Meaningful Gifts vs Branded Swag

“Nobody’s soul is moved by swag.” So says longtime friendtor of the pod, John Ruhlin, founder of strategic gifting company Giftology.

Since the day I met John and encountered his work in 2016, I have been inspired by his commitment to elevating the relationship game with generosity, “heart bombs,” and expressing genuine appreciation in the business world and beyond.

He does this all while setting up brilliant systems to make sure it all actually happens (such as setting a robust annual gifting budget aside off of top-line revenue). John is long overdue for a free time appearance, and I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!

More About John: John Ruhlin is the world’s leading authority in maximizing customer loyalty through radical generosity. He is the founder and author of Giftology: The Art and Science of Using Gifts to Cut Through the Noise, Increase Referrals, and Strengthen Retention and has been featured in Fox News, Forbes, Fast Company, Inc and New York Times. He and his firm now help automate this process for individuals and organizations like UBS, Raymond James, DR Horton, Keller Williams, the Chicago Cubs, and Caesar’s Palace.

🌟 3 Key Takeaways

• Gratitude isn’t a feeling, it’s an action. This doesn’t always have to be about gifts; it can include introductions, access to resources, words of affirmation.
• Gifting is an act of love. If finances are tight, don’t worry about crazy or expensive gifts, but be crazy thoughtful with the gifts you give. Don’t forget to recognize the recipients family and/or team members when you can — they are the unsung heroes.
• Personalization will take you far. Take the time to make a video or write a note, and don't just make it about you; articulate what you see in them and appreciate most. Super bonus: take that note and go read it to them in person. As John says, “You'll both probably cry, and they will never get rid of that note — it will be one of their most prized possessions. And all it did was it cost you your time.”

📝 Permission

Not be good at everything in your business; partner up with someone who fills in your skill gaps.

✅ Do (or Delegate) This Next

Double down on the personalization aspect of a thank you to a team member or client by sending a handwritten note, quick video filmed on your phone, or both!

🔗 Resources Mentioned

• John on the web, IG: @johnruhlin, Twitter, LinkedIn
• Articles: Why food corporate gifts are an absolutely terrible idea
• Video: Walkthrough of Jenny’s Gift Tracker in Notion, Giftology playlists on YouTube—Get More Client Referrals, Strategic Gifting Mastery, Mastering Brand Loyalty
• Publisher: Ideapress

📚 Books Mentioned

• Giftology by John Ruhlin
• Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara
• The 5 Love Languages (and quiz) by Gary Chapman
• Start With Why by Simon Sinek
• Traction and Rocket Fuel by Gino Wickman
• Free Time: Lose the Busywork, Love Your Business
• Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One
• Life After College

🎧 Related Episodes

• Other: Self-Publishing School—SPS 108: Giftology, “Love Bombs”, And Why I Have A $250 Book with John Ruhlin (Using Your Book To Build Relationships & Get Referrals)
• Free Time: 176: 🍪What’s the Chocolate Chip Banana Bread in Your Business?🍌, 083: Breaking through Buyer’s Remorse—Never Lose a Customer Again with Joey Coleman, 201: Never Lose a Team Member Again with Joey Coleman
• Pivot: 70: Build a Referral Engine with John Jantsch

✍️ Connect with Jenny on Substack: http://substack.com/@jennyblake

📝 Check out full show notes and share with a friend: https://itsfreetime.com/episodes/227

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