Jason Velliquette is a killer marketer and a Linchpin.  Seth would be proud knowing that Jason gets where he’s going with his ideas on a Gift Economy.

You might have noticed the recent updates to my Twitter background and YouTube channel.  That’s Jason’s work.  Pretty good stuff, especially for someone who’s a self-taught designer.

Why this is important to talk about is simple: I didn’t pay Jason anything for the art he created for me.  When we met, I knew that he had designed Hannah DeMilta’s backgrounds, and I liked the direction.

I mentioned it, and Jason immediately offered to do a Twitter back for me.  A few days later, when he sent me the draft, it was spot on with what I wanted.

A week goes by.  I get another email from Jason, saying that he had a surprise.  Attached was the YouTube image, along with detailed instructions and screenshots of how to change the link and background colors inside of YouTube. I was blown away.

I immediately felt the need to reciprocate, and offered to treat Jason for lunch.  It was the very least I could do.  Due to a busy schedule, Jason declined on a rain check.  He wasn’t at all concerned with reciprocity.  Jason gave me a gift, and asked (or expected) nothing in return.

What we Learn About the Gift Economy from Jason (and Linchpin)

• Give your art away.  It’s a gift you have to share.
• You can make money on other things.  Sharing gifts helps you find out where and how.
• Give gifts because you love creating the art, not to get something in return.
• Giving gifts creates a sense in the gift receiver to want to give something back, even if you don’t expect it.
• Gifts create visibility, top-of-mind awareness and respect.  Those three things are core elements of new marketing.
• Gifts, when given freely and intentionally, can become viral.

Thank you, Jason, for the gift and the lessons.

Do you give gifts?  What are they?  Why?

nateriggs

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