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

Bob Burg · John David Mann

Dec 2007 · Penguin

About this ebook

A new edition with expanded content is available now, “The Go-Giver, Expanded Edition: A Little Story About a Powerful Business Idea”

An engaging book that brings new relevance to the old proverb “Give and you shall receive”

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.”


From the Hardcover edition.

Ratings and reviews

Although the story was a bit predictable, it was really neat how everything and everyone was woven in together and made a complete circle. The laws are proven and that's what makes this really come to life. I read it in 2 days but could easily be read in 1 if you have the time. I'll have to try read it again, but this time try to live the laws one day at a time as the main character does. Well done. Well done.

This was an amazing parable about the art of giving. My sister had given me this book to read and I had held off on reading it for a few months until I had gone on vacation. I managed to pick it up and finish it within the day. It doesn't take very long to read. Even though the book is a simple read, it speaks volumes if you are not in the right mindset to get what you want. The 5 laws are something that you can print out and put in a place where you see them everyday to stay humble and be open to new possibilities. Highly recommend getting this one.

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.

About the author

John David Mann is an entrepreneur and award-winning coauthor whose titles include the New York Times bestsellers Flash Foresight and The Red Circle. His Take the Lead was named by Tom Peters and the Washington Post as Best Leadership Book of 2011.
 
Bob Burg is a highly sought-after conference speaker who teaches the principles at the core of The Go-Giver to audiences worldwide. A former top sales professional, he is also the author of Endless Referrals and Adversaries Into Allies. He lives in Florida.