

Stop Sending Swag: Sara Hardwick on Strategic Gifting That Builds Loyalty | The Better Than Rich Show Ep. 217
Jul 29, 2025
49:15
In this powerful episode, Sara Hardwick joins Mike Abramowitz to share how service professionals, tradespeople, and entrepreneurs can grow their business by giving without expectations.
As a leader at GIFT·OLOGY, Sara walks us through the real strategy behind business gifting — and why it has nothing to do with promotional merchandise or thank-you baskets.
You’ll discover:
- Why timing your gift matters more than what you give
- The "harmless starter" framework for reconnecting with past clients
- How handwritten notes outperform high-end items
- The psychology behind off-cycle generosity
- How to be referred (without it getting awkward)
Whether you're a contractor, consultant, or relationship-based service provider, this episode is your new blueprint for growth through generosity.
Chapters:
- 00:00:00 - Why Giving First Wins Big
- 00:00:52 - Welcome to the Relationship-First Business Show
- 00:01:08 - Honoring a Legacy: John Ruhlin & GIFT·OLOGY
- 00:02:03 - How Sara Found Her Calling in GIFT·OLOGY
- 00:06:08 - Gifting That Moves the Needle
- 00:13:00 - Turning Referral Partners into Raving Fans
- 00:16:36 - Follow-Ups That Don’t Feel Forced
- 00:19:25 - Real-World Referral Wins You Can Steal
- 00:25:07 - Quickfire Gifting Ideas That Actually Land
- 00:25:42 - Business Isn’t Built on Swag
- 00:27:43 - When to Gift, How to Wow
- 00:29:15 - Inside the Rich Membership Magic
- 00:31:20 - How to Systemize Relationship-Building
- 00:32:54 - Build a Referral System Without Being Salesy
- 00:37:41 - Start Here: The Harmless Starter Script
- 00:40:16 - Ask This Before You Pitch Referrals
- 00:42:46 - One Final Shift That Changes Everything
Resources Mentioned:
- Giftology by John Ruhlin
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