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Giftology: The Art and Science of Using Gifts to Cut Through the Noise, Increase Referrals, and Strengthen Client Retention
Does it feel like you work in a "red ocean filled with sharks?" Eat or be eaten. Fierce competition. Continual battling over scarce resources.
What if there was another path? What if you could create your own blue oasis where profits are higher, marketing is as natural as breathing, and competition is nearly nonexistent? This nirvana can be a reality when you practice the principles of Giftology. In this unusual un-marketing resource you'll discover...
*Why Giftology isn't an expense...it's an investment that can pay off with huge dividends.
*How to practice Giftology on a tight budget... it's easy and very effective.
*How Giftology turns existing clients into your best salespeople.
*Why (and how) gifts with a relatively low value can trump something expensive.
*When is the best time to send gifts? (The answer may surprise you.)
*How to unleash a "Referral Factory," a small army of influencers vouching for you--no gimmicks, no catches.
*Find out how Giftology can transform your supply chain.
*The ten worst gifts... definitely avoid these. (This info's available in the expanded bonus resource. Just click the link inside! It's my gift to you.)
The average person is hit with at least thirty thousand messages a day, courtesy of that "red ocean filled with sharks." Giftology neutralizes that deadly philosophy and equips you with every tool you need to make your message a priority. Every time. Get your copy today!
What if there was another path? What if you could create your own blue oasis where profits are higher, marketing is as natural as breathing, and competition is nearly nonexistent? This nirvana can be a reality when you practice the principles of Giftology. In this unusual un-marketing resource you'll discover...
*Why Giftology isn't an expense...it's an investment that can pay off with huge dividends.
*How to practice Giftology on a tight budget... it's easy and very effective.
*How Giftology turns existing clients into your best salespeople.
*Why (and how) gifts with a relatively low value can trump something expensive.
*When is the best time to send gifts? (The answer may surprise you.)
*How to unleash a "Referral Factory," a small army of influencers vouching for you--no gimmicks, no catches.
*Find out how Giftology can transform your supply chain.
*The ten worst gifts... definitely avoid these. (This info's available in the expanded bonus resource. Just click the link inside! It's my gift to you.)
The average person is hit with at least thirty thousand messages a day, courtesy of that "red ocean filled with sharks." Giftology neutralizes that deadly philosophy and equips you with every tool you need to make your message a priority. Every time. Get your copy today!
182 pages, Paperback
First published June 16, 2016
465 people are currently reading
2149 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
March 27, 2017
The book is a quick read with a few insights on how to be purposeful about giving gifts - so quick it should probably have been a blog post or podcast. At times it read like an ad for Cutco knives. While I took away a couple of points for my personal life, this may be of more value for a business leader/owner in an industry that does not have restraints regarding giving clients gifts. I may reread this book if I find myself in this position in the future.
Reminders:
-remember the gift is for the recipient, so tailor to their personality and desires, not yours or those of your company
-a randomly timed gift will have more impact than a gift on a holiday or regular schedule
-stand out from the crowd, do not give typical gifts i.e. chocolates/flowers on valentines day
-if you can give someone a gift that will be valuable beyond themselves such as for their spouse and/or children, it will be more valued by the recipient
Reminders:
-remember the gift is for the recipient, so tailor to their personality and desires, not yours or those of your company
-a randomly timed gift will have more impact than a gift on a holiday or regular schedule
-stand out from the crowd, do not give typical gifts i.e. chocolates/flowers on valentines day
-if you can give someone a gift that will be valuable beyond themselves such as for their spouse and/or children, it will be more valued by the recipient
October 12, 2016
It was actually a pretty decent book, but virtually all of it was covered in the Unmistakable Creative Podcast - just listen to that.
Good thoughts and ideas on how to stand out with clients and prospects, but ultimately it was drawn out too long and too general.
Good thoughts and ideas on how to stand out with clients and prospects, but ultimately it was drawn out too long and too general.
