The Universal Favor Bank

The Universal Favor Bank, where favor deposits are made to the favor bank without expectation of repayment. The Universe (God, the Source, the Divine, the One, the Spirit, the Creator, the Supreme Being, All-That-Is) will repay the favor with interest when the account holder needs it.

Capitalism With A Buddhist Twistby Jane Genova.

For those of us used to the harsh quid-pro-quo advice on the Favor Bank or networking in general, "One Phone Call Away: Secrets of A Master Network" provides a kinder, gentler point of view. In it, Jeffrey W. Meshel seems to almost advocate a Buddhist or 12-step mindset about how to build a platform for professional success.

Yes. Meshel, who heads money firms such as Mercury Capital and is founder of the networking group The Strategic Forum, tells us to get out there, try to open doors for others, but have no expectations. The no-expectation part is part of the fundamental mindset which keeps Buddhists serene and members of 12-step programs from being self-defeating. Chapter 3 of "One Phone Call Away" is titled "Ask Not 'What's in It for Me?'"

Of course, Meshel provides heavy documentation that this approach works. It does. I found that out when I fell into a career black hole post-2001 recession. Maybe the universe was smiling on me or maybe it was what Roman Catholics called the divine inspiration of the Holy Spirit (a.k.a grace). But somehow I didn't turn inward, a tendency during career setbacks that Meshel has observed is lethal. I reached out to share my wisdom, skills and contacts with anyone who asked me for a door to be opened. No, I didn't foist my help on them. According to some Buddhist schools of thought, before the teacher reaches out the student might ask for guidance at least three times.

It turned out just as Meshel says. No expectations but lots of results. Within nine months, my career was chugging along again, thanks to those who, in turn, opened doors for me. And, again just as Meshel says, none of us on that network from a few years ago are hanging on to each other in hopes of more miracles. We have and keep moving on. In his breakthrough book "The Wealth of Networks," Yale law professor Yochai Benkler has observed that given the current communications technology, professionals will join together and work together intensely for a short time. Then that tight-knit collaborative group will disperse to join together with other players.

I am convinced that the calculated quantitative approach of a quid-pro-quo favor bank a la the Harvey Mackays networking schools of thought will eventually sink any career. Do favors, expect nothing, and a strange voodoo magic happens in our professional lives.

Acknowledgment - original article

Favor Bank Stories

Encounter with a stranger in Paris by Roisin.

For the Smallest of Favors by Mary Deal.

Life’s Other Rewards by Sean Moriarty.

Capitalism With A Buddhist Twist by Jane Genova.

'Miracles' due to the Favor Bank Principle by Phil Evans.

May we all have plenty of deposits to make by Elle Smith Fagan.

Recycling Favors, a Favorbank Story by Shirl T.

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