'Tis the season to show appreciation with two crucial little words: thank you

Thanksgiving is the time of the year when people reflect and give personal thanks for the many good things in their lives.

Companies should hold their own version of business Thanksgiving.

A sales culture of gratitude will make a company more productive and profitable.

Research shows that employees and customers don't leave over compensation or price. They leave because they don't feel appreciated and valued. Grow your bottom line by saying two simple words over and over: thank you.

Here are some folks who deserve the first set of thanks.

• Internal customers -- How well does your sales team know the other members of the team who work hard to get deals done, billed, built or programmed?

It might just be time to book lunch with your internal customer, your co-worker. During lunch, make it a point to tell your co-worker how important their contribution is to your success.

• Vendors -- We've all worked with a great vendor who jumps through hoops, gives great service and returns phone calls at odd hours of the day or night.

Instead of negotiating for a lower price, set a meeting with your best vendor simply to tell them what an integral part they play in your company's success.

• Sales manager -- Yes, go find your boss and thank them for being a pain in the neck, and making you stretch and think. Thank them for helping you set goals and holding you accountable to them so you can realize your full potential.
• Salesperson -- Now, sales managers, go find your silent, stellar salesperson. During your next coaching session, don't talk numbers, goals or quota. Talk only appreciation.

Thank this salesperson for making your job easy, rewarding and fun. Thank them for making you look good. Thank them for one less gray hair on your head.

• Customers -- Where would you be without them? Thank those clients who buy on value, not price, and who still appreciate expertise and relationships.
• Mentors -- Has a CEO or sales manager ever spotted your potential underneath layers of inexperience or no finesse? Or how about the veteran salesperson who gave up personal time to give you advice and guidance?

Practice your penmanship and drop a note of thanks to the people who have helped you on your professional journey. Then pay it forward. Take the new salesperson to lunch and share everything you know about successful selling.

Instead of teaching a closing technique, teach your sales team to say "thank you." These two simple words inspire, build relationships and grow revenue.