March 12, 2017
Brief, but packed with good ideas. This book is good for making you think more deeply about the power of generosity to build relationships. But it's great for being very specific on how to do that. With tips like "buy the gift that is best in class for it's type, even that's a less fancy type" and "buy gifts for assistants and spouses and kids, not just the person you want to connect with".
Loved it. I got some great ideas--and didn't have to wade through a lot of fluff to do it.
Loved it. I got some great ideas--and didn't have to wade through a lot of fluff to do it.
November 21, 2023
Excellent book. I just wish the ideas went beyond the business world. So many great ideas. I will be reading this several more times. So good!
September 6, 2016
Who would've known we were so bad at giving gifts?!
I absolutely loved this book. It's easy to read, fun and entertaining. Giftology is filled with tons of practical, actionable and relatable advice not just for business owners but for anyone wishing to build and strengthen relationships. It's funny now how whenever I think of a relationship I need to build with someone I'm immediately thinking of thoughtful gifts which will put me and my message on that person's radar! Give it a shot and notice the (huge) difference!
I absolutely loved this book. It's easy to read, fun and entertaining. Giftology is filled with tons of practical, actionable and relatable advice not just for business owners but for anyone wishing to build and strengthen relationships. It's funny now how whenever I think of a relationship I need to build with someone I'm immediately thinking of thoughtful gifts which will put me and my message on that person's radar! Give it a shot and notice the (huge) difference!
January 9, 2021
With a lot of business books BSing nowadays, this is one of the few books that are practical and friendly to read (any books less than 200 pages). It contains great business cases and explanations from an applied psychology perspective to demonstrate master ways to select and send gifts to existing/potential clients (C suites) and employees of your firm. The receiver can also be your close relatives and friends. The core of the book can be summarized to couple points below:
1. Gifting Strategically - gifting is about the receiver not the giver.
a. Utility goods such as tote bags and cutlery would likely leave a lasting impression than meals. Monograms adds personal intimacy to the gifts while goods bombarded with company logos would very likely own a straight one way ticket to garbage bins with later, unfortunately, being the widely adopted method of marketing.
b. Don't send gifts that the receiver already has or dislike. If industry norm likes beer over wine, don't send client wine.
c. Persistent gifting two, three and four times to yield results rather than only once.
2. Creating first class experience for your clients and employees.
a. Choose what's best in class when selecting gifts. This does not necessarily lead to most expensive gifts e.g. a $30 mug would be a better example than a $50 massage gun as my made up example. Similarly A $3 name card leaves a lasting impression than a $10 brochure of products with the later may likely ended in trash.
b. Give back family time would be better than anything that's enjoyed without family. A bi-weekly house cleaning package resulted in higher employee retention from author's company. An employee with a happy family would make a happy employee.
3. Timing to send gifts is important. To hold element of surprise, send gifts at unexpected times rather than holiday gift seasons. No one would like another box of chocolate at Thanksgiving or Christmas when they already have hundreds piled up on the floor.
4. Investing 5% of profits back in client relationship. Generous gifting would earn you the next business opportunity because people tend to make reciprocal payments.
1. Gifting Strategically - gifting is about the receiver not the giver.
a. Utility goods such as tote bags and cutlery would likely leave a lasting impression than meals. Monograms adds personal intimacy to the gifts while goods bombarded with company logos would very likely own a straight one way ticket to garbage bins with later, unfortunately, being the widely adopted method of marketing.
b. Don't send gifts that the receiver already has or dislike. If industry norm likes beer over wine, don't send client wine.
c. Persistent gifting two, three and four times to yield results rather than only once.
2. Creating first class experience for your clients and employees.
a. Choose what's best in class when selecting gifts. This does not necessarily lead to most expensive gifts e.g. a $30 mug would be a better example than a $50 massage gun as my made up example. Similarly A $3 name card leaves a lasting impression than a $10 brochure of products with the later may likely ended in trash.
b. Give back family time would be better than anything that's enjoyed without family. A bi-weekly house cleaning package resulted in higher employee retention from author's company. An employee with a happy family would make a happy employee.
