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The Go-Giver: A Little Story About a Powerful Business Idea
The Go-Giver tells the story of an ambitious young man named Joe who yearns for success. Joe is a true go-getter, though sometimes he feels as if the harder and faster he works, the further away his goals seem to be. And so one day, desperate to land a key sale at the end of a bad quarter, he seeks advice from the enigmatic Pindar, a legendary consultant referred to by his many devotees simply as the Chairman.
Over the next week, Pindar introduces Joe to a series of “go-givers:” a restaurateur, a CEO, a financial adviser, a real estate broker, and the “Connector,” who brought them all together. Pindar’s friends share with Joe the Five Laws of Stratospheric Success and teach him how to open himself up to the power of giving.
Joe learns that changing his focus from getting to giving—putting others’ interests first and continually adding value to their lives—ultimately leads to unexpected returns.
Imparted with wit and grace, The Go-Giver is a heartwarming and inspiring tale that brings new relevance to the old proverb “Give and you shall receive.”
Over the next week, Pindar introduces Joe to a series of “go-givers:” a restaurateur, a CEO, a financial adviser, a real estate broker, and the “Connector,” who brought them all together. Pindar’s friends share with Joe the Five Laws of Stratospheric Success and teach him how to open himself up to the power of giving.
Joe learns that changing his focus from getting to giving—putting others’ interests first and continually adding value to their lives—ultimately leads to unexpected returns.
Imparted with wit and grace, The Go-Giver is a heartwarming and inspiring tale that brings new relevance to the old proverb “Give and you shall receive.”
133 pages, Hardcover
First published December 27, 2007
About the author
Bob Burg
76 books305 followersBob Burg shares information on topics vital to the success of today’s businessperson. He speaks for corporations and associations internationally, including fortune 500 companies, franchises, and numerous direct sales organizations.
Bob is an advocate, supporter and defender of the Free Enterprise system, believing that the amount of money one makes is directly proportional to how many people they serve.
He is a founding board member of Club 100, a charitable organization focused on helping underprivileged local area youths. A lover of animals, he is a past member of the Board of Directors of Safe Harbor, which is the Humane Society of Jupiter, Florida.
Bob is an advocate, supporter and defender of the Free Enterprise system, believing that the amount of money one makes is directly proportional to how many people they serve.
He is a founding board member of Club 100, a charitable organization focused on helping underprivileged local area youths. A lover of animals, he is a past member of the Board of Directors of Safe Harbor, which is the Humane Society of Jupiter, Florida.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,277 reviews
July 15, 2012
A quick read--done in an hour--with some great points.
The Five Laws of Stratospheric Success
1. The Law of Value
a. Your true worth is determined by how much more you give in value than take in payment
2. The Law of Compensation
a. Your income is determined by how many people you serve and how well you serve them
3. The Law of Influence
a. Your influence is determined by how abundantly you place other people’s interests first
4. The Law of Authenticity
a. The most valuable gift you have to offer is yourself
5. The Law of Receptivity
a. The key to effective giving is staying open to receiving
•What you focus on is what you get: “Go looking for conflict, and you’ll find it. Go looking for people to take advantage of you, and they generally will. See the world as a dog-eat-dog place, and you’ll always find a bigger dog looking at you as if you’re his next meal. Go looking for the best in people, and you’ll be amazed at how much talent, ingenuity, empathy, and good will you’ll find. Ultimately, the world treats you more or less the way you expect to be treated.” (16)
•“Whoever said being anxious gets more accomplished?” He had always taken for granted that getting a lot done invariably meant a high level of stress. But then, he knew plenty of people who were thoroughly stressed out, yet didn’t really accomplish that much. (58)
•Survive, save, and serve. Focus on the third…the rare person does.
•Network: People who know you, like you, and trust you—“personal walking ambassadors”
•Enlightened self-interest: Watch out for others with the faith that when you do, you’ll get what you need
•Reaching any goals takes 10% technical skills MAX—the other 90% is people skills
The Five Laws of Stratospheric Success
1. The Law of Value
a. Your true worth is determined by how much more you give in value than take in payment
2. The Law of Compensation
a. Your income is determined by how many people you serve and how well you serve them
3. The Law of Influence
a. Your influence is determined by how abundantly you place other people’s interests first
4. The Law of Authenticity
a. The most valuable gift you have to offer is yourself
5. The Law of Receptivity
a. The key to effective giving is staying open to receiving
•What you focus on is what you get: “Go looking for conflict, and you’ll find it. Go looking for people to take advantage of you, and they generally will. See the world as a dog-eat-dog place, and you’ll always find a bigger dog looking at you as if you’re his next meal. Go looking for the best in people, and you’ll be amazed at how much talent, ingenuity, empathy, and good will you’ll find. Ultimately, the world treats you more or less the way you expect to be treated.” (16)
•“Whoever said being anxious gets more accomplished?” He had always taken for granted that getting a lot done invariably meant a high level of stress. But then, he knew plenty of people who were thoroughly stressed out, yet didn’t really accomplish that much. (58)
•Survive, save, and serve. Focus on the third…the rare person does.
