Builders vs Takers

Are you a builder or a taker? Does it matter?

Builders will build in every conceivable way. They build people up- their ideas, their self-esteem, they try to find ways to help build your business or even your ambitions. They build value, opportunities, and businesses even in environments when it seems that there is nothing there. These are the people that always make you feel seen and heard and get joy from creating. Their energy is contagious, and they help drive momentum. These people help multiply your efforts and make you feel like things are possible… especially because they spend all their energy making things possible. They are the rain makers and the deals creators. They know that all good things come from growth and creation.

On the other hand, takers take. They are consumers, users, and energy sucks. They can be exploitive and will generally use you for your resources and their own personal needs. They regularly come to you with problems and complaints and feed on negativity. They never give credit and often grow only from the labor of others. They promote their own self-interests and take energy, knowledge, and capabilities from others. Their obstacles are always the focus, and the market is always a problem. When you are around these people you feel drained, used and exhausted.

Takers are consumers. They spend and horde versus investing and creating. Consumers always feel like they have nothing, and builders always seem like they are lucky. Ironically, builders spend their time building their own luck and creating value.

While all of us can be givers and takers in different situations and everyone is a varying degree of both sides; the one true way to be successful in this world is to be a builder. All wealth, success and happiness comes from a concentrated effort of giving, creating and growing value. Surround yourself with these types of people and check in with yourself regularly. Are you acting like a builder or a taker with your team, family, or referral partners? What can you do this week to build something, give back, pay forward or build-up someone around you?

Thank you to all of you that have poured into me, our team, and my life, have unconditionally given to me/us and have made our team so great! You are a giver, and I am so grateful for you!!

7 Tips on working with takers:

Identify the relationship early

Keep things at a high level and somewhat superficial

Avoid these people when you are vulnerable or low in energy

Always keep things positive

Be brief and don’t allow them to suck you in

Try to avoid deep relationships and business relationships here; they can be draining

Give anyway, but don’t allow it to strip you

4 Interview Questions to find Builders:

Tell me about 3 people whose careers you have improved. (Takers will almost exclusively name people in power or that have influence)
If you were to inherit a large sum of money from a relative, what are 4 things you would you do with it?
Tell me about a time when you were slammed, and someone tried to you were handed an extra assignment.
How do have you grown your business?