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The Go-Giver: A Little Story About a Powerful Business Idea [Hardcover]

Bob Burg , John David Mann
4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (320 customer reviews)

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Book Description

December 27, 2007
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.”

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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This modern-day business parable, a quick read in the spirit of The Greatest Salesman in the World and The One Minute Manager, should do well with eager corporate-ladder climbers, who may at first be confused by its focus: on putting the other guy first-be it a colleague, competitor, customer, friend or family member. Told through the fictitious story of an ambitious young salesman named Joe, Burg and Mann communicate their points through the advice of an enigmatic (and highly likeable) mentor character known as Pindar. Rather than help Joe snag a fast sale, the consultant introduces him to series of "go-givers" who personify the "Five Laws of Stratospheric Success." Over the course of five days, a restaurateur, a CEO, a financial advisor, a real-estate broker and the mysterious "Connector" teach Joe about the laws of value, compensation, influence, authenticity and receptivity-concepts that make more immediate sense in this fictional context than they would in a formal business book. Burg (Endless Referrals: Network Your Everyday Contacts Into Sales) and Mann (You Call the Shots) write with a simple, informal style that offers a working-person's interpretation of the old adage "give, and you shall receive."
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

The Go-Giver is one of those rare books that entertains with a great storyline while simultaneously delivering an uplifting, life-affirming message that we can apply immediately.”
-- Darren Richardson, Science of Mind

“This modern-day business parable, a quick read in the spirit of The Greatest Salesman in the World and The One Minute Manager, should do well with eager corporate-ladder climbers … Over the course of five days, a restaurateur, a CEO, a financial advisor, a real-estate broker and the mysterious “Connector” teach Joe about the laws of value, compensation, influence, authenticity and receptivity—concepts that make more immediate sense in this fictional context than they would in a formal business book.”
Publishers Weekly

“The powerful business idea referenced in the title is that ‘shifting the focus from getting to giving and putting the other person first is the key to business success and personal fulfillment.’ … Explanations of these concepts and how to employ them are clear and to the point, and as with all successfully written business books, it will provoke thought and probably action as well.”
Booklist

"Burg and Mann have crafted a business parable that is drawing comparisons with Dr. Spencer Johnson's wildly popular 1998 book Who Moved My Cheese?... How one receives this message may vary, but learning and understanding it is essential ... the world always needs a fresh approach to its most important messages. For this purpose The Go-Giver is a great way to continue to spread a positive and enriching message."
Soundview Executive Book Alert

“Not since Who Moved My Cheese? have I enjoyed a parable as much as this. You owe it to yourself to read The Go-Giver and share its message with those who matter most to you. It is a beautiful book that will touch your soul and inspire your heart.”
—David Bach, #1 New York Times bestselling author, The Automatic Millionaire

The Go-Giver does everything I would wish a good book to do. Read it to the very end.”
—Michael E. Gerber, author, The E-Myth

“This terrific book wonderfully illuminates [the] principles of contribution, abundance, service, and success.”
—Stephen M. R. Covey, author, The Speed of Trust

“A lovely reminder to us all that the world is abundant and rewards those who act with a generosity of spirit.”
—Lois P. Frankel, Ph.D., author, See Jane Lead and Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office

“Most people don’t have the guts to buy this book, never mind the will to follow through and actually use it. But you do. And I’m certain that you’ll be glad you did.”
—Seth Godin, author, The Dip

The Go-Giver is the best business parable since The Greatest Salesman in the World and The One Minute Manager.”
—Pat Williams, author, Souls of Steel, and senior vice president, Orlando Magic

“Burg and Mann have demonstrated that adding value to people’s lives is the way to climb the ladder of financial success.”
—Fran Tarkenton, Hall of Fame quarterback and founder and CEO , GoSmallBiz.com

“These five simple principles will help you achieve your goals and fulfill your dreams!”
—Brian Tracy, author, The Psychology of Achievement

“This book is exactly what is meant by the phrase ‘Great things come in small packages.’”
—Tom Hopkins, author, How to Master the Art of Selling

"A cross between Jonathan Livingston Seagull and Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, The Go-Giver is a tale of transformation...For those who've stalled out on The Secret's emphasis on what we want, want, want, the Chairman offers another secret--his trade secret: giving...Bob Burg, who travels the world sharing the principles of The Go- Giver, and John David Mann, author of The Zen of MLM, collaborate on this uplifting, quick-read of a book that will appeal to customers who want to bring more heart and a holistic sense of mission to their livelihoods."
--Connie Mears, New Age Retailer

Product Details

  • Hardcover: 144 pages
  • Publisher: Portfolio Hardcover; 1 edition (December 27, 2007)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 159184200X
  • ISBN-13: 978-1591842002
  • Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.6 x 8.2 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (320 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,061 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

