Today, extending old-time courtesies helps you stand out. Believe it or not, saying "thank you" has become a competitive advantage. So few people express appreciation that remembering to do so sets you above the rest.

It also goes a long way toward forging the relationships that can turn into opportunities. One of the fastest and most affordable ways to show business gratitude is to send a thank you card to your valued customers and clients.

What can sending a simple thank you note do for your business? It only takes a moment to drop a card in the mail, but the goodwill generated will help build the kind of long-lasting relationships that are so important to the success of every business.

A personal card is your most effective way to say "Thanks". It cuts through the impersonal flood of emails and phone calls and doesn't interrupt or get deleted. It just delivers your message in a simple, powerful and personal way.

This month, why not take a few minutes to send your customers a card and put the power of saying "Thank You" to work for your business.