3. Timing to send gifts is important. To hold element of surprise, send gifts at unexpected times rather than holiday gift seasons. No one would like another box of chocolate at Thanksgiving or Christmas when they already have hundreds piled up on the floor.
4. Investing 5% of profits back in client relationship. Generous gifting would earn you the next business opportunity because people tend to make reciprocal payments.
We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2020
This book is short, but that is exactly what I want in a book like this. I’m not the CEO of any million-dollar company, but there was still a lot of great info here applicable to my husband’s small family business, and my personal life.
I have often said I am not a person whose “love language” is gifts. I don’t care much about getting gifts and it’s not common for me to give gifts to others on a just-because basis. However, I *do* have high standards for gifts I give because receiving inadequate, impersonal or otherwise incorrect gifts really makes a gal feel like doo-doo-on-a-shoe.
Listening to Giftology (on Audible) really crystalized all those thoughts I had had about receiving gifts. For me, it was mostly in the context of receiving gifts from friends and family, but it’s true in a business sense as well. I do think I will change up our Christmas gifts to business associates this year.
I have often said I am not a person whose “love language” is gifts. I don’t care much about getting gifts and it’s not common for me to give gifts to others on a just-because basis. However, I *do* have high standards for gifts I give because receiving inadequate, impersonal or otherwise incorrect gifts really makes a gal feel like doo-doo-on-a-shoe.
Listening to Giftology (on Audible) really crystalized all those thoughts I had had about receiving gifts. For me, it was mostly in the context of receiving gifts from friends and family, but it’s true in a business sense as well. I do think I will change up our Christmas gifts to business associates this year.
January 15, 2021
Anyone in business should read this and apply liberally. We've had some really great introductions and referrals by applying just the gifting technique to our podcasts guests.
Seriously great concept and applications!
Seriously great concept and applications!
June 26, 2019
The book is a good example of how, in my opinion, such books should be written: short and to the point, no water. It does the job and introduces you to gift giving and provides useful ideas that I’m looking forward to implement.
December 1, 2019
Mostly common knowledge but some good reminders... “always ask yourself what’s the most I could do not what’s the least I can do without looking cheap.”
May 21, 2021
Interesting read on gift-giving in the business world.
February 20, 2024
Easy and thoughtful reading on how gratitude can change your life around.
March 12, 2025
A ideia hoje em dia é meio batida mas é ok. O livro é uma longa repetição da mesma ideia em 32 capítulos. Dá pra resumir num parágrafo.
December 20, 2016
very quick read but very thought provoking
December 14, 2020
"You can gift people in this scenario, this scenario and that scenario."
"Quality gifts are best".
akin to: "Before I sent gifts my life wasn't worth living, now that I send gifts I have a beautiful wife and a successful business".
"And by the way, I have a business that does gifting as a service."
I usually applaud anyone who takes the time and energy write a book, but this is a totally self-serving one, extremely thin on usefulness beyond "sending quality gifts works".
For a good book on this topic with practical, useful information see How To Get A Meeting With Anyone by Stu Heinecke.
"Quality gifts are best".
akin to: "Before I sent gifts my life wasn't worth living, now that I send gifts I have a beautiful wife and a successful business".
"And by the way, I have a business that does gifting as a service."
I usually applaud anyone who takes the time and energy write a book, but this is a totally self-serving one, extremely thin on usefulness beyond "sending quality gifts works".
For a good book on this topic with practical, useful information see How To Get A Meeting With Anyone by Stu Heinecke.
