How many of us really thank our clients for allowing us to write about and for them? I don't mean the usual "thanks so much" at the end of an email, or even a card at the holidays wishing them well. I mean really thanking hem by offering them a small service without charge, sending them flowers on an anniversary or birthday, or a gift card for a referral?

The year that's past was my best year since I began helping people better communicate in 2000. To reward my loyal clients, I sent a handful of them bouquets of flowers. Others I sent baskets of muffins or arrangements of fruit. Another I gave a certificate for a massage. I tried to reward each customer with something meaningful to them.

I wasn't expecting acknowledgement, but many of them called or emailed to thank me, telling me that it made their week, month or year. It's been a tough 2009 for many. Letting them know that I valued our continued relationship, especially when I knew that for some it was a hard decision to invest the money with me, was worth far more than the incidental amount I spent on the gifts and delivery.

It's been a tough year for some of us in the Writer Gals, too. Next time you email, talk to or even think about your valued clients, let them know how much you appreciate them.