I wouldn't be coaching if it weren't for the generosity of others. Clients who publicly or privately tell others about my work, other coaches who cheer me on, friends running their own businesses who remind me I'm not alone. Without them, I'd likely be in a soul-sucking job.

Generosity towards others should be part of everyone's business strategy. Not in an icky, I'll help you if you help me kind of way (which may explain why everyone I know hates networking) it's more about let me help where I can because I can.

It may sound woo-woo, but in my experience there's a sort of karma to it all. Not instant karma, and I won't pretend to know anything about your next life, my approach is contribute to the greater good in whatever way I can and somehow it comes back to me.

The unexpected generosity of others always seems to arrive just when I need it most.

I certainly won't win any awards for generosity. But I'm struck by how enlivening it is to help someone else, especially when I need to be reminded that I have something to give.

Here are some easy ways to build your generosity muscles:

Comment on others social media posts. This not only lets the person who posted know that what they've posted matters, it sends a positive signal to the algorithm so others may see it.
Be an informal mentor and share the nitty-gritty stuff you wish someone had told you when you were starting out.
Provide a testimonial to someone they can use on their website or social media.
Give something away - your time, a free session, or something you've made.
Offer a discount or scholarship to those who truly can't afford your services.
Connect two people who you think should meet.

Looking for more inspiration on how to be more generous? Watch this compelling talk from the TED CEO, Chris Anderson, in which he shares ten inspiring stories of generosity. In it, he challenges us to be brave, give what we can, and be amazed at what happens next (spoiler alert: you'll be happier when you do). This is worth 19:52 of your time!

Here's to unexpected generosity!

Here's To Unexpected Generosity!