The “no free lunch” theory; the fundamentals behind this theory are psychologically and socially exhaustive, but more importantly—this is human nature. I will explain further; when one asks another to join him for lunch to discuss a business proposition, why is it done over a meal? The purpose of this meal is two-fold, to provide incentive and to be distinctive. Business done over lunch yields high levels of success, but many find the lunch itself far from enjoyable. Taking a single bite every five to ten minutes in fear of being questioned with a full mouth hardly sounds pleasing. After a decent meal, the notion of a completely “free” lunch diminishes when the check is presented. You have now paid the bill of your probable client, now what do you want in return? Was this really “free” for your potential client, or was it simply cost free. The connection is exemplified by my previous note regarding the success of business luncheons. Now, I bet you’re wondering why my “blog” response is titled “A “Free Gift From Uganda” and how it has anything to do with the Sorrento Hotel.

A couple months ago I paid visit to the struggling country of Uganda. I made lifelong friends and was truly blessed by the love of these people. Yesterday I was mailed approximately 1000 hand crafted bead necklaces from dying orphans that I met there. In the letter from the orphanage director, I was given specific instructions to give these beautiful necklaces to my friends, family, co-workers, or anyone who will take them. They requested for NO donations to be collected, and made it clear the necklaces were not for sale. This was a cost, obligation, and sympathy-free gift.

I brought the necklaces to work today; I passed them out to my co-workers, fellow managers, and even hotel guests. A very kind guest at the hotel who was given several necklaces asked, “Where do I put donations for these necklaces?” He was surprised when I responded saying, “these orphans have requested that no money be given in exchange for this gift”. This, my friends, is a “free lunch”. A gift given with no monetary exchange or expectation; a service provided astray from the unit value of a material good or efforts. What if we were to apply this mentality to our service or production of goods in the United States? Would there be an economic crash, or would we simply prevail with the fair trade of needs and care for our human race? Would the creation of a need by society diminish, or would we find new ways to be rewarded in unit value?

I will leave you, fellow co-workers and readers, with these last few thoughts: Would you spend one hour of your time for each of those 1000 necklaces to make someone happy? Valet attendants, how would you greet a guest arriving at the hotel if you knew you wouldn’t be tipped anything by this guest? Hunt Club servers, if one guest gave you a 500% tip, equal to entire day’s worth of wages, would you still treat the next who tipped you $0 the same? Would it be possible for you to provide “free” service to that second guest, or do they owe you something as well. Call to action: Do something for someone today for free; at no cost and without underlying expectations.