•Network: People who know you, like you, and trust you—“personal walking ambassadors”
•Enlightened self-interest: Watch out for others with the faith that when you do, you’ll get what you need
•Reaching any goals takes 10% technical skills MAX—the other 90% is people skills
February 6, 2017
“Your true worth is determined by how much more you give in value than you take in payment.”
- Bob Burg & John Mann, The Go-Giver
So, full-disclosure. I hate self-help business books. I also exist in a world where these books get passed around, given as gifts, pitched, promoted, etc., so it is hard to not find a couple constantly sitting on my shelf DESPITE my best efforts.
This month I'm trying to read a book a day. Just to see if I can do it. Right now, however, I'm reading Chernow's Washington: A Life (927 pages). It is practically impossible to read that book in one day, so as I read a hundred plus pages, I have to add a small novella or small non-fiction book every day so I don't miss a day finishing a book. So, desperate for a small book, I grabbed this one. My boss gave it to me several years ago and I blew it off.
Was it good? Sure. It was basically a parable about business Karma. The idea is if you give (value, authenticity, etc) you will receive. I believe that. So, the book basically just confirmed the way I do things. It probably also sharpened the way I think about it.
Like I've said with other self-help books, even one this week (The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks & Win Your Inner Creative Battles), most of these books can be properly and fully summarized in one page. No need for a 100-page parable.
Here is the summary:
First Law: Law of Value - Your worth is determined by how much more you give in value than you take in payment.
Second Law: Law of of Compensation - Your income is determined by how many people you serve and how ell you serve them.
Third Law: Law of Influence - Your influence is determined by how abundantly you place other people's interest first.
Fourth Law: Law of Authenticity - The most valuable gift you have to offer is yourself.
Fifth Law: Law of Receptivity - The key to effective giving is to stay open to receiving.
Or as my father would summarize:
When your not a pushy asshole, people trust you. When they trust you, they do business with you.
- Bob Burg & John Mann, The Go-Giver
So, full-disclosure. I hate self-help business books. I also exist in a world where these books get passed around, given as gifts, pitched, promoted, etc., so it is hard to not find a couple constantly sitting on my shelf DESPITE my best efforts.
This month I'm trying to read a book a day. Just to see if I can do it. Right now, however, I'm reading Chernow's Washington: A Life (927 pages). It is practically impossible to read that book in one day, so as I read a hundred plus pages, I have to add a small novella or small non-fiction book every day so I don't miss a day finishing a book. So, desperate for a small book, I grabbed this one. My boss gave it to me several years ago and I blew it off.
Was it good? Sure. It was basically a parable about business Karma. The idea is if you give (value, authenticity, etc) you will receive. I believe that. So, the book basically just confirmed the way I do things. It probably also sharpened the way I think about it.
Like I've said with other self-help books, even one this week (The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks & Win Your Inner Creative Battles), most of these books can be properly and fully summarized in one page. No need for a 100-page parable.
Here is the summary:
First Law: Law of Value - Your worth is determined by how much more you give in value than you take in payment.
Second Law: Law of of Compensation - Your income is determined by how many people you serve and how ell you serve them.
Third Law: Law of Influence - Your influence is determined by how abundantly you place other people's interest first.
Fourth Law: Law of Authenticity - The most valuable gift you have to offer is yourself.
Fifth Law: Law of Receptivity - The key to effective giving is to stay open to receiving.
Or as my father would summarize:
When your not a pushy asshole, people trust you. When they trust you, they do business with you.
June 8, 2008
A book with great principles, not just about about business, but about life. Unfortunately, those principles are presented through some really bad dialogue. The book would have been more powerful had the authors researched real life stories of people who had applied these principles.
February 19, 2009
just finished reading what is now one of my all-time favorite books.
The title of the book is The Go-Giver, written by Bob Burg and John David Mann. This parable about a salesman named Joe, who wants to succeed in a big way, realizes that he is not doing as well as he wishes. In a moment of desperation, he asks a colleague for the name of a man who he thinks may help him.
