Last week I got one of those "make my day" phone calls and emails. It was from a gentleman I had met last May doing a speech for a local leadership program. I remember quite well the brief exchange we had following the program that night: He had delivered an eloquent and inspiring invocation and I told him he ought to be doing more public speaking, that his words had inspired me.

It was a comment I meant sincerely, and he, apparently took it to heart. His email and phone message told me about a multi-media program he has created for graduating high school students called "Be the One," that will debut at a large church this month. He wanted to let me know how my passing comment had made a difference to him.

The late Thomas Leonard, the "godfather" of modern coaching, founder of Coach U and Coachville, used to tell people interested in developing successful coaching practices to give lots away. Offer free teleclasses, do pro bono coaching, present speeches, write articles...without asking for compensation early on, for the benefit of getting your "brand" out into the marketplace. It was advice I and many other successful coaches have followed, and the results have been more than positive. People often ask how I've built my coaching and training business, and without a doubt, I can say it's because I've given a ton away for free.

In today's marketplace it seems everyone is interested in "getting" something...in making money, in receiving proper financial rewards or public acclaim. And of course, businesses survive and thrive on making profit. But I believe if more people and organizations would give more of themselves away on a regular basis, the financial rewards would come seeking them. I realize there is a point beyond which giving yourself away becomes impractical. And there are those who sometimes go overboard, who must eventually learn to charge for services they too frequently give away.

But as a great marketing and development strategy, giving yourself away is powerful. Whether you're launching a new business, trying to reinvigorate an existing one, or simply want to bring more joy, light and inspiration into the world the best marketing advice I can offer is to "give yourself away."

The speech I gave last May was done gratis. And yet I've earned both extrinsic rewards, in the form of new coaching clients, and perhaps more importantly, the intrinsic reward of knowing that something I said in a brief momentary exchange had inspired someone to take his special light into the world... in his own words, to "be the one" that makes a difference to others.

What can you give away today? Perhaps a compliment. Maybe an act of kindness or service. Perhaps volunteer in a community organization. Write an article for a trade publication or even deliver a free speech. You never know where that generous act will lead.

A wise book has said, "Cast your bread upon the water and it will return to you after many days." Whatever your "bread" is, give with heart and without thought of reward or compensation, and you will be rewarded many times over.