This was a great book - easy to read, excellent message and well written. Deb  |  92 reviewers made a similar statement
This book has changed the way I think about life. David J. Siegel  |  58 reviewers made a similar statement
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
84 of 85 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars 5 Laws of success that guide how you work with others January 19, 2008
Format:Hardcover
OK. You know what a go-getter is. Maybe you are one. What is a go-giver? This book is one of those business parables that presents its ideas in the guise of a story. Business stories usually have a protagonist who is in real trouble, meets a wildly successful but mysterious guru who will share the Secret of the Universe with our hero. The hero will at first reject the simplicity of the idea, but will try it out and find that the idea works. The guru will them reveal the rest of the mystery and the hero solves his problem, finds great success, and the story ends happily. Why they all have to be along these lines, I do not know and this one only differs in the details. I mean, it is a pleasant story, but it is fiction. For me, business principles are always more convincing when presented with actual business case studies and even then they tend to be qualified in their applicability.

In any case, this book has five key principles based on the notion that your success comes from working with other folks and rather than trying to and take from the world and get all you can while giving as little back as you can, the truth is just the opposite. You give as much as you can and you will get more back. Remember the story of casting your bread upon the water?

Here are the Five Laws of Stratospheric Success (which are restated at the back of the book):

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.

The story nicely demonstrates what is meant by these principles and fleshes out the ideas in an attractive way. I think the principles are sound and if they interest you then you should get a copy of the book and dig into it.

Reviewed by Craig Matteson, Ann Arbor, MI
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47 of 52 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars This Book Ruined My Evening Plans December 30, 2007
Format:Hardcover
When I received a copy of The Go-Giver, I set aside the last forty-five minutes of the day to start reading the book. Good plan, right?

However, my intent to quit reading at a reasonable hour and get to bed at my usual time disappeared. Within a few minutes, I knew that The Go-Giver had all the suspense of a top-line mystery novel. I couldn't stop until I had read the entire book.

Thanks to Bob Burg and John David Mann for this stimulating parable, filled with enriching thoughts. Everyone who reads this book will re-examine his or her approach to business and customers.That alone will be a "powerful business idea," as the subtitle says.

The Complete Communicator: Change Your Communication-change Your Life!
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19 of 21 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Timely, simple truth in a crazy world December 31, 2007
Format:Hardcover
While I'm not usually a business parable kind of guy I found myself connecting with this one more than any I have read. In fact, it may be the FIRST one I have completed through to the end. Page-by-page I was touched by the story.

Books that cause a paradigm shift are far and few between but Burg and Mann have given the world just such a book. In a hectic, crazy, get it all done as fast as you can kind of world it delivers just the right message for solid, sustainable success. Not monetary success, although that may be the result, but human being success. The kind of success that has been written about in many other parables through history. This parable will take its place among the rest of them. Read it, experience it, practice it and touch the world in ways that are uncommon in all the craziness.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars The Go-Giver
Loved the book. Although mostly common sense the supporting stories made the point even more clear and relateable. Read more
Published 3 days ago by Serena Jacovo
5.0 out of 5 stars This book changed my life
You hear it all the time, but for a fact, this little book did change my course through business and life. Read more
Published 7 days ago by Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey
5.0 out of 5 stars Changed My Way of Thinking
One of the best books I've read when it comes to business and selling. This book is totally different. Read more
Published 11 days ago by roband06
5.0 out of 5 stars The Go-Giver
This is a great book and an even better gift. It was a joy to read it and to inspire someone to pursue their dreams.
Published 12 days ago by Wanda
5.0 out of 5 stars The Go-Giver Changed My Life
How many people can actually say and truly mean that a book changed their life? I am not sure of the statistical numbers for that question , but I can say that The Go-Giver... Read more
Published 13 days ago by Michelle Colon-Johnson
5.0 out of 5 stars Can't Stop Giving This Book Away
The Go-Giver has made such an impact on my life that I give a copy to all of my new clients and colleagues.
Published 14 days ago by Berry Zimmerman
5.0 out of 5 stars Guidelines to live by
HIs guidelines for business are equally transferrable to guidelines for life. Illuminates the principles of contribution, adding value, authenticity and compensation through... Read more
Published 17 days ago by Frances J. Fisher
5.0 out of 5 stars Life changing simplicity
If someone gave you a very clear, very simple formula to make life work for you and make sense, without a lot of hype and gimmicks and fees, would you do it? Read more
Published 17 days ago by Saloonsinger
5.0 out of 5 stars Well Worth the Read!
The concepts are based on having good character and strong values and not putting self ahead of others. By helping others achieve their dreams you create a win-win situation. Read more
Published 17 days ago by Linda Tuten
5.0 out of 5 stars Best Business Books ever!
I have been in the business world for over 30 years and have taken many training classes on sales and business building. Read more
Published 22 days ago by Jacquelen F. Meyer
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The Go Giver
how is thias book different from the original one written by Vashni Young?
Dec 21, 2007 by Allison Fleck |  See all 5 posts
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