A little while ago I was asked to help a relatively new startup company find their voice. As a writer and author I know how hard it can be when faced with a blank screen and no ideas to translate the digital bits and bytes into something meaningful. So I offered some suggestions on how to start, structure and form, and of course content. I'm pleased to say, their words are flowing beautifully and I'm glad to have helped in the process. It took just a few minutes to do and I thought no more about it.  I hadn't asked for anything in return, and more importantly didn't expect anything. So imagine my surprise when the postman knocked on my door today - to give me a present from the company.

Rewards don't have to be monetary. My first reward came when I was asked to help another company. The second reward came when the person listened to the advice and has been enjoying the process of finding and using her voice. The third reward was the gift I received today.

Of course I am not saying you shouldn't charge for your time if its appropriate for you to do so. Just that for me, some things are better than money.

Today and every day you have a chance to make a difference to someone else. It may be something as simple as a smile, or holding open a door, giving up your seat on the bus or doing something unexpected for your parents. And it follows the credence that I try and live by

"what you send out comes back to you"

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"Politeness and consideration for others is like investing pennies and getting dollars back"
Thomas Sowell
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What messages are you sending out?