marketing book podcast

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

John Ruhlin is the founder of The Ruhlin Group, a gift logistics company that helps clients like the Chicago Cubs, Wells Fargo, Caesars Entertainment, Miami Dolphins, and Morgan Stanley execute year-round gifting strategies.

John’s unique approach to relationships let him to become the number one salesman for a 250 million dollar direct sales company by the time he was 23 ( out of 1.5 million reps). He now speaks widely about strategic gifting and relationship-building and helps CEOs and sales teams drive referrals and open doors to elusive decision-makers. 

The Host’s Perspective:

The concept of Giftology, or as the author also calls it “radical generosity” or “strategic gifting” is enormously powerful for establishing and nurturing business relationships when done correctly. And when it’s done incorrectly it can needlessly derail a business relationship, often permanently.

In reading the book, you’ll learn the science of Giftology with case studies and statistical research, how to create a manageable budget for gifting, when your gift will have the most impact, the advantages of thoughtful giving over “safe” consumable gifts, and many common pitfalls to avoid.

What are some of the pitfalls to avoid? Here’s one: stop putting your company logo on gifts.  Here’s another: stop giving Thanksgiving or Christmas gifts. And another: don’t give food or wine. The book explains why all of those approaches are problematical as well as how best to maximize the value of your gifts to the recipient.

Gifting, and the idea of radical generosity, can progressively impact all aspects of your life in ways you never thought possible. This gem of a book will completely reorient your approach to gifts and your gifts will have a lot more impact.

Listen to the Interview:

  

Show Notes

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

Love Is the Killer App: How to Win Business and Influence Friends by Tim Sanders

The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell

Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success by Adam Grant

Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by J. Vance

About the book, Giftology (Giftologybook.com)

Bonus features of Giftology (Giftologybook.com)

Giftology Book:

 

If you enjoy the show, please rate it on iTunes or Stitcher and write a brief (one sentence) review. That would help more people like you to discover the show.

Subscribe to the weekly Marketing Book Podcast newsletter

* indicates required

Subscribe to the weekly Marketing Book Podcast newsletter

* indicates required

Share This Post

More To Explore