Liz Lynch, Founder, Center for Networking Excellence

I used to be a prolific thank-you-note writer but have written fewer notes in the last 18 months, as I've gotten busier. Sometimes, when I have a free minute, I might shoot off a quick thank you email, but I'm embarrassed to say that there have been an increasing number of occasions lately when I haven't sent anything. Like most people, I usually manage a thank you for the big things - for hiring me, for paying me on time, for buying my booklet. But it's the little things that often go unacknowledged. If you've been remiss in sending your thanks, take the opportunity now to do so. While a thank you can spark even more giving, often it's just the act of thanking someone that can be reward enough. To get you thinking about whom you can thank, here are five reasons to say thank you:

1. Thanks for the MEETING: After meeting in person, either to follow up or catch up, it's a great idea to send thanks for taking the time. You can also extend a thank you for a phone meeting, especially if you spoke with someone for the first time or if you spoke for a long time.
2. Thanks for the INFORMATION: Quite regularly, someone in my network will recommend a group I should look into (I'm looking for a great Toastmasters group in New York City, by the way), or an article I should read. Though I thank them upfront for the suggestion, I also try to thank them after I act on it.
3. Thanks for the REFERRAL: When someone in your network connects you to someone in their network, thank them for the gesture no matter how it turns out.
4. Thanks for the REFERENCE: A few years ago, I sent a small gift to a contact who not only gave me my first piece of business, but also served as a glowing reference for several other clients. The gift spurred a thank you phone call from this contact that spontaneously connected me with another consultant, who later brought me in on a lucrative project for one of his clients. That small gift paid for itself many times over.
5. Thanks for the BUSINESS: Of course, if you do get business, it's a nice touch to send a thank you to let your new client know how much you look forward to working together. For one of my long-term retainer clients, I sent a gift basket on the two-year anniversary of our consulting engagement.

How you choose to say thanks is up to you, but don't underestimate the power of a handwritten note, a friendly phone call, or a box of high quality chocolates in this email driven, low-carb world. The most important thing is to be genuine.

Liz Lynch is a business networking expert whose products, programs and seminars help entrepreneurs and professionals get clients, build their business, and reach their goals through networking.   If you're ready to start networking smarter, get your free tips now at www.NetworkingExcellence.com.