Paying it forward is a phrase that is known the world over thanks to a) the heartbreaking 2000 film ‘Pay it Forward’, and b) how often these little acts of generosity happen. Some of these stories even reach the dizzying heights of folklore thanks to the viral powers of social media. For example, at some point, we have all heard some version of the story of a woman at a drive-thru who spontaneously picked up the bill for the following customer in line, or an anonymous donor who paid for someone’s life saving treatment. These stories are not uncommon, and we are thankful for that - but what is so often overlooked is that once someone pays it forward once, they are starting a chain of positive interactions.

Take the drive-thru story as a template for this. In December 2012 one woman paid for the person behind her meal, this woman then returned the favour and paid for the person behind them. This chain carried on until it made 226 individual strangers’ days. 

It’s extraordinary story that clearly maps out exactly how little acts of generosity can institute positive change. Of course, it also raises many questions, not least why people continue to pay it forward once they have already received the benefit. And for each question, there’s a scientific paper looking to explain it.

We’ll leave that to the scientists, for us, it’s more of a no-brainer: we pride ourselves on the fact that we have worked our way up throughout the sales chain, with a lot of that success coming from grit and determination. However, it would be remiss of us to claim that we did it without help, not least when our pals at BR-NDPeople recently helped us re-brand free of charge. From quiet advice over a coffee from senior leaders, to friends that we’ve made along the way giving us a helping hand, we wouldn’t be where we are today without help.

So, when global crises such as Coronavirus come about, we committed ourselves to helping local businesses get back on their feet pro bono. Which explains how Chris found himself working the phones on Friday evening at Squisito, an Italian Takeaway in Woking. The owner, Michele Vicidomini adds a great authentic Italian twist to his cooking and we are working with him to help streamline his sales process. Not least because more people need to try this pizza.

One thing that we don’t need psychology to tell us is that it feels good paying it forward. We carry this mentality into all our dealings with clients and would love the opportunity to work with you.

Contact us below if for more information.

By Chris Bennfors Founding Partner at PACH Solutions Ltd