When Joe meets with the man, nicknamed The Chairman, he is in for a big surprise. Over the course of a week, he learns a different lesson every day. He commits to practicing each lesson at least once each day.
Here are the five lessons, also known as the Five Laws of Stratospheric Success:
• 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 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 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
In practice, these five lessons changed Joe’s life. I won’t tell you how the book ends, because I highly recommend that everyone reads it for themselves, but I can say that the ending was much better than I ever expected.
The title of the book is The Go-Giver, written by Bob Burg and John David Mann. This parable about a salesman named Joe, who wants to succeed in a big way, realizes that he is not doing as well as he wishes. In a moment of desperation, he asks a colleague for the name of a man who he thinks may help him.
When Joe meets with the man, nicknamed The Chairman, he is in for a big surprise. Over the course of a week, he learns a different lesson every day. He commits to practicing each lesson at least once each day.
Here are the five lessons, also known as the Five Laws of Stratospheric Success:
• 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 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 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
In practice, these five lessons changed Joe’s life. I won’t tell you how the book ends, because I highly recommend that everyone reads it for themselves, but I can say that the ending was much better than I ever expected.
March 3, 2016
This book is the worst kind of business book. A terribly written, completely simplistic, folksy little fable where someone learns that sharing is caring! and all it takes to succeed is to be nice. If that's the case, I'm destined for failure.
April 7, 2015
REALLY??? This book unrealistic contrived drivel. DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME!
To best sum it up, the whole thing reads like a Brady Bunch episode: Joe learns to share, which essentially lands his competitor the "Big Kahuna" account, which is disappointing to Joe, but he did the right thing so that feels good. Then, SURPRISE! As a result of Joe's unselfish act of referring the "Big Kahuna" account to his competitor, Joe ends up landing an even bigger account making the "Big Kahuna" look like a minnow, thus Joe ends up being rich and successful beyond his wildest dreams. The End.
I actually took offense to part of the book where the husband and wife both work full time jobs and both had a hard day and there she is cooking dinner for her husband - as expected. Then we are told that this couple has a strict rule that they are each allowed only 30 minutes of complaining time and that's it. Oh, but Joe is such a selfless soul that on this particular night he allowed his wife to complain past the 30 minute mark and she got up early the next morning and wrote him a sappy note about how wonderful he is, and that all her problems are solved because he allowed her to vent more than her allotted 30 minutes of time, and how she was letting him sleep in because he deserved it. According to the authors, the marriage was completely transformed all because of the noble way Joe listened to his wife bitch.
This book is so tedious and awful that I'm getting worked up just writing this review, so I'm going to stop. The bottom line is that this books is completely ridiculous - DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME.
To best sum it up, the whole thing reads like a Brady Bunch episode: Joe learns to share, which essentially lands his competitor the "Big Kahuna" account, which is disappointing to Joe, but he did the right thing so that feels good. Then, SURPRISE! As a result of Joe's unselfish act of referring the "Big Kahuna" account to his competitor, Joe ends up landing an even bigger account making the "Big Kahuna" look like a minnow, thus Joe ends up being rich and successful beyond his wildest dreams. The End.
I actually took offense to part of the book where the husband and wife both work full time jobs and both had a hard day and there she is cooking dinner for her husband - as expected. Then we are told that this couple has a strict rule that they are each allowed only 30 minutes of complaining time and that's it. Oh, but Joe is such a selfless soul that on this particular night he allowed his wife to complain past the 30 minute mark and she got up early the next morning and wrote him a sappy note about how wonderful he is, and that all her problems are solved because he allowed her to vent more than her allotted 30 minutes of time, and how she was letting him sleep in because he deserved it. According to the authors, the marriage was completely transformed all because of the noble way Joe listened to his wife bitch.
This book is so tedious and awful that I'm getting worked up just writing this review, so I'm going to stop. The bottom line is that this books is completely ridiculous - DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME.
April 3, 2017
If I had the money, I'd buy a copy of this book and send it to every person I know, wrapped in gold foil paper. This isn't just a business book. It applies whether you're a volunteer, in a romantic relationship, or with your coworkers.
I just used one idea in the book that helped me work through a conflict that has been around for three years and that I thought couldn't be resolved. I tried the idea as almost a last ditch effort and with little hope that it would work. I am surprised and very happy. In fact, I think I'm becoming friends with someone I'd come to see as difficult to work with.