May 21, 2021
Listened to this book via Audible, but later logged on to website to retrieve a handful of PDF resources. Overall, this book conveys the "Mr Shmooze" mentality of watching for opportunities to give someone a meaningful gift. I didn't find it entirely applicable to my business, but there were a few take-aways, including the useless nature of most most business gifts. (Who really needs another pen or coozie?) Worth the time to listen / read (about 4.5 hours) and will give you some ideas to ponder.
February 2, 2022
The idea and the premise is great, but this is nothing more then a re-direct to the author’s website. “10 gifts not to give?….go to my website.” Seems like you could just share this with the person who just bought your book. Giving is about being genuine and this book doesn’t feel like the author put genuine thought into providing his readers with value. Very disappointed and no useful takeaways from this bookZ. Just listen to a podcast that he’s on and you’ll get the same info.
February 5, 2023
Didn’t enjoy this. It felt repetitive and a little basic (maybe dated), a lot of the examples were gifts of personalised gift knives - rather than a mix of examples. I liked the tip that branded products are promotional vs something more personal, which is a nice touch.
It’s a short read / quick listen, so that helps somewhat - but overall expected more.
It’s a short read / quick listen, so that helps somewhat - but overall expected more.
August 23, 2016
Giftology
Love love love this book, it's a simple concept, and something I think many dabble in, but it really lays out some great tips, ideas, and inspiration to help you achieve maximum results!
Love love love this book, it's a simple concept, and something I think many dabble in, but it really lays out some great tips, ideas, and inspiration to help you achieve maximum results!
July 1, 2023
A free book and short life arch of a cutco knife salesman. It was excessively short with each chapter directing others out to bonus material stored on the web. The largest take away is that the thoughtfulness and labors of cognitive investment is where a the gift is given.
September 14, 2016
Excellent ideas. I felt convicted to become a much better gift giver as a result of this book.
December 16, 2017
It's interesting and it's valid. But it left me wanting more ideas, and the book is clearly also a promotional tool for his business. Can't fault him for that but it tainted it slightly for me.
November 9, 2019
If ‘the thank you economy’ + ‘getting naked’ had a very articulate baby, it would be this book. Giftology promises to teach you strategic gifting that cuts through the noise, increases referrals and strengthens retention with your most important clients, employees, and prospects.
Written by John Ruhlin, an Ohio farm boy who went on to become the greatest salesman in Cutco’s 68-year history, Ruhlin slices through the traditional corporate gifting mindset and pares down what truly makes a special experience: radical, selfless generosity. The no-strings-attached, unconditional kind of love that isn’t necessarily tied to landing a specific deal or with an ulterior motive in mind. Instead, it focuses on how to give (and who to give to) without an agenda through what he calls ‘planned randomness.’
Main points of book:
- You would never go to a wedding and engrave YOUR name on a crystal gift for the bride and groom. Why do most companies treat corporate gifts so differently?
- Instead of a gift that is something you would want, give them something THEY want but may never get for themselves. Ruhlin treats employees like his best clients – for example, he has their homes cleaned by a professional housekeeper every other week so they are less stressed when they get to the office!
- The CEO of the company is bombarded with pathetic attempts to grab his or her attention on a daily basis. And in actuality, many times their 'happy place' is their family, who they don’t get to see as often as they would like. Ruhlin recommends getting a gift for the spouse / family, or even the kids once you get to that level. He once gifted knives with the husband and wife’s name carved onto luxury Cutco knives, which are used in the gathering place of home. They are not only used often, but his name is brought up every time they are used, and gestures like this keep you top of mind when a connection needs to be made. “Shock and awe” gifts on steroids.
Another important person in the CEO’s life is the Executive Assistant or their right-hand person. They may be called something different at every company but, the person who can make meetings happen is incredibly valuable to build a relationship with, because they up close and personal with their schedule, passions and routines.
- Everybody does Christmas gifts. ‘Planned randomness’ is budgeted for at the beginning of the year, and involves sprinkling prospects with gifts at unique times of the year where you are more likely to stand out. It can be anything from St. Patrick’s Day to National Pie Day.
