We all need money to keep things going. Whether you’re in a marketplace business or in a non-profit, you need to ask two questions before talking about money.
- Does this serve?
- Does this add value to others?
If the answer to both questions is yes, then you can begin talking about how much money to raise or the price point for a product or service. You should always seek to give more in value than you take in payment.
I just finished reading the book, The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann. This great little story teaches that trying to be successful with your goal as making money is like driving while looking in the rearview mirror. The true secret to success is in giving.
Here are the five laws for success, according to the authors, :
- THE LAW OF COMPENSATION – Your income is determined by how many people you serve and how well you serve them.
- THE LAW OF INFLUENCE – Your influence is determined by how abundantly you place other people’s interests first.
- THE LAW OF VALUE – Your true worth is determined by how much more you give in value than you take in payment.
- THE LAW OF AUTHENTICITY – The most valuable gift you have to offer is yourself.
- THE LAW OF RECEPTIVITY – The key to effective giving is to stay open to receiving.
Though this is a business book, its principles are as old as the Bible. God’s word teaches that:
- It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).
- We should serve others (John 13).
- We should look out for the interest of others (Phillippians 2:4).
Since reading this book, I’ve been reminded to think about serving others in ministry and being focused on the needs as well as what I’m doing.
Before I think about the cost, sales, invitations to give an honorarium, or any other aspect of money, I start with serving and giving. After those things are crystal clear, I can work out the money stuff. Most often, once the first two questions are answered, the money won’t be a problem.
Don’t forget these two questions to ask before getting ahead of yourself: Does this serve? Does it add value to others? So much of what you’re doing in ministry, business, and leadership can be assessed in this way.
You can pick up a copy of the Go Giver book here!