This book teaches principles that you can even use with your kids, whether they're 2 or 20. Yes, you have to simplify them for your two-year-old, and yet they work.
If you feel stuck in a pattern of arguing with someone or feel frustrated that you can't seem to get ahead at work, go get this book from your library or bookstore. Take a chance and do what it suggests for a week as an experiment. If you don't like the results, you can quit and forget about it. That's what I did, and it worked.
The audio edition of this book is great because it's read by the author, a man who obviously understands the message. So whether you like print or the spoken word, there's something here for you.
I just used one idea in the book that helped me work through a conflict that has been around for three years and that I thought couldn't be resolved. I tried the idea as almost a last ditch effort and with little hope that it would work. I am surprised and very happy. In fact, I think I'm becoming friends with someone I'd come to see as difficult to work with.
This book teaches principles that you can even use with your kids, whether they're 2 or 20. Yes, you have to simplify them for your two-year-old, and yet they work.
If you feel stuck in a pattern of arguing with someone or feel frustrated that you can't seem to get ahead at work, go get this book from your library or bookstore. Take a chance and do what it suggests for a week as an experiment. If you don't like the results, you can quit and forget about it. That's what I did, and it worked.
The audio edition of this book is great because it's read by the author, a man who obviously understands the message. So whether you like print or the spoken word, there's something here for you.
March 11, 2009
Obviously this wasn't a book for entertainment but for education. The points made were good and in the realm of common sense. The people involved have a habit of believing that the world has the wrong idea about everything and these people have all the answers. The events that lead to success were all to fanciful. I feel it caters to the naive, someone who feels that they have been lied to and now found the way. It gives a light of hope to whomever wishes to believe that they have the wrong idea.
December 2, 2023
I heard great things about this book. It is a short book, so I decided to listen to the audiobook. Unfortunately, it was one of those books that made me roll my eyes every few minutes.
I understand the idea and it really is a good one, the execution however was so bad and childish, and it is my least favorite kind of narration. You see, the book is a non-fiction book, but it is told like a fiction fable with a lot of telling rather than showing.
I don't like the narration because life really doesn't work like that. It was so fluffy and pinkish. I wish there were more objective and real-life stories rather than the Disney-like stories we got here. For some reason though, people seem to love this style and the book has a very high rating so take this review and rating with a grain of salt. Personally, I feel like someone who tends to give other people value without expecting a return because I believe in Karma. However, this was a bit too much for my taste!
I understand the idea and it really is a good one, the execution however was so bad and childish, and it is my least favorite kind of narration. You see, the book is a non-fiction book, but it is told like a fiction fable with a lot of telling rather than showing.
I don't like the narration because life really doesn't work like that. It was so fluffy and pinkish. I wish there were more objective and real-life stories rather than the Disney-like stories we got here. For some reason though, people seem to love this style and the book has a very high rating so take this review and rating with a grain of salt. Personally, I feel like someone who tends to give other people value without expecting a return because I believe in Karma. However, this was a bit too much for my taste!
December 31, 2018
Business parable of doing good.
May 11, 2010
I suppose there are those who will feel this book is trite, easy or "feel-good". And it is a couple of those things. It is an easy book to read--a nice and fairly short story. And it is somewhat feel good, although I'm sure many readers felt a few pangs here and there as they recognized themselves on the page.
However, as with most books that are about who we are, individually and fundamentally, the challenge is the practice.
My recommendation is read the book and decide if it has value for you. And if it does read it again more slowly and actually take the journey along with Joe. It will be interesting to see what comes of it.
However, as with most books that are about who we are, individually and fundamentally, the challenge is the practice.
My recommendation is read the book and decide if it has value for you. And if it does read it again more slowly and actually take the journey along with Joe. It will be interesting to see what comes of it.
June 15, 2019
Required reading for my job (at the time). Stories that teach you get more for giving than getting. If you give to everyone you meet you will ultimately be rewarded along your career path. This book was entertaining and highly readable and mostly intended for people in sales although the principals here can be applied to many different aspects of employment and life.
May 10, 2023
The writing was okay but I completely understand that it’s more about the lessons than the actual story which is why I gave it 3.5 stars. I’m excited to apply the laws of success in my life and see what comes of it. A solid read ☺️
May 16, 2017
The Go-Giver: A Little Story About a Powerful Business Idea by Bob Burg and John David Mann is, simply put, twisted Prosperity Gospel propaganda. The authors call it a parable, meaning they don’t know what a parable is. Containing absolutely no depth and requiring no thought (if thought is given one will quickly see through the charade), this is a contrived, poorly written, forced narrative that promotes fantastical success and results based on an “if this, then that” lie of “giving = getting.” There’s just enough truth embedded within (yes, giving is good!) to cause a plethora of folks to buy into the enormity of its fallacy. If it has caused people to have a better attitude and give more, that’s wonderful; but let’s not also buy into the lie that the end justifies the means, nor vice versa. If it caused people to believe that giving always leads to getting, then the book has served its unfortunate purpose.