- Treat suppliers as referral partners, because they could turn into just that with the right kind of treatment. Do you do anything with some of our favorite vendors / printers who we rely on for consistent results that attribute to our success?
- Price does not make perfect. It’s the ‘thoughtful thought’ that counts. A $40 leather golf accessory pouch will always beat a $200 golf club he most likely already has.
- A themed gift ‘series’ for a huge prospect is an interesting concept. For example, he sent an expensive ice cream bowl, then a few weeks later, a luxury ice cream spoon, then finally delivered gallons of local-handmade ice cream to the office with a note saying “thanks for being the cream of the crop...”
- Handmade / local artisan gifts aligned with core values are always a good bet. You never want to buy something they could see on clearance at Target later.
- Gifting is not a one-and-done but a consistent endeavor. For example if they are already a client, he suggests investing 2% of their profit back into the relationship because it usually only makes them increase their return the following years.
I read this mostly to see how we could emulate this strategy and mindset for business development and new referral partners. What can we do to catch the right person’s attention and foster genuine relationships at an accelerated pace?
I am incredibly impatient, so I was not liking his stance that these things take time and are a slow build. I think as long as you are paying attention to what the person likes you can somewhat fast-pace by giving value first, as least breaking down the barrier to the introduction, then you can work toward the planned randomness once they are in your world of prospecting.
My absolute most favorite part of this book:
The best time to send a gift? When you DON’T make the deal.
Written by John Ruhlin, an Ohio farm boy who went on to become the greatest salesman in Cutco’s 68-year history, Ruhlin slices through the traditional corporate gifting mindset and pares down what truly makes a special experience: radical, selfless generosity. The no-strings-attached, unconditional kind of love that isn’t necessarily tied to landing a specific deal or with an ulterior motive in mind. Instead, it focuses on how to give (and who to give to) without an agenda through what he calls ‘planned randomness.’
Main points of book:
- You would never go to a wedding and engrave YOUR name on a crystal gift for the bride and groom. Why do most companies treat corporate gifts so differently?
- Instead of a gift that is something you would want, give them something THEY want but may never get for themselves. Ruhlin treats employees like his best clients – for example, he has their homes cleaned by a professional housekeeper every other week so they are less stressed when they get to the office!
- The CEO of the company is bombarded with pathetic attempts to grab his or her attention on a daily basis. And in actuality, many times their 'happy place' is their family, who they don’t get to see as often as they would like. Ruhlin recommends getting a gift for the spouse / family, or even the kids once you get to that level. He once gifted knives with the husband and wife’s name carved onto luxury Cutco knives, which are used in the gathering place of home. They are not only used often, but his name is brought up every time they are used, and gestures like this keep you top of mind when a connection needs to be made. “Shock and awe” gifts on steroids.
Another important person in the CEO’s life is the Executive Assistant or their right-hand person. They may be called something different at every company but, the person who can make meetings happen is incredibly valuable to build a relationship with, because they up close and personal with their schedule, passions and routines.
- Everybody does Christmas gifts. ‘Planned randomness’ is budgeted for at the beginning of the year, and involves sprinkling prospects with gifts at unique times of the year where you are more likely to stand out. It can be anything from St. Patrick’s Day to National Pie Day.
- Treat suppliers as referral partners, because they could turn into just that with the right kind of treatment. Do you do anything with some of our favorite vendors / printers who we rely on for consistent results that attribute to our success?
- Price does not make perfect. It’s the ‘thoughtful thought’ that counts. A $40 leather golf accessory pouch will always beat a $200 golf club he most likely already has.
- A themed gift ‘series’ for a huge prospect is an interesting concept. For example, he sent an expensive ice cream bowl, then a few weeks later, a luxury ice cream spoon, then finally delivered gallons of local-handmade ice cream to the office with a note saying “thanks for being the cream of the crop...”
