"Thank you for returning my call." Somehow that phrase really surprised me. Did you really think I wouldn't call you back.? Are there people in business who don't return calls? The fact is, there are. Customers have come to expect a lower level of service and that could be good for your business, especially if you are consistently delivering a higher level of service than they expect.

As we enter the holiday season have you thought about the ways in which you could differentiate yourself? Thanksgiving is traditionally a time for remembering what we are thankful for - like customers. When was the last time you really gave a gift of thanks to those who have put you where you are today - something personal, specific, and heartfelt? After all, isn't that what it really means to give thanks?

In my own case I am truly thankful for my clients who share their dreams, fears, and ideas without reservation. Thank you. You have given a gift to people you haven't even met. What I have learned during our time together helps me to be a better coach. Thank you to the many people I have met while networking who have given me ideas that helped my marketing and my mindset. I will continue to help you whenever I can. To my readers, thank you for your support and feedback.

Now, what about you? How can you give a meaningful "thank you" to your customers? Think about it. How long have they been customers? How important have they been to the success of your business? How important will they be in the future? How can you make your thanks more relevant? What would they truly appreciate? Is it a card, a calendar, a gift basket or something even more unusual? Perhaps it's a gift in their name to a charity they support. Finally, how will you make it more personal and significant? Putting your name on it might help them remember you. A handwritten note makes it even better. But, picking something they would truly appreciate will help them remember your service. And, delivering your thanks in person gives you an opportunity to reinforce the message. Above all, make sure this is something heartfelt. Don't do it just because you should, do it because you truly believe in it.

And, while you are out there spending your hard-earned dollars, remember your neighbors who own small businesses. Make it a point to shop and dine locally. The money you spend with them serves two purposes - it will be reinvested locally and, more importantly, they'll remember that you chose to do business with them.

Happy thanks giving!