Without reading the book, one may simply turn to page 123 to get the gist in its totality…or just read it here:
Burg and Mann make an admirable claim in the Q&A appendix: “What we’re saying is that success is the result of specific habits of action: creating value, touching people’s lives, putting others’ interests first, being real, and having the humility to stay open to receiving” (138, though page numbers are not marked in the Q&A section). What they are really saying, however, is that giving will always manifest itself in receiving more.
Since Mann is the professed Christian of the two, he took on, “Doesn’t the Bible say, ‘It’s better to give than to receive?’” His response is the result of poor exegesis and the very thing Health and Wealth Prosperity Gospel folk like to do: twist Scripture just enough to make it sound legit and yet mean something entirely different. Mann’s response:
No, Jesus never said anyone is guaranteed success and wealth in return for giving. The blessing and reward we look forward to is not of this world; otherwise, we are no different than the rest of the world.
I was given this book to read by someone who stopped me outside a coffee shop and wondered if I was interested in doing business with online tech and social media, with which I’m already familiar, but soon discovered was trying to rope me into the World Wipe Group (World Wide Dream Builders) and Amway pyramid scheme. I certainly do not recommend the book, but I do recommend steering clear of anyone who does. Don’t get sucked in!
Without reading the book, one may simply turn to page 123 to get the gist in its totality…or just read it here:
The Five Laws of Stratospheric Success
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 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 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.
Burg and Mann make an admirable claim in the Q&A appendix: “What we’re saying is that success is the result of specific habits of action: creating value, touching people’s lives, putting others’ interests first, being real, and having the humility to stay open to receiving” (138, though page numbers are not marked in the Q&A section). What they are really saying, however, is that giving will always manifest itself in receiving more.
Since Mann is the professed Christian of the two, he took on, “Doesn’t the Bible say, ‘It’s better to give than to receive?’” His response is the result of poor exegesis and the very thing Health and Wealth Prosperity Gospel folk like to do: twist Scripture just enough to make it sound legit and yet mean something entirely different. Mann’s response:
What it says (in Acts of the Apostles) is that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” The Greek word makarios (blessed), which is the same word used in the Eight Beatitudes…, carries these meanings: fortunate, rewarded, prosperous, rich, happy. In other words, when you focus on giving you end up more abundantly rewarded than if you had focused on receiving.
At its root, makarios means “grow larger” (like macro). When you give, you become a bigger person, in every way—more successful, more influential, more fulfilled. (145)
No, Jesus never said anyone is guaranteed success and wealth in return for giving. The blessing and reward we look forward to is not of this world; otherwise, we are no different than the rest of the world.
I was given this book to read by someone who stopped me outside a coffee shop and wondered if I was interested in doing business with online tech and social media, with which I’m already familiar, but soon discovered was trying to rope me into the World Wipe Group (World Wide Dream Builders) and Amway pyramid scheme. I certainly do not recommend the book, but I do recommend steering clear of anyone who does. Don’t get sucked in!
June 13, 2018
Very unique delivery, it felt like I was reading a story that was similar to where I am right now instead of being told what to do by some big business man who already is successful (where I want to be but feel no connection with). I'm Joe right now, not Bill Gates. Haha.
December 30, 2009
* Appearances can be deceiving
* It never hurts to be kind to people
1) The Law of Value
*Everyone likes to be appreciated
* 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
*Your income is directly proportional to how many lives you touch
*Sometimes you look foolish, even feel foolish, but you do the thing anyways.
*RELAX - who ever said being anxious got anything accomplished?
* 3 reasons for work: Survive - meet your basic needs. Save - go beyond your basic needs and expand your life. Serve - make a contribution to the world around you.
3) The Law of Influence
*Build a network of people who know you, trust you and like you. They become your personal ambassadors.
* Stop keeping score.
* Your influence is determined by how abundantly you place other people's interests firsts.
* Givers attract.
