The Reciprocity Deficit in Business-And How We Are Fixing It
By Melissa Camilleri, CoFounder of The Prosper Network
Not sure if we were the ones to coin this term or not, but our culture is facing a massive reciprocity deficit-- especially in business.
It makes sense, when so many of us for so long have been part of an extractive system-- one that takes and doesn't give back.
One that uses and uses until there's nothing left.
It can leave even the most high-minded of us fearful and cautious about forging relationships.
Maybe that conditioning has even had you wondering if what it takes to be REALLY "successful" in business-- a shrewdness and hyper-individualistic, mentality.
We've all probably at one time or another, have felt taken advantage of when it comes to business--
That someone didn't pay properly for the service they received.
That you showed up generously and someone else got the credit.
That you were passed over for an opportunity.
That you were excluded from a group of people who thought they were "fancier" business owners than you.
AND YET...
Because we know how that feels, we can vow to NOT do business in that way.
That's what the Prosper Network's mission is-- to provide opportunity and connection for women around the world, to do business BETTER, with integrity, and most of all with RECIPROCITY.
Here's what we've established in the short time this network has been in existence:
1. A generous revenue share program for EVERY member of the network, so we are all incentivized to help it grow with the best, most values-aligned, like-spirited colleagues. #ironsharpensiron
2. Introductions to those we know with power who can move our missions forward.
3. Opportunities for massive visibility (like The Prosper Network Summit we hosted last year, where our members made up the majority of the speaker line up, on stage with global thought leaders, elevating all.)
4. Teaching and learning opportunities for members to both lead and participate in.
5. Scholarship opportunities-- for every ten people who join the network, we scholarship an under-resourced woman into the network.
6. Weekly speed networking events for members to gather and foster connection and support one another's business expansion in tangible ways.
And this list will grow as we welcome more women into the network.
Our goal is to have 1000 women join us before the end of 2025.
If business has been slower in this season, that's your sign-- come build your network with us.
Let's link arms and grow together.
Reciprocity isn't just some silly buzz word without meaning to us.
It's the core of what we do, and you're invited.