Welcome, relational leaders.

It is so good to have you here. And because it is the week after Thanksgiving, I want to begin with gratitude.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Everything I create is built for relational leaders like you. Because I know who you are. You are a small business owner or a commission sales professional. Your income is variable. And you are trusting that someone else will recommend your service.

You are referral-based.

And I applaud you for choosing this path. My passion is to help you become the servant leader and the trusted advisor in your marketplace.

Today, I want to share four keys to being a successful giver. These ideas came from Adam Grant’s book, Give and Take. It is one of the most essential books for anyone who builds their business through relationships.

(Check out the video for more, or read on below...)

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Here are the four keys. I will give a quick overview today and then break each one down over the coming weeks.

Number one, they know where they are going.​
When you meet a successful giver, you can feel their direction. They have a vision for what they are building, who they want to serve, and how they want their business to show up in the world.

That clarity creates confidence. It gives them purpose and passion. People can sense it.

Number two, they utilize their connections.​
Givers are connectors. They look for ways to introduce people who should know each other. They do not hoard relationships. They share them.

This becomes the foundation for reciprocity, trust, and deeper relational equity.

Number three, they add value at a low personal cost.​
Successful givers know how to make small investments that create big impact. It might be a resource, a tip, an introduction, or a moment of encouragement. They do it consistently, and it adds up.

Number four, they are genuinely curious.​
They ask great questions. They listen well. And because they listen, they build relationships faster and with more depth. People feel seen and understood in their presence.

Here is the quick rundown again.
Know where you are going.
Utilize your connections.
Add value at a low personal cost.
Ask quality questions.

Let me start with that first one.

If you do not have a referral plan or a clear vision for what you want to build, I strongly recommend creating one. That is why I put together the Vision Story guide. It is designed for small business owners, commission sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and even introverts who want clarity for the coming year.

If you want it, just reply with the words vision story and I will send the PDF your way. No cost. No catch. It is simply a tool to help you get reconnected with your vision as you step into 2026.

Over the next few weeks, we will walk through each of these four traits and how to apply them in your referral-based business. I think you will find it both practical and encouraging.

Hope you find this useful. And if there is anything I can do to support you, do not hesitate to reach out.

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Appreciate you,
​Brian

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