4) The Law of Authenticity
The most valuable gift you have to offer is yourself
5) Law of Receptivity
* It never hurts to be kind to people
1) The Law of Value
*Everyone likes to be appreciated
* 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
*Your income is directly proportional to how many lives you touch
*Sometimes you look foolish, even feel foolish, but you do the thing anyways.
*RELAX - who ever said being anxious got anything accomplished?
* 3 reasons for work: Survive - meet your basic needs. Save - go beyond your basic needs and expand your life. Serve - make a contribution to the world around you.
3) The Law of Influence
*Build a network of people who know you, trust you and like you. They become your personal ambassadors.
* Stop keeping score.
* Your influence is determined by how abundantly you place other people's interests firsts.
* Givers attract.
4) The Law of Authenticity
The most valuable gift you have to offer is yourself
5) Law of Receptivity
July 5, 2020
Think of this book as a modernist version of The Alchemist.
It's like a smoothie for your mind :) Easy to read, gets done in a day.
I was referred to this book by a friend who wrote, "Alok, you will relate to it very much. It's what you do".
When I read it, I realised it pointed to what we all do, but in varying proportions: GIVE.
Set in mini-chapters, the book highlights 5 success factors that you can easily adapt & imbibe. Perfect for a weekend read (when the mind is a bit more receptive).
Benefits of reading it?
- The META lesson may stick in your mind. That everything we do shouldn’t be about being selfish. That there is a larger force of reality at work, and it can be amazingly leveraged when YOU GIVE.
- The book has a business flavour, so it useful for professionals.
- Good quotes:
“The majority of people operate with a mindset that says to the fireplace, ‘First give me some heat, then I’ll throw on some logs.’
“Reaching any goal takes 10% know-how. The rest 90% is people skills."
Martin Luther King, Jr., once said, ‘Everybody can be great because anybody can serve.’
It's like a smoothie for your mind :) Easy to read, gets done in a day.
I was referred to this book by a friend who wrote, "Alok, you will relate to it very much. It's what you do".
When I read it, I realised it pointed to what we all do, but in varying proportions: GIVE.
Set in mini-chapters, the book highlights 5 success factors that you can easily adapt & imbibe. Perfect for a weekend read (when the mind is a bit more receptive).
Benefits of reading it?
- The META lesson may stick in your mind. That everything we do shouldn’t be about being selfish. That there is a larger force of reality at work, and it can be amazingly leveraged when YOU GIVE.
- The book has a business flavour, so it useful for professionals.
- Good quotes:
“The majority of people operate with a mindset that says to the fireplace, ‘First give me some heat, then I’ll throw on some logs.’
“Reaching any goal takes 10% know-how. The rest 90% is people skills."
Martin Luther King, Jr., once said, ‘Everybody can be great because anybody can serve.’
May 10, 2017
Reading the right book at the right time can open our mind to a whole new world of possibilities and ideas. The Five Laws of Stratospheric Success which is the quintessence of 'The Go Giver' is applicable to people belonging to all walks of life. I was so drawn to them that a day of reading this book led me into implementing these lessons and it has changed my perception about 'giving' entirely. Regardless of the professional and personal lives that we lead these laws of 'Value-Compensation-Influence-Authenticity-Receptivity' are more than mere words of wisdom. What is striking is the ease with which it is put across in the form of a story and with the same ease one can bring this thinking into practice. I tried and it did work!
February 7, 2022
I don't understand business books' obsession with fables. This one does it better than most. Perhaps it tries less for literary merit. It has a Point to get across and by golly, it will get it across if it has to repeat the point six times! (Which it does.)
But it has some good points and I certainly think there are truths here. How practical they are in the real world (where such coincidences and characters as appear in this story do not often exist) I don't know. It is short enough that you can give it a read and tell me yourself.
But it has some good points and I certainly think there are truths here. How practical they are in the real world (where such coincidences and characters as appear in this story do not often exist) I don't know. It is short enough that you can give it a read and tell me yourself.
January 14, 2021
Oh my god! What a captivating story! I started reading this book in hope of getting business lessons but I ended up learning life's most valuable lessons. The authors have done a great job at story telling, right from the first sentence to the last, it was gripping!
What a wonderful place the world would be if everybody knew the 5 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.
These might seem so ordinary while you read the review but when you actually go through the story, every thing will make sense. You'll see Joe turn from a go-getter to go-giver, from struggling to close his 3rd quarter sales to owning a company that's so successful that it starts planning worldwide projects right in the first year of its establishment. If I had to gift someone, I'd give this book.(You see, I'm a go-giver 乁 ˘ o ˘ ㄏ)
What a wonderful place the world would be if everybody knew the 5 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.
