The idea of 'givers gain' is based on the priciple of generalised reciprocity: the notion that you get back in kind what you give. If you are rude or dismissive to someone they reciprocate and are rude to you. However, if you give generously and assist people, resources, sales leads and revenue flow back to you in abundance - Therefore, the giver gains.
However, when you think it through to its conclusion, its logical to expect something in return for a favour given and to some degree, you might be disapointed or even offended if you weren't repaid in some way. But if you approach your networking with a plan to build Social Capital through cold-hearted, economic calculations of ROI and tit-for-tat exchanges, then the response you elicit will be much the same. This kind of behaviour is unlikely to lead to flows of any sort in any direction.
Helping another person simply because you can, with no thought of repayment, is a powerful investment in Social Capital. Generosity is the driver of reciprocity. Reciprocity is a powerful human social norm. An act of complete generosity generates the inclination in people to repay favours and good deeds well in excess of what they would be willing to give up in a tit-for-tat exchange. Not because they have to - but because they want to.
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