I remember the first time I went to lunch with a millionaire.

She owned her own business, had a yacht, and lived in one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the city.

As the server brought our meals, we talked and this woman, I’ll call her Suzy, opened up and shared about her current relationships. She had been married twice before, no kids, and her current boyfriend seemed to be all take and no give.

The more I listened, the more I realized that most wealthy people must struggle with trust, who is in their lives because of them and who just wants a handout… That’s when I had this thought; all the nonprofits that I know of are designed to help the needy, but there is a space for helping the wealthy as they are often left feeling scared and alone.

Money is great when it comes to covering basic needs, but what about the need for emotional connection?

Everyone needs people in their lives who have their back without an automatic expectation for monetary return. 

So, as we were closing out the conversation, I picked up the bill, walked over to that server and gave them my credit card.

To my surprise, it was difficult for Suzy to accept the gesture. She became teary and let me know she couldn’t remember the last time someone bought her dinner.

When we think about giving to those in financial need, we think homeless, women shelters, those on the brink of poverty. But what if the wealthiest of us are also on a different brink?

I ask you to imagine finding an extremely wealthy person within your community and instead of giving away your services to those in financial need, take just a small portion and give it to those who are in real need mentally and emotionally.

What I found after my exchange with Suzy was this:

First she was grateful and realized I just wanted to help which made a huge deposit for her.

Secondly she opened up her network to me and I met several wealthy people within her community that broadened my own network.

I’ve repeated this strategy several times and now on a regular basis I have a small percentage of the business that supports those in need that have plenty of financial means.

It not only felt good to give to another, but it also has allowed me to expand my network and gain new clients.

Monday Mindfulness

Get a little crazy and identify one or two super-wealthy people you can just give to. You might find that you’re the first person that has offered to help them in a long, long time.