These might seem so ordinary while you read the review but when you actually go through the story, every thing will make sense. You'll see Joe turn from a go-getter to go-giver, from struggling to close his 3rd quarter sales to owning a company that's so successful that it starts planning worldwide projects right in the first year of its establishment. If I had to gift someone, I'd give this book.(You see, I'm a go-giver 乁 ˘ o ˘ ㄏ)
August 31, 2023
Knew I was on to something special when I mentioned this one in a business networking group that I was in and one person said that it was what made them realise what they wanted the culture of their business to be and another that it is the one that they base their approach to sales and almost life on.
A short book, in fact, a “business parable”, which packs a very powerful message.
It is a story of a young man who is a go getter but changes to a go giver after learning the 5 laws of stratospheric success from people that he meets in a very eventful week.
Well worth the short time that it takes to read as you will both come away reflecting on it and have more faith that the world is a better place.
A short book, in fact, a “business parable”, which packs a very powerful message.
It is a story of a young man who is a go getter but changes to a go giver after learning the 5 laws of stratospheric success from people that he meets in a very eventful week.
Well worth the short time that it takes to read as you will both come away reflecting on it and have more faith that the world is a better place.
October 6, 2012
I consider myself an avid reader in the personal development & Christian spiritual genre.I've however never been a fan of fictional books or story-telling.It was my friend Michelle Colon-Johnson(@michelle2dream) who recommended The Go-Giver, and kindly sent me a copy.
There was no time to be skeptical as I could tell from the very first page that this was not a novel.It was a business parable written with a gripping captivation.I was hooked and hanging on, like you do when watching an unfolding action movie.From the very first page I was captivated."The Go-Giver" stands out in a class of it's own.The authors take story telling to a new dimension presenting life lessons in a style that is easily readable, doable and memorable.
Bob Burg & John Mann earn my unreserved 5* recommendation because they indeed swallow their own pill, by giving in value much more than they have taken in payment on the cover price.The sub-title refers to a "Business Idea", but indeed the 5 Laws of "Stratospheric Success" are universally applicable to all spheres of life-relationships,marriage, parenting,career, ministry etc.
From the Law of Value to the Law of Compensation, unraveled in the setting of casual business conversations; I could tell the authors knew their turf inside out.They understand the mind set of the average go-getter and certainly have a lot to impact to him.My scrupulously marked copy has acquired the rainbow color, characteristic of books I plan to keep at hand for future reference.
I've added Bob Burg's two other books-"Endless Referrals" & "The Go-Giver sells more" to my reading list. And if Mr Burg ever crosses the Atlantic to speak here in the UK, I'll be keen to listen to The Go-Giver himself live and direct.
There was no time to be skeptical as I could tell from the very first page that this was not a novel.It was a business parable written with a gripping captivation.I was hooked and hanging on, like you do when watching an unfolding action movie.From the very first page I was captivated."The Go-Giver" stands out in a class of it's own.The authors take story telling to a new dimension presenting life lessons in a style that is easily readable, doable and memorable.
Bob Burg & John Mann earn my unreserved 5* recommendation because they indeed swallow their own pill, by giving in value much more than they have taken in payment on the cover price.The sub-title refers to a "Business Idea", but indeed the 5 Laws of "Stratospheric Success" are universally applicable to all spheres of life-relationships,marriage, parenting,career, ministry etc.
From the Law of Value to the Law of Compensation, unraveled in the setting of casual business conversations; I could tell the authors knew their turf inside out.They understand the mind set of the average go-getter and certainly have a lot to impact to him.My scrupulously marked copy has acquired the rainbow color, characteristic of books I plan to keep at hand for future reference.
I've added Bob Burg's two other books-"Endless Referrals" & "The Go-Giver sells more" to my reading list. And if Mr Burg ever crosses the Atlantic to speak here in the UK, I'll be keen to listen to The Go-Giver himself live and direct.
February 7, 2017
This business parable teaches how to be a "go-giver" rather than a go-getter to achieve success in business and life. The principles revolve around putting others first and being authentic. The lessons are valuable but seem idealistic in a capitalist system where, sadly, people are out to win without regard for the wellbeing of others. This book would be more effective with real-world examples demonstrating how the laws led to success, rather than as a purely fictional story.
The Law of Value
Your true worth is determined by how much more you give in value than you take in payment.
All else being equal, people do business with people they know, like, and trust.
The Law of Compensation
Your income is determined by how many people you serve and how well you serve them.
