I don’t think they will learn this in business school.
Weekly Wisdom by Jerry Rollins, CEO of Sage Executive Group