The ONE Thing Successful People Do Differently (and It’s Not What You Think)
The Unseen Power of Sharing:
A Lesson of Aloha Spirit
Picture this, champ: Hawaii, the 1970s.
Sun-soaked beaches, the scent of plumeria in the air, and a community that buzzed with a spirit called “ohana.”
It wasn’t just about your blood family — it was everyone, from the auntie who ran the corner store to the surfer teaching you to ride waves, were considered part of the extended family.
We looked out for each other, shared what we had, and celebrated victories together.
That’s where this story — and the secret sauce to my success — begins.
Growing up in that environment, you learn a valuable lesson early on: giving is just as important as getting.
Need help fixing the car?
Uncle Joe’s down the street, a mechanic with a smile as wide as the Pacific Ocean.
Want to learn how to make the perfect poki bowl?
Grandma down the road, a master of island cuisine, gladly opens her kitchen and shares her secrets.
It’s a constant flow — a wave of support that lifts everyone.
This mentality became ingrained in me.
It wasn’t just about helping, it was a way of life.
Fast forward a couple of decades, and I find myself in the professional world, still carrying that spirit of ohana.
Here’s where things get interesting.
People started noticing.
When I saw someone struggling with a marketing strategy, I’d share a resource or connect them with someone in my network who could help.
Need a website built?
I might know a great developer (and hey, that developer might need a killer marketing copy someday).
It’s a beautiful cycle.
The 3 Pillars of Giving:
But here’s the thing, champ, it wasn’t random acts of kindness.
There was a system to the madness, inspired by a phenomenal coach, Michael Port, author of the life-changing book “Book Yourself Solid.”
He taught me the power of sharing on three crucial levels:
1. Share What You Know:
Every day, there’s an opportunity to be a walking resource.
Maybe you’re a whiz at social media marketing, or you can code like nobody’s business.
Don’t hoard that knowledge!
Share it in a blog post, host a free webinar, or simply offer to answer questions for someone starting out.
Remember, a rising tide lifts all boats.
Here’s an example from my own life:
Early in my career, I noticed a fellow electrician struggling with control circuits.
I took 30 minutes during lunch to walk her through some strategies that helped me.
Guess what?
A few months later, she landed a promotion.
Happy to help, and guess what else?
She remembered and when I told her I was visiting Australia, little did I know she had family there and regularly visited.
She gave me killer insider tips to get the most out of my trip.
See how it works?
2. Share Who You Know:
You’ve built a network of amazing people over the years — colleagues, friends, mentors.
Leverage that network!
When someone mentions they’re looking for a specific skill set, think of someone in your circle who shines in that area.
Make the introduction, and be the connector.
It strengthens your bond with both parties and builds a reputation for being a reliable source of connections.
Think of it like building your own ohana in the professional world.
You become the trusted friend who always knows someone who can help.
People appreciate that, and it strengthens your network even further.
3. Share How Much You Care:
This might sound cheesy, but it’s the glue that holds everything together.
A genuine desire to see others succeed goes a long way.
Celebrate their wins, offer a shoulder to cry on during tough times, and most importantly, be a good listener.
Remember, everyone needs support, and being there shows you genuinely care.
In my experience, this level of care builds a reservoir of goodwill.
People remember those who go the extra mile, and who are genuinely invested in their success.
They become your biggest cheerleaders, recommending you for opportunities and returning the favor in unexpected ways.
The Unseen Benefits:
The impact of this giving mindset goes far beyond just feeling good (which is definitely a perk!).
The benefits are real, and measurable, and have propelled me forward throughout my career.
Here’s a taste:
- A Constant Flow of Opportunities: By consistently sharing, you become a magnet for new opportunities. People know you’re well-connected, knowledgeable, and genuinely care about success. That translates to new clients, exciting collaborations, and unexpected doors opening up.
- A Reputation for Reliability: When you consistently deliver value through your knowledge, network, and support, you build trust. People see you as someone dependable, resourceful, and someone they want to know.
- Building a Strong Network: Remember, your network is your net worth. By constantly adding value and being a connector, you cultivate a powerful network around you. These are the people who celebrate your victories, support you during setbacks, and help you by looking out for opportunities for you.
So start today you leverage your goodwill, knowledge and your contact list.
You will never know where that goodwill will lead to but the ripples will return and you’ll feel awesome in the long run.
Giving Gone Wrong
But a word of caution, there’s a saying attributed to Buddha, “Giving a gift, expecting a gift in return, is not a gift. It’s a bribe.”
My wife and I worked with a young man, who went out of his way to show us the value he could give us with some copywriting work.
We liked his initiative and ideas, so we hired him to help us with some copywriting and to launch our first product.
Unfortunately, he wanted us to work with him on his schedule, not ours, and pushed too hard for the upsell.
We were not ready to move forward on his timeline, so we said, no.
Being young and foolish, he did some immature things on social media and we had to purge our relationship with him.
This was unfortunate because we liked his work and planned on using him again, but not after his immature behavior.
The lesson, give.
Give because it feels good.
But you can’t control when the giving will return as getting.
Keep that in mind.
