When I was a child, my parents insisted that I display good manners, particularly toward my elders and people who reached out to help me. Of course this "attitude of gratitude" became quite automatic over the years and I find myself saying "thank you" regularly without giving much thought to it. Today, I am drilling the same message into my kids. I take a singsong approach that goes something like this:

Mommy: If you need help what do you do?
Kids: You ask for help!!
Mommy: And if someone helps you, what do you do?
Kids: You say thank you!

We have a lot repetitive "lessons" in my household because I want to make some things automatic in their lives. I don't ever want them to flounder around in need of assistance, and not have the courage to ask for help. And I always want them to express appreciation when someone does help them.

This morning, the January 2006 Lifestyle CEO To Know Denise McMillan of Plush Creations in Colleyville, Texas contacted me. Denise is featured in the current issue of Southern Living Magazine, one of the premier magazines for women. After the feature came out, Denise wrote the editor to thank him for including her company. A short time later, the editor called her to thank her for the thank you note. The two chatted, and the conversation resulted in the editor scheduling a personal meeting with Denise to do a more in-depth story on her and her business, also to include her husband who owns a restaurant in town.

I have read that Southern Living has a rate base of 2.45 million, making it the largest regional magazine in the country. This means that Denise has a lot to be thankful for. She tells me that as soon as the magazine began circulating, she noticed her site statistics start to climb. Of course Denise quickly moved to start filling the new orders, but first she took a moment to email the editor and thank him for including her. That simple act of gratitude not only resulted in a pleasant conversation, but it also opened new doors for Denise, the editor and Denise's husband. Denise may be featured in a more expansive article. Her husband's restaurant may be included. The editor found a new angle for a story that will interest his readers. Denise's hometown of Colleyville will benefit if the feature comes to fruition. And Denise's son will see how his parents' hard work, dedication to craft and good manners results in greater and more exciting opportunities.

Yes, it's still good manners to say "thank you," and we should all do it regardless of whether or not we get anything tangible in return. But as Lifestyle CEOs, it's nice to know that expressing gratitude can also open new and exciting doors, and help us create the life we love as businesswomen, mothers and home managers!