Giftology: The Art and Science of Using Gifts to Cut Through the Noise, Increase Referrals, and Strengthen Retentionby John Ruhlin

John Ruhlin, founder of the Ruhlin Group, in his book shares his secrets, strategies and insights into the power behind gift giving to increase referrals, and strengthen and retain your internal and external customers. Having had the opportunity to interview John on my podcast I was wowed by the simplicity yet how much impact gift giving can really have both in life and business.

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The book was easy and enjoyable to read. It has been written in a manner that communicates the benefits of implementing a gift giving strategy into your business with ideas to do so. It also answers questions and provides insights to overcome the barriers that are associated with bringing the power of gift alive in your business. He shares the dos and don’ts of gift giving. Highlighting the difference between a promotional item and defining a gift.

I believe not only is the strategy of gift giving powerful in business but equally in many aspects of one’s life. Japan has an amazing gift giving culture and as an Australian who typically only associates gift giving with special occasions such as birthdays and Christmas I was always a little baffled as to why this culture existed. After reading Johns book, Giftology, I am have gained more clarity as to why.

Life is about how you feel and giving a gift is how you can make someone feel. And while we may associate the idea of giving a gift as an attempt to get something in return or to manipulate or influence another in an unhealthy or unethical manner this should not be the purpose. The purpose is to so appreciation to another for how they made you feel can be shown.

John believes that time is the ultimate resource and when someone donates their time to us to show appreciation a thoughtful gift is powerful. Ultimately gift giving will strengthen our relationships with those we appreciate. When both parties are happy and feel great they will do what they can to continue to enhance their relationship and assist the other in their life and businesses.

You need not have a huge budget like John who spends over $250,000 annually on gifts, you simply need to have a “thoughtful thought” to show appreciation towards another that you are genuinely grateful for. A gift can be as simple as a hand written note. John shares other ways to gift in order to cut thought the clutter of standardised gifts that will allow you to become top of mind.

I was inspired by my chat with John in episode 99 and am further inspired by his book. This year I aim to gift more, improve my relationships for those that I am grateful. With great relationships in life you can be assured greater things will come.

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If this book sounds of interest you can purchase Giftology: The Art and Science of Using Gifts to Cut Through the Noise, Increase Referrals, and Strengthen Retention here.

Please leave your thoughts, comments & questions below.

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