This one is extremely special to me. Y’all know I have ranted about the life impact of The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann, and I have personally bought the book for nearly 50 people — probably quite a few of you!
Both the book and Bob Burg the person have been a deep source of encouragement and wisdom for me over the past few years. In our interview, he mentions “Drive-By Mentors” in his life — people who had a disproportionate impact, compared to the actual time spent.
Bob Burg has been a Drive-By Mentor for me! He is infectiously positive and encouraging, and he exudes wisdom and love.
We had a great 30 minute session, where I got to draw out the story and wisdom of this great man. Soak it in slowly, my friends.
🔑 5 Core Insights from Bob Burg
Bob's message is rooted in experience. He has seen both healthy and toxic sales environments and built his philosophy on what actually works in the long run.
His signature message is simple: focus on creating value (service). The best results come from genuine interest in helping others thrive.
Empathy was born from struggle. The reality of OCD shaped a rare sensitivity and ability to uplift others.
Collaboration unlocks impact. The Go-Giver was created by joining forces with John David Mann, combining clarity with storytelling brilliance.
Encouragement is a calling. Bob doesn’t just teach “others focus”—he lives it in every word, comment, and connection.
💡 The Business Case for an “Others-Focus”
Bob Burg is the best-selling co-author of The Go-Giver, a business parable that has shaped the mindset of millions. The book is a reminder that long-term success comes from shifting your focus from getting to giving. Bob defines giving as creating value—consistently and intentionally—for the people you serve.
This is not theory for him. It’s how he lives. You can feel it the moment he speaks. He encourages everyone around him. He brings clarity and wisdom to professionals. He empowers relational excellence with his presence.
When asked about his Origin Story, Bob recalls “I was very lucky in that I was raised by two wonderful parents.” Parental love was a huge factor in his development.
His posture of generosity didn’t only come from this loving support, but also from adversity. Bob opened up about his lifelong experience of obsessive compulsive disorder. It caused emotional turmoil from a young age, and for years he didn’t know what he was dealing with. The pain gave him a kind of X-ray vision for the hearts of others. He could tell when people were carrying things. That sensitivity became a Superpower. It deepened his empathy and shaped his purpose. This does not minimize the pain of the experience. But in Bob, great pain has given birth to powerful influence for the good of many.
One key turning point came when he was in a sales slump early in his career. An older co-worker pulled him aside and said, “Don’t make money your target. Make serving others your target. The money is the reward.”
That sentence changed everything. It became the foundation of Bob’s work and helped shape The Go-Giver into what it is today.
So many people live in tension between putting their own interests or the interests of others first. Bob’s message offers a way forward. He gives people permission to sell — and act in the world — in a way that honors both their heart and their goals.
Bob, you are a gem. Thanks for sharing your gift with the world!
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