By MaryEllen Tribby

I was told the following story the other evening and I was so touched I needed to share this narrative with you . . .

"A few years ago, at the Seattle Special Olympics, nine contestants, all physically or mentally disabled, assembled at the starting line for the 100 yard dash. At the gun, they all started out, not exactly in a dash, but with the relish to run the race to the finish and win.

All, except one little boy who stumbled on the asphalt and tumbled over a couple of times and began to cry. The other eight heard the boy cry.

They slowed down and looked back. Then, they all turned around and went back . . . every one of them. One little girl with Down Syndrome bent down and kissed him and said, 'This will make it better.' Then all nine linked arms and walked together to the finish line. Everyone in the stadium stood, and the cheering went on for several minutes." People who were there are still telling the story.

I think the story moved me so much because very often in business many people think that “cut throat” tactics will help their business grow and that will help them come out ahead.

When in reality it is collaboration and unconditional giving that helps you succeed every time.

As you know, I recently re-launched my new and improved Inbox Empire program. In doing so, we asked for very limited joint venture support.

After the campaign was over, I was able to divide the folks who we requested support from into three separate groups:

Group #1 - The Givers:

These were friends who are also my colleagues. This group jumped on board instantly. They followed through exactly as they said they would. And, in doing so, they were not only rewarded by an incredible response rates and extremely high EPC’s.  They also have my undying gratitude.

Group #2 – The Fair Weather Friends:

These were folks that were more colleagues, not close friends. Yet, when they dropped my name at industry functions they would position us as good friends. This group chose not to participate. However, they very politely wrote back to us and said the program either did not fit their current business model or that their marketing calendar was full.

Group #3 – The Fakers:

Again, these were folks that were more colleagues, not close friends. But yet again they dropped my name at industry functions where they positioned us as very close friends for their benefit.

Only this group did not even have the decency to respond to emails, text messages and phone calls.

You may be saying, “So, what. They just did not want to participate.”

Fair enough  . . .

However, what you don’t know is that every person in each one of these groups has asked me for multiple business favors over the years.

I have either mailed my community for them, spoken at their conference, let them interview me, or participated in their webinar or telesummit.

And, when I did so, I did not do it with the intention that someday they would owe me. I did it because I believed them to be good and honest people (at the time) that I wanted to help out. And yes, if I mailed, I only did so with the premise that it would benefit my readers.

But as far as the interviews, webinars and telesummits, I did not benefit from these time commitments monetarily.  I truly did it for their benefit. And frankly, it made me feel good to do so.

I was not afraid that by helping others that I would come in last, just like the children in the race.

However, I will tell you that group #3, The Fakers, the ones that did not even respond, will not have access to me or my time going forward. Please do not think this of holding a grudge – I am not, I wish them the best. However, I will not tolerate disrespect in any aspect of my life.

Also, I do not believe in passive aggressiveness.  Shortly after my mini launch of Inbox Empire, I received an email from someone in group #3 asking me for yet another favor. I sent him the following email. Only the names have been changed to protect the not so innocent:

Hello Barney,

I hope this email finds you well.

I am sending you an email instead of a phone call because my manuscript for my new book is due to Wiley on March 1st and I need to be extremely productive with my time. Before we talk about your below email, I need to be extremely honest with you.

I have always honored every favor you have asked of me. I mailed my Working Moms Only list for you several times for your friends’ books because you asked me. These were people I did not even know.

I never asked for an affiliate link, I did it because it meant (or so I thought) something to you.

I mailed for your conferences several times because you asked me - again without an affiliate link. I even spoke at your conference at my own expense.

When you recently sent me the email that Herman sent you and you were upset. I went to him and told him you were a good and honorable person.

All these years, I did these things because I cared about you. Never looking for anything in return.

Then, when I called, emailed and texted you to ask if you would mail for my new inbox product, you did not even respond to me. You did not even have the decency to answer me.

Now, the next time I hear from you is for yet another favor . . .

As far as the company you mentioned in your email below, I do know  them and cannot help you out there.

Please confirm receipt of this reply.

Cheers,
ME

Please note, I answered his email and was direct and honest.

Through all this, I learned that most people will do what is best for them. While others, The Givers, people who have an abundant mindset, will help others out at the drop of a hat.

Please look back into your business relationships and do the following:

•    Determine which you group you fall into today.
•    Determine which group you would like to be in.
•    Take action to make the necessary changes in your life.