The Blog

With Thanksgiving upon us, there seems to be no better time to reflect on the year, on what you have, and on how to be a better you in 2026.

“It’s also a great time to express thanks and gratitude, not only for what we have but also for those that support us and who have helped us to be successful this year.”

It’s always a little bit funny when you hear people (myself included) say such things as “I need to get home to defrost the chicken” or “I’m so frustrated because my photos aren’t syncing from my phone to my computer.” Clearly, these are first-world problems. By the very nature of the fact that you are reading this article, I know that you also have primarily first-world problems.

Ways to Express Gratitude in Your Business

So, how does a person with first-world problems express gratitude? That’s easy. Here are 3 ways to reach out to those around you to express thanks for all they have done for you in 2017.

• Write personal notes. Personal notes take time to write, particularly if they come from the heart. When I write a personal note to a friend, relative, client, business associate, or referral partner, I always try to think about one very specific item that I can mention in the note. Example: “I really appreciated how you took time out of your busy schedule to help me optimize my LinkedIn account.” When you provide specific examples and details, you send a message that is much more personal and will lead to a longer and richer relationship.
• Keep a journal. Just like a mantra, create a regular journaling routine where you jot down some of the things for which you are grateful. These don’t have to be life-changing things, but simple things that make you happy. Today I’m grateful that I’m able to have Thanksgiving with my entire family, that the weather is good, and I can take my dog for a nice, long walk.
  
• Use social media to share your gratitude. If there is one thing I know for sure, it’s that people on social media are sick and tired of hearing about the election results. Spread the good word and some happiness among your peeps by sharing your gratitude through motivational quotes, pretty pictures, family photos, and even personal messages on the timelines of your friends, family, and other Facebook connections.
  • Host a quick gratitude video message or livestream.
    Video builds a stronger emotional connection than text. Record a short clip on your phone thanking clients or followers for supporting your business this year. Keep it simple and real. If you have a social media following, go live for five minutes to share what you’re grateful for and shout out specific people who helped your business grow. People love feeling seen.
  • Send a personalized “Year-in-Review” thank-you email.
    Email tools now make it easy to segment your contacts and send heartfelt, tailored messages. Share a short recap of your year: the wins, lessons learned, and what you’re looking forward to. End with a personal touch (even a simple one-sentence PS that mentions something specific about them goes a long way).
  • Create a social media “Client or Partner Feature.”
    Show gratitude publicly by spotlighting a customer, referral partner, or team member on social media. Share how they made an impact on your business and why you’re grateful for them. It shows appreciation and boosts their visibility, too. Win-win!
  • Send a digital gift or exclusive resource.
    Instead of holiday swag or generic gifts, send something useful, like a downloadable checklist, a mini-guide, or a resource that solves a common problem your clients have. In today’s attention economy, value is the new gift. And when someone uses your resource, they’ll remember you gave it freely.
  • Offer a “VIP early access” benefit.
    If you have new services, products, or events coming soon, express gratitude by giving loyal customers early access. Tell them: “You’ve supported us this year, so you’re the first to know.” Exclusivity feels like appreciation.
  • Leave voice memos instead of texts.
    With DMs on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn now supporting audio messages, sending a 15-second genuine voice memo feels more personal than a typed message. Your tone conveys sincerity and warmth.

According to Inc.com, studies have linked gratitude to improved mental health, better relationships, decreased stress, increased energy, and exceptional mental strength. If you want to hit it hard in the coming year, why not begin with gratitude now?

To that end, thanks so much to all the readers of my blog for your continued support and lovely messages throughout the year. Best wishes to you all for a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Cheers!