So I then discovered Tony Alessandra’s “The Platinum Rule.” The upgrade is simply “Do unto others as THEY would like done unto THEM.”

I’ve found it intriguing to research who are the THEY’s, what do THEY like, and what ways do I have to contribute to them what they like. We can say that’s being generous; if we’re 100% honest, there’s nothing wrong with the vanity and pride that making someone else feel good makes you feel good.

Briefly stated, Alessandra talks about different kinds of THEY’s. Some people prefer to speak facts and figures. Some prefer ideas. Some prefer contacting others. Some are very action-oriented. What I’ve seen can yield results quickly is to transpose whatever you have in mind to the approaches the networking target prefers. If I’m at a meeting with lots of ideas, and the head is somebody who prefers speaking numbers, I’ll make sure to integrate numbers into my ideas as we speak, to let that person know his way of seeing things is validated.

That’s what’s missing a lot in connecting with others nowadays. People do not receive enough praise from their supervisors, their subordinates, their spouses, their kids. So taking interest in somebody else and speaking to them in their own language can augment the network. It’s like saying your ways are great, and so are mine. Let’s put it all together!

Hi Bren…

That is a common misconception, but it doesn’t work that way. Karma is built on intention. And the intention needs to be selfless, not selfish. You do good because you do good, for no benefit to yourself.

And you don’t actually have to belive in “Karma with a capital K”. Just cause and effect.

Yes, I do think we agree. Just wanted to clarify. You bring up good points.

We ultimately agree, though The Law of Karma falls outside my personal beliefs. I understand your point, which I think is the same as the point I was trying make in the original post: overcome self-interest and serve others.

Do things for people without ANY intention of getting something back in return. Serving others selflessly is a good reason to be on this planet, and I believe you will find that the Law of Karma will eventually intervene on your behalf: positive intentions bring positive energy.

As an interesting side note, if you research it a bit, you will find that all the major religions in the world have the “Do Unto Others” statement somewhere in their philosophy. Now if we could only get all 6 billion people on this planet to live by that rule!