Business, Marketing, Blogging - it all seems so forced sometimes. The push/pull mentality that often surrounds these services is what ends up being corrosive. Why is it that we tend to look for the benefit of the transaction, instead of the joy in making a contribution? I’ve talked about attention and the effect it can have on economics. But is attention what we really ought to be seeking after? What is the benefit for the one giving the attention? Is there a benefit?

Most would say it’s our instinct to look out for ourselves first, make sure we are taken care of, receive something for our efforts. But do we actually gain anything by forcing others to listen to us? Would the intention of serving others perhaps fulfill the original desire of ‘receiving’ something for our efforts? There is a lot of concern as to whether the US market economy is unstable and tipsy at best, but what about the Gift Economy? Granted, the market economy is important and does have a close tie with our lifestyle, career, and security but where does the Gift Economy come into play? Does it matter?

The Gift Economy holds together the most vital characteristic of society - Love. Without love everything else falls apart. The market economy could be at its peak, but without the steady heartbeat of the Gift Economy, money holds no value, trust doesn’t exist, security is worthless, and freedom is useless.

What would happen if we took a different approach? What if we changed our strategy? What if we cared more about the customer than ourselves? What if we truly wanted to serve instead of take? Would we be setting ourselves up entirely, at the mercy of those “devouring” our precious gifts? Yes, probably. But who would win? For me, it all comes down to what constitutes winning. When the dust settles, what prize matters most? Is it money, popularity, knowledge, power? All of these are natural acquisitions when participating in the Gift Economy, but no that’s not really what I care about. I care about loving others well. And the only way to successfully accomplish this is to be part of the Gift Economy.

Are you participating in the Gift Economy? What are your thoughts on the Gift Economy and its effect on Business, Marketing, Blogging, etc?