Business owners and entrepreneurs often tap into the law of reciprocity without knowing it.

They're inherently pre-programmed to participate in the worldwide truth of give and receive. While there are those out there in this world who take take take, the vast majority of us swing to the other side of the scale and give give give.

Ever heard the quote – it’s better to give than receive?

Sure you have! Not sure if it’s true because invariably when you give you do receive - it's the law of reciprocity.

Whether you give time, knowledge, money or even tangible things – you get it back tenfold.

Let’s take a look at this law in action!

Influence and Reciprocity

If you’ve been in business for any length of time or even if you’ve just begun to research business models and strategies you've likely come across Dr Robert Cialdini and his laws of persuasion and influence.

They are, in no particular order,

- Commitment and Consistency - If people commit, to an idea or goal, they are more likely to honor that commitment. This is used often in sales. A sales person gets the potential customer to agree to a few ideas and thus sets the tone for the sale.

- Social Proof - People will do things that they see other people are doing. The bandwagon mentality. If other people are doing it then there must be some value or benefit to it.

- Authority - People will tend to obey authority figures. Establish credibility and authority and people will be more likely to buy from you.

- Likeability - People are easily persuaded by other people that they like.

- Scarcity - Perceived scarcity will generate demand. Buy now only 10 left – enough said!

- Reciprocity - People tend to return a favor. This is often used in internet marketing by giving people lots of good content. We’re talking books, reports, even products or at least trial versions of products.

The law of reciprocity at its most basic level tells us that if we give our prospects and customers something, whether it is a free product or service, excellent customer service, or even something as basic as tons of valuable information on a website or blog, then they will return the favor and make a purchase. It’s a law that many business owners and entrepreneurs tap into without realizing it. They do it unconsciously.

Networking and Reciprocity

That being said, the law of reciprocity doesn’t stop there. It extends to your community – both your personal community and your professional community.

When you participate in your local community, whether it is through your church, through your child’s school, your local community education program, local team sports, your home owner’s association, the homeless shelter, your community’s cultural events and so on, you’re volunteering your time. You’re sharing your knowledge and experience with those who can most benefit from it.

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