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#GiveWithoutTake — Generosity as Strategy (Simon Squibb)

beginner5 min read · updated 2026-06-20

As taught by Simon Squibb · source

#GiveWithoutTake — Generosity as Strategy

Simon Squibb built and sold companies, then turned giving into a growth engine. His core belief:

generosity is one of the most powerful business strategies there is, because **when you give

real value freely, you build trust — and trust is the foundation of every brand.**

He lives it publicly — giving away business advice on the street and online daily, and backing

70+ startups with early money and mentorship. The give comes first; the return follows on its own.

"What's your dream?" Start from purpose, not money. A dream people believe in attracts the

customers, talent, and help that money alone can't buy.

Build the boat before you sail. Do the prep — gain skills, save some cash, make contacts —

so you're ready when you launch.

Most people fail from lack of belief and support, not lack of talent. Manufacture both:

surround yourself with people who believe, and give enough that others want you to win.

Make "give first" your acquisition channel. Publish genuinely useful free help in your

niche, with no immediate ask. The trust it builds is cheaper and stickier than ads.

Over-deliver early — even for free — to manufacture referrals. A handful of delighted

early customers will sell for you.

Lead with the dream, not the discount. State the bigger purpose your business serves;

people buy from and help missions, not features.

Prep your "boat" before quitting anything — skills, runway, relationships — so the launch

has a foundation under it.