Don't underestimate the power of saying "thank you." Many times, companies may become so focused on building the right message and planning the right marketing mix that they forget to include a "thank you" strategy.

Whether it's printed on an order form, a handwritten note or expressed in an email, a "thank you" builds relationships with key stakeholders (which includes customers and employees) and strengthens your brand by simply making a great impression. This plan even includes thanking complaining customers for giving you a chance to make a situation right.

Thank you notes don't take much time – you just have to get over the painful memories of having to write your distant relative for her heartfelt and useless, gift. And they don’t have to be long. A short and thoughtful "thank you," expressing gratitude for gratitude’s sake, lets people know you appreciate them.

So, take a moment and think about to whom you could send a sincere thank you note to today. And if you're at a loss for words, many websites are available that can give you useful ideas, tips and strategies for creating well-thought-out "thank you's."