Investing in Others

by ANNIE on July 6, 2010

For quite some time now – years, really – I’ve invested my time and emotions and love into the success of others. That’s my passion, after all, doing everything I can to inspire others to do a little bit better, every day. However, as a business-person, no matter how large or how small your business might be, when is it the right time to also consider investing monetarily in others? You know, your MOOLA!

I was approached the other day for the very first time by an entrepreneur pitching his business in an attempt to attract investors. First, it was flattering. I mean, me? Like, really? ARE YOU SURE YOU KNOW WHAT YOU’RE GETTING INTO. Then later, it was fascinating. How interesting to learn such specific, inside details about someone’s business; to hear their personal goals and struggles and dreams, and experience a snippet of what their business looks like on a day-to-day basis.

I have no idea if we’ll invest or not – many discussions will be had on the subject – but I just thought this was interesting and wanted to share it with you.

What does Zig Ziglar say? You will get all that you want in life if you help enough other people get what THEY want? Sounds about right.

Throw out your thoughts on this. Do you invest your time in others? Your money? Do you believe what Ziggy says?

  • From a business perspective I've never met a Venture Capitalist who contributed more to a company with money than with resources. In this case resources are a mix of money, people and knowledge. It shows they care about growing the business. Or as a VC might say it: they want to make sure their investment will grow.

    Looking at your blog and the amount of comments you get, your post is too modest. Now is the time to say to yourself you did a lot of work to get here and you deserve the respect you get from other people right now. You have built a heck of a brand for yourself, you have something to tell.
  • Thanks, Paul :)

    "I've never met a Venture Capitalist who contributed more to a company with money than with resources." Fantastic point!
  • I completely believe in investing your time in others. Whether it's doing charity work, mentoring kids, or just helping out a friend when they could use a hand.

    In my experience when you give or help someone, without expecting anything in return good things come of it. You feel better about yourself, you become a positive influence, and a lot of great opportunities open up.

    I mean, who wouldn't want a friend who was always there to help and you knew you could count on in a rough situation.....There's really no reason you can't be that person.

    That's my 2 cents anyway!
  • "There's really no reason you can't be that person."

    Love that, Sunny, as I wish everyone could realize that it's true!
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