- Handmade / local artisan gifts aligned with core values are always a good bet. You never want to buy something they could see on clearance at Target later.
- Gifting is not a one-and-done but a consistent endeavor. For example if they are already a client, he suggests investing 2% of their profit back into the relationship because it usually only makes them increase their return the following years.
I read this mostly to see how we could emulate this strategy and mindset for business development and new referral partners. What can we do to catch the right person’s attention and foster genuine relationships at an accelerated pace?
I am incredibly impatient, so I was not liking his stance that these things take time and are a slow build. I think as long as you are paying attention to what the person likes you can somewhat fast-pace by giving value first, as least breaking down the barrier to the introduction, then you can work toward the planned randomness once they are in your world of prospecting.
My absolute most favorite part of this book:
The best time to send a gift? When you DON’T make the deal.
November 3, 2017
Reading Giftology may cause you to seriously reevaluate what kind of gifts you are giving to your family, friends, and business associates.
Ruhlin gives us some guff for the gift cards we are so quick to give out that take such little thought. Are you giving out gifts to business partners with your company logo? Be prepared to hear some chiding about giving gifts that are more about YOU than it is about THEM.
The message contained in this short read is about putting thought into your gift giving. It’s about making them feel special and doing something that not everyone else is doing. It’s getting away from the chocolates, cookies, and meat & cheese baskets around the holiday season.
Ruhlin tells us that, “It’s NOT the thought that counts. It’s the thoughtful thought that counts.”
Our author, who coined the phrase, states, “Giftology is rooted in the acknowledgment of someone’s time being the most precious commodity he or she has to share. We’ve all been given a ridiculously limited amount of it. So when someone shares it with you, let him or her know unequivocally how honored you were to receive it.”
Giftology is about giving gifts when not expected. It’s about a gift in the middle of summer for no reason. Giftology is knowing the person you’re giving a gift to and not picking something that you might like. It’s giving something that is practical that can be used over and over, not like the trinkets many corporations give out that wind up being tossed or thrown in a junk drawer.
There are some great quotes in this one like,
“It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.” - Mother Teresa
“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” - Winston S. Churchill
This book serves as a great reminder to be different and to stand out by showing you really care about those you’re saying thank you to. Will you get more mileage by giving out 100 gifts at $10 or by giving 10 gifts at $100?
This book was published in 2016. It receives 4.8 stars from 203 Amazon reviewers. Goodreads gives it 4.05 stars after 130 ratings and 19 reviews. I recommend this for anyone looking to get out of the same gift giving routine and for anyone looking for some new ideas to show appreciation.
#FridaysFind #MIAGD #Giftology #JohnRuhlin
Ruhlin gives us some guff for the gift cards we are so quick to give out that take such little thought. Are you giving out gifts to business partners with your company logo? Be prepared to hear some chiding about giving gifts that are more about YOU than it is about THEM.
The message contained in this short read is about putting thought into your gift giving. It’s about making them feel special and doing something that not everyone else is doing. It’s getting away from the chocolates, cookies, and meat & cheese baskets around the holiday season.
Ruhlin tells us that, “It’s NOT the thought that counts. It’s the thoughtful thought that counts.”
Our author, who coined the phrase, states, “Giftology is rooted in the acknowledgment of someone’s time being the most precious commodity he or she has to share. We’ve all been given a ridiculously limited amount of it. So when someone shares it with you, let him or her know unequivocally how honored you were to receive it.”
Giftology is about giving gifts when not expected. It’s about a gift in the middle of summer for no reason. Giftology is knowing the person you’re giving a gift to and not picking something that you might like. It’s giving something that is practical that can be used over and over, not like the trinkets many corporations give out that wind up being tossed or thrown in a junk drawer.
There are some great quotes in this one like,
“It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.” - Mother Teresa
“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” - Winston S. Churchill
This book serves as a great reminder to be different and to stand out by showing you really care about those you’re saying thank you to. Will you get more mileage by giving out 100 gifts at $10 or by giving 10 gifts at $100?
