Business etiquette parallels good manners, when it comes to recognizing the impact others have had on your success. Very quickly, time can get away from good intentions, and a "thank you" then gets overlooked. Why make the effort to send Thank You notes? Businesses thrive when they express appreciation. People feel valued, and relationships are reaffirmed. That just makes good business sense!

Think about the type of note you like to receive. What are the qualities that speak to you most? Chances are, that kind of message will be well received by someone else too.

1. Be genuine. Don't gloss over the contribution a co-worker has made to your project. Use language that simply and sincerely states what you appreciate about their gift.

2. Be specific. If the thingamajig was purple and helped you accomplish a task, let the giver know it was just what you needed and why. They will feel so good about their decision to give.

3. Be personable. It's okay to say that their input brought relief to your workload. Being vulnerable enables others to feel needed.

4. Be neat. Sloppy presentation can undermine carefully worded thoughts. Take time to do your best work.

5. Be affirming. This is your chance to affirm the relationship. Find a fresh way to say that you look forward to opportunities to serve them in the near future.

Remember that a hand-written note can be retrieved long after a verbal thank you is forgotten. Why not set a goal to write at least one a day?