Have you ever done something nice for someone, and suddenly, you feel the universe working in your favor? Maybe you:
- Helped a neighbor carry in their groceries, and the very next day, you notice that the hard-to-get parking spot right in front of your building is finally empty for once. Or…
- Volunteered extra hours on a project without being asked, going above and beyond for a client. Soon after, that same client refers you to a major new account, significantly boosting your business.
These moments might seem like pure luck or mere coincidence, but they’re actually rooted in something much deeper.
In fact, it’s a biblical principle that has stood the test of time:
“There is one who scatters [gives freely] and yet is given more, and one who withholds from [giving] what is proper, only for a loss. A generous person will become rich, and he who sates [others] shall himself become sated as well.” —Proverbs 11:24-25
This wisdom from Proverbs suggests that the more you give, the more you receive.
When you're generous—(Not only with your money but with your time, effort, and kindness)—It sets off a chain reaction. The goodwill you spread comes back to you, often in ways you didn't expect.
I was taught this concept at a young age. Ever since, I adopted the practice of helping and/or adding value to others without any expectation of getting something in return. Whether it was volunteering, going the extra mile, or simply being there for friends and strangers alike…My aim was always to give, to plant seeds of kindness and value wherever I could.
People often question this mindset, especially in a world that seems to operate on a 'quid pro quo' basis. I often hear comments like: "Why are you doing that?”
“They're not paying you. Why invest your time and resources?" My answer is simple but deeply rooted in my belief system: I'm planting seeds.
And while I may not see the immediate fruits of these efforts, I trust that these seeds will grow into a forest of opportunity, relationships, and yes, even financial prosperity.
And you know what? It works. Time and time again, I've seen how these acts of generosity come full circle. New business opportunities, friendships, and a forest of blessings have resulted from planting these seeds, affirming the truth of Proverbs 11:24-25 in my life.
But I've also seen the other end of the coin, where not giving—(or being stingy and greedy)—can lead to missed opportunities and a lack of growth. 👇
The TRUTH Behind Blockbuster’s Bankruptcy
Back in the day, renting movies from Blockbuster was a weekly tradition for many of us, including my family. But there was a catch—High late fees.
Misplace a movie or forget to turn it in on time, and Blockbuster would slap you with a bill that felt more punitive than reasonable.
These super high (and frankly ridiculous) fees didn't just irritate customers; they symbolized a business model that, in hindsight, seemed to prioritize penalties over customer satisfaction.
Sure, this worked for a while…Until Redbox and Netflix came along.
Instead of charging unreasonable late fees, Netflix understood something crucial. By focusing on what customers truly needed and wanted, they could provide immense value.
So…What did they do?
They came out with a new business model: Subscription-based movie rentals. With a small monthly fee, you can rent and exchange DVD movies easier, cheaper, and more efficiently. Here’s how it worked:
- Basic: $9.99/month; one disc at a time
- Standard: $14.99/month; two discs at a time
- Premium: $19.99/month; three discs at a time
They were generous in their business model, removing the pain points of high late fees and inflexible rental periods, and in doing so, they won the hearts (and wallets) of millions.
This generosity paid off in more ways than they could imagine. Netflix's willingness to give more—More flexibility, more convenience, more understanding of customer needs, helped them become the $250 billion+ company they are today.
Meanwhile, Blockbuster? Well…We know how that story ended. 😅
(To be fair, the switch to digital streaming was ultimately the BIG reason why they finally failed…However, even before this, they were on life support).
So, as we reflect on our own lives and the way we do business, let’s remember what happens to those who are generous with their time, money, and knowledge vs. those who are reluctant to give.
Think about Proverbs 11:24-25 and ask yourself:
- What seeds can I plant this week?
- How can I enrich the lives of those around me?
- How can I make decisions that not only benefit me but also create value for others?
To your success,
David