This book was published in 2016. It receives 4.8 stars from 203 Amazon reviewers. Goodreads gives it 4.05 stars after 130 ratings and 19 reviews. I recommend this for anyone looking to get out of the same gift giving routine and for anyone looking for some new ideas to show appreciation.
#FridaysFind #MIAGD #Giftology #JohnRuhlin
November 26, 2017
I honestly feel that reading this book puts me and the charity I raise funds for at a distinct advantage, and that applying its principles will help me to connect and influence those who can be significant help to the organisation, in a way that sits well with my ethos.
The book helps organisations (especially sales-orientated businesses) to treat their employees, clients, suppliers and prospects well through radical generosity - the giving of gifts. It provided me with some clear thought to turn ideas into practice - sending gifts at non-busy times (ignore the noise of Christmas), personalise it, make the gift for the recipient's family, aim to provide something that features in everyday use.
I've already used it to thank someone in the sector for giving me 30 minutes of advice it would have taken me a day to find through research, by sending him two Christmas advent calendars for his girls who love Frozen.
I would love to see two more bitesize chapters in this manageable book - one on how to gift from a charity (donors don't want us to spend their donations back on them!) and another on gift-wrapping.
The book helps organisations (especially sales-orientated businesses) to treat their employees, clients, suppliers and prospects well through radical generosity - the giving of gifts. It provided me with some clear thought to turn ideas into practice - sending gifts at non-busy times (ignore the noise of Christmas), personalise it, make the gift for the recipient's family, aim to provide something that features in everyday use.
I've already used it to thank someone in the sector for giving me 30 minutes of advice it would have taken me a day to find through research, by sending him two Christmas advent calendars for his girls who love Frozen.
I would love to see two more bitesize chapters in this manageable book - one on how to gift from a charity (donors don't want us to spend their donations back on them!) and another on gift-wrapping.
August 16, 2021
Read the reviews, grab the highlights, and save yourself the time. I’m increasingly frustrated with business “books” being written on what likely was a good seminar topic at one point then it was suggested that “this be turned into a book”. This falls into the growing category of business books that could have been a podcast or blog post. Symptoms include: wide page margins, large gaps in spacing, spacing strategy in general to make the book thicker, reiteration of the same points repeatedly with filler stories, and continual ads for us to check out more “bonus content” (hey authors, we already paid for your book, now’s the time to GIVE content, not keep selling). I’m seeing some of the same strategies used in these types of books that I used to use in high school English class to make the length requirements. This book will stay on my shelf because I can’t in good conscience give it to anyone who asks, without verbally giving them the 2 minute summary and thus save them 2 hours of reading.
For reference and comparison: books that I do appreciate include Never Lose a Customer Again, Great By Choice, Extreme Ownership.
For reference and comparison: books that I do appreciate include Never Lose a Customer Again, Great By Choice, Extreme Ownership.
October 29, 2023
This book is solid when it comes to relationship building from an US perspective. Not perfect in terms of the "Nordic way of life", but we can still learn from it and apply more relaxed way of giving gifts.
Biggest takeaways:
Attitude of Gratitude
Radical Generosity
When someone shares their time with you - you should honour it.
Re-invest 5% of earnings in relationships (business)
- longer format:
Practice: Attitude of Gratitude - this is recurring theme in all books I read, but good reminder - no downside at all in being grateful for what you have.
Giftology = Radical Generosity = Strategic Gifting
—
Giftology is rooted in the acknowledgement that someone’s time being the most precious commodity he/she has to share. We have all been given a redicoulous small amount of it. So when someone choose to share it with you, let him know how honoured you where to receive it.
—-
How you do anything is how you do everything. "
Book: related to Adam grant; give and take.
5% of profit. Reinvest in that That relationship/customer
Book related : blue ocean strategy.
