Thanksgiving Day comes once a year in the U.S., but every day there are people in our lives who deserve our thanks. Sometimes a simple "Thank you" is appropriate. At other times, it is more thoughtful to be creative in expressing appreciation. It's just good business.

Here are some suggestions for thanking people at work, at home, and in the community.

1. When you say "Thank you" tell the person specifically what it is you appreciate and why you appreciate it. "Thank you for going to the Post Office for me. It saved me a lot of time."

2. Send an e-mail note. When I sent a thank you note to my staff in the Pentagon, the energy level shot up.

3. Send a hand-written thank you note. These are noteworthy because so few of us take time to write and mail them.

4. Place an unexpected phone call just to say "Thank you." Connecting verbally adds warmth to your appreciation even if you reach voice mail.

5. Present a small certificate. Half-page certificates take up less space if displayed and are as meaningful as full sized certificates. They tend to draw attention because they are different.

6. Give a single flower from your garden, flowerpot, or florist, with a verbal "Thank you" or a note.

7. Put a candy bar or piece of fruit on the desk of the person to be thanked, with or without a note. (Be sure the person is not on vacation!)

8. Bake some cookies. This is especially effective when men bake and present a few cookies in thanksgiving.

9. Say something nice about the recipient of your thanks to someone else when the person you appreciate can overhear you. This is especially powerful in a business setting.

10. For special occasions, present a US flag that has flown over the Capitol. It is a unique, reasonably priced item which few people own. A certificate of authenticity is provided in honor of any special occasion you designate. Call your congressman's office and ask for it. If you don't have a local contact, call 202 224-3121 and ask for your congressman or congresswoman by name. When you reach that person's office, ask to purchase a flag. They'll know what to do!

Jo Condrill

Jo Condrill is a professional speaker, author, and consultant who knows a secret that is changing lives. Her book, "Take Charge of Your Life: Dare to Pursue Your Dreams," provides a complete "how-to" guide to preparing for success in the 21st century. "That book saved my life," one reader exclaimed. Jo was awarded a Toastmasters International Presidential Citation in 2005 for outstanding contributions to the organization and its programs of communication and leadership development. The US Department of Commerce Commercial Services awarded Jo's company, GoalMinds, Inc., an Export Achievement Certificate for accomplishments in the global marketplace. Jo's books have been translated into nine languages by publishers in various parts of the world. Jo is a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow. She once held leadership positions at Army Headquarters in the Pentagon and was awarded the Army's highest civilian award, the Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service. She has a masters degree in public administration and is a graduate of the U.S. Army War College. Jo is coauthor of "101 Ways to Improve Your Communication Skills Instantly," which is now in its fourth edition, and "From Book Signing to Best Seller." She provides unique seminar learning experiences in leadership, team building, personal development, and success strategies. Jo is the mother of four young adults.