Everybody talks a good talk when it comes to the value of relationships. But very few people actually invest in those relationships in ways that stand out and really matter. My guest today is John Ruhlin, founder of The Ruhlin Group - a strategic appreciation and gift giving service that helps you create your own relationship action plan to consistently show your appreciation by giving gifts of appreciation. You’re going to learn a lot about the practical steps it takes to give gifts that set you apart and deepen relationships, so do what you can to hear what John has to say on this episode.

Everybody has an appreciation deficit.

One of the most important reasons you need to learn how to effectively show appreciation is because most people have an appreciation deficit. It’s not that they are ungrateful. It’s that they don’t take the time to be intentional about expressing their appreciation. John Ruhlin says that gifts of appreciation are a powerful way for you to be different than everybody else - to show that you truly are thankful for the clients or customers who drive your success - and you are not afraid to invest time and money to show it. John’s got a truckload of wisdom for you on this episode, so make sure you take the time to listen and learn.

Gratitude that is expressed through gifts of appreciation has a bigger impact.

Many CEOs or leaders know that showing appreciation to clients or customers matters. Many of them understand the power of giving a gift that sets them apart from the crowd. But it’s vital that those gifts are things that matter to the recipient and make an investment in the relationship. My guest today, John Ruhlin is an expert at helping companies determine the things their customers value so that gifts that they give to their customers are truly meaningful. Learn how to touch your clients in a way that makes a difference, by listening to this episode.

Promotional items are all about you. A gift is all about the recipient.

We’ve all received the coffee cup with a company’s logo on it. Or perhaps it was a pen or calendar. The thought behind the gift was nice, but we have to admit that it’s a bit tainted. Just as much as the company’s leadership wanted to express their appreciation, they also wanted to promote themselves. That’s a bad way to show care for your customers. Instead, think about them - who they are, what they are interested in, and the kind of gifts that would truly speak to them on a heart level. Then you’ll be on the right track, thinking about your client rather than about yourself.

Rather than going wide, go deep with a smaller amount of people.

When you start to think about the potential cost of sending gifts that express your appreciation, it can become financially overwhelming. John Ruhlin understands that experience and suggests that you approach the issue in a different way, a way that might seem counterintuitive. Put your focus on a smaller group of people who have the most impact on your success. That way you’ll not only focus your efforts but you’ll reduce your costs at the same time. Find out how to make gifts of appreciation a hallmark of your brand, on this episode.

Outline of this great episode

• [0:40] My introduction to John Ruhlin.
• [1:51] Why relationships are at the core of John’s business.
• [2:55] How John learned how to build good relationships.
• [5:06] Why gratitude is huge as the foundation of relationship building.
• [7:50] How to build a good personal experience into your gratitude.
• [11:42] Why you need to rethink the cost of showing appreciation.
• [16:22] Creating your own gift giving strategy (a relationship action plan).
• [24:00] Doing a lot more with a lot less people is one of the most effective approaches.
• [26:13] John’s biggest “ask” from you.

Resources & Links mentioned in this episode

• The 10 Worst Gifts to Avoid Giving (John’s gift to you)
• http://ruhlingroup.com/
• http://johnruhlin.com/
• BOOK: Giftology
• BOOK: Give and Take