VeryGoodCopy is sponsored by Riverside.fm, the leading podcast and video recording platform used by Guy Raz, Hillary Clinton, Spotify, and The New York Times. Learn why it's beloved by world-class content creators and then try it with just your email — and if you like it, use "VGC" as a coupon code to get $15 off any subscription.
by: EDDIE SHLEYNER VeryGoodCopy, founder (Work with me)
Kels and I were driving when the sensor lit up…
“What does RR mean?” I said.
Kelsey looked at the dash. “I dunno,” she said, “rear right?”
“Oh,” I said, “yeh, the tire pressure.”
We pulled into a gas station and parked beside the air pump. The sign said: $1 = 5 minutes. I got some quarters from the center console.
“Be right back.”
“Oh kay.”
I got out and put the money in the slot. The air began to flow and I began to pump. I watched the tire inflate. A minute went by. I pressed the tire with my thumb. It felt good again.
“Young man?”
I turned around.
“Can I borrow that?” the man said, pointing at the hose with his cane. His car was parked behind mine. He had a flat, too.
“Sure,” I said. “Need a hand?”
The man smiled behind his mask. “Thanks for not making me ask.”
I took a knee and pumped while we made small talk. We talked about his family, his children. We talked about the weather, the snow. Then it was quiet for a moment.
“You smoke?” he said.
I looked up. “Sometimes.”
“Well then take this,” he said, holding out a cigar. “It’s a $20 cigar, a very good cigar.”
I smiled and waved my hand and said no. But he insisted. “Please,” he said.
The Rule of Reciprocity tells us it’s human to want to return a gesture.
We’re programmed to give value after getting value. And here’s the thing: we tend to give back far more than we originally received.
The key is to give something to someone as a gift (as opposed to a request or a thank you). The reciprocation mindset is only activated when someone receives a “no strings attached” gift.
This is how small, free samples turn into big sales.
Give away your content, your expertise, your time — and it will come back to you in spades.
If you enjoyed reading this, please take a second to 👍 and comment on this LinkedIn post. It’s a great way to support the VGC newsletter and I promise, it never goes unnoticed. Thank you!
Join 2,263 waitlist members As a member, you'll be the first to learn more about MasterClass. And if you choose to buy it, you'll get a steep discount for being an early supporter. 🤝
You can unlock hidden VGC content right now:
Just copy/paste & share this link on Slack, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Reddit, via email, or anywhere else people share content:
<<Share URL>>
This link is unique to you — and when just 1 person uses it to subscribe to VGC, you’ll immediately get an email with your first reward. There are 8 rewards in all, including essays, video tutorials, video courses, and even 1-on-1 strategy calls with me.
Share your link now to start unlocking — and as always, enjoy!
