Nate Riggs: Social Business Strategies; communication, social web strategies, & passion in Columbus, Ohio.

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

I advise mid-sized & large organizations on how to adopt and use social media to market through organizational culture and better serve their clients. I'm also a blended family dad who enjoys music, photography and distance racing. When I'm not writing here, you can find me writing over at the Content Marketing Institute. Like what you've read so far? Then why not subscribe HERE?

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