Pay it forward. Three simple
words but when joined together becomes powerful enough to affect change. The
philosophy behind this phrase states that when someone does something good for
you, you have to do something good for someone else in return. To simply
describe the concept, it is like the kid’s game called “Tag”. If you know the
rules of this game, then you already have a basic understanding of how “pay it
forward” works.
Tag is a simple game that requires the “it” player to chase another player.
The game can continue indefinitely that’s why others have modified the rules of
the game over the years. Hence, pay it forward is like playing a modified
version of tag. When you receive a favor or experience something good out of someone
else’s generosity, you are tagged. Note that you cannot tag back the person who
tagged you. Instead, you have to do something good for another person. You have
to pay it forward. Now, imagine the great positive effect it can have if
everyone commits to doing this. After all, a game of Tag without running is Tag
made easier, right?
Businesses also practice the philosophy of pay it forward. It works to
their advantage because it helps them build a better image for their company. It
is of basic understanding that a company with a good image is much easier to
trust. That is primarily why many companies nowadays, big or small, have
already appreciated the good effects of getting involved in charity works and
events. Besides being less costly, a positive publicity is proven more
effective than millions-worth of advertisements. As a natural response of any
consumer, they always choose the services of a company they find trustworthy. Take
for example a dry cleaning shop in Wichita, Kansas known as “In the Bag
Cleaners”. Recently, they started offering free dry clean services for
unemployed individuals who need their outfit for a job interview cleaned. It is
a kind of charitable work that even employed individuals can and will appreciate.
Dave Coyle, the owner of the shop, is
undeniably aware of the needs of the people in his community. Needless to say,
this level of awareness worked both ways for him and his clients. No wonder Mr.
Coyle’s shop has been operating for more than a decade already in different
parts of Wichita. His company sees clients as partners in business and not as a
walking dollar waiting to be placed in their cash register. Wouldn’t you be
proud to be a part of this kind of company? A business like this dry clean shop
is a blessing to any community.
The use of pay it forward philosophy in businesses is not limited to the
purpose of generating income. It can also be observed in a working environment.
If an owner or a team leader encourages his subordinates to spread goodness
around, a positive environment follows thus creating a positive energy in the
workplace. Be it small or big, efforts to pay it forward always counts. Even if
you just decide to hold the door open for the person behind you, or if you just
give a compliment to a colleague, you can make a difference because we all need
a reason to smile once in a while, right? Imagine if you are to receive a good
deed from someone, wouldn’t that make you feel good?
Pay it forward empowers
us with the realization that we can affect change whether or not it requires
money or a great amount of effort from us. Believe that the good we do to
others, we also do to ourselves. So go out, wish someone a good day, or simply
smile to a stranger and believe that your little good deed will spread into
multiple folds. Tag or be tagged. Either way, pay it forward!