Gratitude should come naturally

Business schools nationwide preach the doctrine of growing a successful business with quality products and services and ongoing customer rapport. Keeping in touch. Solving problems. Showing your appreciation.

Saying thanks to your customers is more than a one-day turkey event. It's common courtesy. A phone call. A card. A gift. A special event. A handshake. And it's a two way street. If you do something special for someone, you would expect that your actions would be acknowledged.

Referrals are one of the most cost-effective ways to grow a business. Can you imagine giving someone an active referral and never hearing from the company who benefited from your referral? Unfortunately, it happens a lot.

Little acts of courtesy and kindness make you stand out from your competitors. I'll never forget when I had minor surgery and the doctor called me the next day to ask how I was feeling. Oldfashioned "bedside" manners should permeate all your client/ patient relationships.

So, take that Thanksgiving cheer and spread it throughout the year. Give and ye shall receive. And when you receive, take the time to say "Thank you." Naomi Finkel Westlake Village