If you want more success, find a way to serve more people.
In networking, don't keep score. Focus on the other person's win, not win-win.
The Law of Influence
Your influence is determined by how abundantly you place other people's interests first.
If you place the other person's interests first, your interests will be taken care of.
This law works because givers attract people; they're magnetic.
No matter what you sell, add value. Be a friend, care, make people feel good about themselves.
The Law of Authenticity
The most valuable gift you have to offer is yourself.
90% of sales is people skills. To have people skills, be a person; be authentic.
The Law of Receptivity
The key to effective giving is to stay open to receiving.
Secret to success is giving. Secret to getting is giving. Secret to giving is being open to receiving.
The Law of Value
Your true worth is determined by how much more you give in value than you take in payment.
All else being equal, people do business with people they know, like, and trust.
The Law of Compensation
Your income is determined by how many people you serve and how well you serve them.
If you want more success, find a way to serve more people.
In networking, don't keep score. Focus on the other person's win, not win-win.
The Law of Influence
Your influence is determined by how abundantly you place other people's interests first.
If you place the other person's interests first, your interests will be taken care of.
This law works because givers attract people; they're magnetic.
No matter what you sell, add value. Be a friend, care, make people feel good about themselves.
The Law of Authenticity
The most valuable gift you have to offer is yourself.
90% of sales is people skills. To have people skills, be a person; be authentic.
The Law of Receptivity
The key to effective giving is to stay open to receiving.
Secret to success is giving. Secret to getting is giving. Secret to giving is being open to receiving.
November 30, 2010
I loved the Go-Giver. It is a really short and simple book and there is an interesting story line. For me the main thing that came up for me when I read this book was that the value that is added is me. I am slowly beginning to recognise all the little things about me that I have hid for so long are the things that I have to share. I also liked the way that the authors challenge the reader to try to apply each of the laws that very same day and so I read this book over 1 week and I saved the new laws for each day. I really looked forward to reading each day what the law would be and I also worked hard on that day to apply that law. Although this is a 'business' book, I found that the laws apply to every part of human endeavor. I really am beginning to see that a very small change in my thinking is having a very big change in the joy and love that I get from life these days and that is just beautiful.
August 21, 2016
This is one of the most valuable books I have ever read. The lessons that are shared through the storytelling are phenomenal. I have to say that there was a lot of validation I found in the book as well.
It was well narrated, well assembled, and just an overall great piece of work.
This is a book that I will highly recommend to anyone. And I'm going to buy the hardcover copy to keep visibly on my bookshelf. It's that important of a read for me.
It was well narrated, well assembled, and just an overall great piece of work.
This is a book that I will highly recommend to anyone. And I'm going to buy the hardcover copy to keep visibly on my bookshelf. It's that important of a read for me.
Read
January 22, 2008Not really fair -- I wrote this one! But I thought I'd add it to the shelf; I truly do enjoy reading it. ;)
July 27, 2018
This is a great book. I read the entire story in three days. It was so good I didn't want to stop reading.
August 13, 2020
I am not a businessman, nor an entrepreneur, so there's no way for me to apply the "laws" mentioned in the book at my work. The book was suggested and well, I couldn't resist figuring out what was the fuss about it.
I can rant about the applications of the "laws" in real life for hours, but in order to make this short, all I would say is they actually work. I believe many of us have already utilized at least a couple of these laws without knowing neither their name nor their expected results, we do them just because we are trying to be a better human being! That's right, that's the aim and we usually would think that good people follow these rules, but to think in reverses and comprehend that what makes them good people is following such laws, was the essential "stratospheric" lesson that I learned from this book.
It's an easy, engaging and euphonic audiobook that I would recommend to well, um, anyone!
//
I can rant about the applications of the "laws" in real life for hours, but in order to make this short, all I would say is they actually work. I believe many of us have already utilized at least a couple of these laws without knowing neither their name nor their expected results, we do them just because we are trying to be a better human being! That's right, that's the aim and we usually would think that good people follow these rules, but to think in reverses and comprehend that what makes them good people is following such laws, was the essential "stratospheric" lesson that I learned from this book.
It's an easy, engaging and euphonic audiobook that I would recommend to well, um, anyone!
//
November 3, 2019
5 stars. I’ll read it again. I thought this was a sales motivation book, but it’s actually a book about how “good people” run their lives. I hope I’m a “good person.”
April 7, 2021
Quick read, a parable about 5 basic life principles. These don't have to be about business specifically as they can be applied to life in general. Lovely little storyline, I enjoyed it
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