Gratitude Rocks

Recently as a way to close up 2010 and prepare for 2011 I took the advice from an article I read in Realtor Magazine and conducted a systematic polishing and organizing effort for my business. I cleaned out my database, analyzed the year's accomplishments and made plans for the next. One of the steps included in the guide was to acknowledge the people who helped make your year a good one.
I got started thinking about all of the people who helped me overcome challenges, achieve goals, and make all aspects of my life, both business and personal, generally terrific. I sent thank yous to clients, family members, my boss, the cleaning lady, my pastor, my kids' teachers, the babysitter, my workout buddy...the list goes on and on.  It cost me about $.45 per thank you, and was worth every penny. Judging by the responses I got you'd have thought I'd been sending out $100 bills. People really appreciated the acknowledgment, and I felt great to have surprised them with such a pleasant thought. I don't know or care what impact this has on my business, but I know that I will do it again.