Did you receive any thank you notes after Christmas? Maybe your niece loved the Barbie doll you gave her or your neighbor enjoyed the restaurant gift card, and they just wanted you to know.

If you’re like me, those “thank yous” are very much appreciated. I know they liked what I gave them and took a few moments out of their lives to tell me so.

When’s the last time you handed out a “thank you” to a valued customer or client? It can be in the form of a written card. (Email works, but it’s so much better to send the old-fashioned way.) You could share your appreciation through a phone conversation. Or, invite your client to lunch and make sure you take time to tell them how much you value their business.

No matter what your industry, you can strengthen important relationships with these simple acts. And, these relationships will strengthen your business.

Do you have any success stories of how saying “thank you” has strengthened your business? Do you have ideas on unique ways of saying “thank you”? I’d love to hear about them!