Biggest takeaways:
Attitude of Gratitude
Radical Generosity
When someone shares their time with you - you should honour it.
Re-invest 5% of earnings in relationships (business)
- longer format:
Practice: Attitude of Gratitude - this is recurring theme in all books I read, but good reminder - no downside at all in being grateful for what you have.
Giftology = Radical Generosity = Strategic Gifting
—
Giftology is rooted in the acknowledgement that someone’s time being the most precious commodity he/she has to share. We have all been given a redicoulous small amount of it. So when someone choose to share it with you, let him know how honoured you where to receive it.
—-
How you do anything is how you do everything. "
Book: related to Adam grant; give and take.
5% of profit. Reinvest in that That relationship/customer
Book related : blue ocean strategy.
March 30, 2019
A Short and Straightforward Handbook for Gift-Giving...
...but missing any real actionable points.
I randomly heard about this book from someone I follow and decided to check it out. Fast read, the chapters are short and to the point. They provide a good outline for why business owners should make gift-giving a priority and set aside a budget for it.
While I really liked the stories he wove in and the general idea being presented, what the book lacks are any tangible tactics for approaching gift-giving in one's own life. Instead it seems he's hidden these on a bonus page on his website, which is most likely behind an email opt-in (just a guess, haven't visited the page yet).
Nevertheless four stars for doing a good job of at least getting me as a reader to think more about this subject.
...but missing any real actionable points.
I randomly heard about this book from someone I follow and decided to check it out. Fast read, the chapters are short and to the point. They provide a good outline for why business owners should make gift-giving a priority and set aside a budget for it.
While I really liked the stories he wove in and the general idea being presented, what the book lacks are any tangible tactics for approaching gift-giving in one's own life. Instead it seems he's hidden these on a bonus page on his website, which is most likely behind an email opt-in (just a guess, haven't visited the page yet).
Nevertheless four stars for doing a good job of at least getting me as a reader to think more about this subject.
March 17, 2020
Quick read some points that stood out to me:
1. Gifting is not about me, it is about the person I intend to give a present. When our company is giving, why should we put our logo? I know why all gifts with company logos ended up being an addition to my kids toys.
2. To standout, extend the gift beyond the person you are giving. For example, if gifting married people ensure the gifts have a positive impact on the spouse and kids. This way you may become topical in the recipient's circle too.
3. Gifting is valuable both in business and in personal gifting. I started thinking about how to truly give my wife gifts that are memorable and impact my in laws too (A sweet spot into my wife's heart).
1. Gifting is not about me, it is about the person I intend to give a present. When our company is giving, why should we put our logo? I know why all gifts with company logos ended up being an addition to my kids toys.
2. To standout, extend the gift beyond the person you are giving. For example, if gifting married people ensure the gifts have a positive impact on the spouse and kids. This way you may become topical in the recipient's circle too.
3. Gifting is valuable both in business and in personal gifting. I started thinking about how to truly give my wife gifts that are memorable and impact my in laws too (A sweet spot into my wife's heart).
May 17, 2020
I would definitely recommend reading this book to anyone in business. His unique philosophy of radical generosity and strategic gifting totally shifted my idea of giving to our referral sources.
Don’t give to your people at the holidays. Pick times where it will be a surprise.
Give a practical luxury that they will use daily. He says housemates are great. Always go with something that is the best in its class. Even better if their spouse and family will use it. And even better if it’s engraved with their name (never your business logo). Make the gift about them, not you.
Give as often and as generously as you can afford to do so. He recommends once a quarter.
Quick read- finished in a few hours.
Don’t give to your people at the holidays. Pick times where it will be a surprise.
Give a practical luxury that they will use daily. He says housemates are great. Always go with something that is the best in its class. Even better if their spouse and family will use it. And even better if it’s engraved with their name (never your business logo). Make the gift about them, not you.
Give as often and as generously as you can afford to do so. He recommends once a quarter.
Quick read- finished in a few hours.
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