My life and career philosophy focuses on authentically giving to others. As the recipient of priceless wisdom and generosity from others throughout my life, I want to share ideas that will help you focus on paying-it-forward.

When You Give – You Also Receive – Consider how you can give of your time, talent, or treasure to others. The more you give away, the more comes back to you in the karmic circle of life. Consider how you can be philanthropically minded today.

Micro Volunteer – When you share your experience in a flash connection – having coffee with someone interested in learning about your career field – catalytic connections are made. You need not spend a lot of time to help others as the micro volunteer experience is powerful and easy. Great things happen when you celebrate in the happiness and success of others. Your generosity of wisdom is powerful.

30 Minutes a Day – Even busy leaders make time for others. Seek out an individual who can benefit from your attention. A mere half-hour in every 24-hour cycle is a great way to hone your leadership abilities by helping others. Everyone can afford 30 minutes a day to help someone else and you will derive great satisfaction from helping someone in need.

Write Thank You Notes – A hand-written thank you note is a dying art. Dust off your stationary, practice your penmanship and try and write at least one thank you note each week. Reacquaint yourself with snail mail and send a message that will thank, empower, and touch someone in a meaningful way.

Generosity is Infectious – A woman I don’t know paid for my coffee unexpectedly in Starbucks recently and her generosity made my day. How can you make a difference for someone else? Generosity makes good citizens and the more we help each other the better our world becomes. Your community is a great place to start.

Small Things Matter – Discarded Metro cards were collected in busy subway stations with mere pennies left on the cards. The cards were collected and the values were tallied in the millions. These funds were distributed to local charities in need. What are you throwing away or taking for granted that might help another?

I believe philanthropy is part of our social responsibility as citizens and makes the world a better place. When we give we also receive. Create your vision for a better world to remind you about how giving to others will make a difference. You can never do a kindness too soon or too often – start today!