Let generosity pave the way to success

When we think from the filter of abundance, generosity can produce incredible creativity and productivity. Tim Sanders, co-founder of Yahoo.com told this story at The Leadership Forum at Southeastern University this past March.

Elmer Letterman, who is known as the greatest life insurance networker in the history of the United States, started his business in 1924 in Manhattan. He founded his business on a simple philosophy of helping people and making a difference.  His commitment to generosity did not change, even at the height of the Great Depression.

Every Friday he would host a networking lunch, inviting three people whom he felt would benefit from meeting one another. He would not bring any business cards or speak of his insurance company. Mr. Letterman did not confuse networking with prospecting for clients but simply engaged in networking as an act of love.

In 1933, he set a record for most individual policies versus assets in a single year in a single major market, which stood until 1949.

How was he able to accomplish the feat of selling so many policies during the worst economy in American History?  By connecting three people, 50 weeks a year, for 10 years, Mr. Letterman had invested in thousands of people who felt grateful towards him.

Recognizing you are a part of a greater community will give greater self confidence. Generosity will pave the way for success. Continue to make deposits of love into the relationships in your life.  If you do this your life will be satisfying and deeply fulfilling. If you have invested in people, you never face a crisis alone.

"Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation." Proverbs 3:2-4 (NLT)