Do You Practice Reciprocity?

Merriam-Webster define reciprocity as...

When you Google Wikipedia under "reciprocity (social psychology)," it states,

"In social psychology, reciprocity is a social norm of responding to a positive action with another positive action, rewarding kind actions."

In business, this social psychology is called the Principle of Reciprocity.

This principle defines the human need and natural response to want to give back when something is received. This need is strongest when the gift is given without expectation of anything in return.

Culturally, some societies practice the act of returning a gift. However, as a simple courtesy, a "thank you," in response to an act of kindness or compliment is still followed by another reciprocal gesture of "you're welcome."

Loyalty, as part of long-lasting business relationships are based on the Principle of Reciprocity, between sellers and buyers where the act of "giving something back" is practiced.

The Nielsen-Norman Group, claimed to be world leaders in researched based user experience apply the principle of reciprocity into web design.

It is a simple, "Give Before You Take In" concept to gain trust and motivate your audience.

When you start your niche website here at WA, you are already practicing the principle of reciprocity. You are writing articles and giving away information for free.

The entire content business online is about giving away information on websites, blogs, articles, ebooks and newsletters away as a way to build "trust" and "engagement."

However, the relationship building process of "trust" and "engagement" need to be strengthened over time for your to convert that into sales and results.

You will need to start building a circle that doesn't end, to keep the relationship going and engaging.

• What are you doing as a first step?

• Are your audience coming back?

• Do you engage with them?

• How do you communicate differently to build trust and engagement?

I have many more questions because I have chosen a competitive niche and am learning how to differentiate myself from competition. However, for the purposes of this blog, you get the idea that much need to be done to demonstrate trust and engage effectively.

Here at WA, what can you do to practice this habit of reciprocity?

I make it a point to follow every member that follows me.

You can click on your profile the number under "network" to go to a screen showing your network. If there are people following you and you have not followed them, Click on the green "follow" button to reciprocate and follow them.

You can show reciprocity by clicking on the green "Like This" button on the blog post that you are reading to show that you like the post. (See image below)Those of you who have something to say can "Join the Discussion."

To practice your reciprocity habit...

Do the following activity...

1. Find the green button and "Like This,"
2. If you have something to say, Join the Discussion.

Hope you like this milestone busting 101 post at WA.

Cheers,