We’re coming up on the busiest time of year… between holiday shopping and tying up end-of-year business, all of our plates are full. I want to take this time however to remind you to stop and give thanks.  Not just in the traditional sense, rather to really sit down and take a moment to think about all of those who have made 2021 what it is for you.

"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it."

There’s no better time than the season of Thanksgiving to do this since it’s at the top of most people’s minds. Plus, having an attitude of gratitude is good for the soul, as well as your business. (Literally, even Forbes magazine has run articles on the power of gratitude in business – don’t believe me, send me a private message and I’ll send you a copy of the article)

Gratitude can help you better achieve all of those things! 

Here are five ways your business can grow by simply expressing a little gratitude.

1. Personal Appreciation

  • A small handwritten thank you note can go a long way (whether given to team, partners, clients, prospects and vendors). 
  • A short personal text message,email or even a phone call. 
  • Send a coffee or egift card  

Any one of these has the potential to leave a wonderful and lasting impression of thoughtfulness. Through these extra touches, loyalty can be created, as is staying top of mind.. 

2. Bookend Your Thanks

  • This is a wonderful habit to get into.  

    • Start and end each conversation, meeting, event by showing your gratitude. 
    • Thank the person or group for their time, expertise, purchase (whatever the case may be) and end with another round of thanks. 
    • Acknowledge complaints, and thank the person for bringing the particular issue to your attention so that you have the opportunity to prevent it from happening again in the future. In essence, acknowledge that they have become part of your solution moving forward and you truly appreciate them for bringing it to your attention.  

    Turn a negative into a positive with your gratitude; in the end this could prevent you from having larger problems and shows the person your true professionalism.

"Gratitude, like faith, is a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it grows and the more power you have to use it on your behalf. If you do not practice gratefulness, its benefaction will go unnoticed, and your capacity to draw on its gifts will be diminished. To be grateful is to find blessings in everything. This is the most powerful attitude to adopt, for there are blessings in everything."

3. Pay It Forward

  • Show your appreciation and others will follow suit.  
  • Pass on recommendations 
  • Leave Positive Reviews whenever it justified
  • Share posts of your community

I absolutely love the “Pay it Forward” mentality, and only wish more people adopted this thinking. When others see your gratitude, compassion, humility, and expression of thanks, they will be inspired to do the same. It truly is contagious.

Later when they (or someone they know) are in need of your products/services who are they going to call? YOU! The person who started the feel good chain in the beginning. 

4. Walk the Talk

Show your true leadership skills by giving thanks to those who help you on a daily basis. 

  • Your team members
  • Friends
  • Family
  • Clients and fellow colleagues.

By encouraging them and showing your humble gratitude for all they do, you’ll see an increase in performance and loyalty (retention). Who doesn’t want to work for and with someone who is thankful, happy with their work and expresses their appreciation consistently (privately and publicly)?!  This will in turn inspire them to do number three on our list… pay it forward.

5. Live with Intention

  • Stop focusing on what you don’t have 
  • Be happy and thankful for what you have

This is something I bring up a lot, and that’s because of its overall importance in your personal and business life. Living with intention is essentially a lifestyle of purpose, gratefulness, being of service and focus. In turn you will be living a happier, more fulfilled life. When you’re happier you are able to connect better with others and create lasting relationships, both personally and in business.

"Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for."

What are you thankful for in your business? 

If you are ready to close out 2021 with a bang I invite you to book a 45 minute strategy call with me today!

~Dana