Put Simply – Authentic Gratitude Matters!

Each year, during Thanksgiving week in the United States, I pause and reflect on the things for which I am most grateful. This tradition helps me center my thoughts about the power of appreciation in life and business. This year is no exception, and I’d like to share some reflections on the transformative benefits of gratitude for both the giver and the receiver.

Author Melody Beattie notes,

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.”

In business, I’m convinced authentic gratitude also turns prospects into buyers and first-time purchasers into repeat customers.

Growing up in a small town in Colorado, I witnessed this firsthand. When a new grocery store chain entered the area, my parents remained loyal to our local market. I was initially puzzled—it seemed like the chain offered everything: convenience, variety, and even lower prices. But my parents felt the staff at the local store valued and appreciated them and their business (unlike any regional or national chain could).

Of course, no business survives on gratitude alone.

In today’s world of self-service kiosks and automated online transactions, there is a massive opportunity to set your business apart by being a grateful brand.

At my company, The Michelli Experience, gratitude is not just a concept; it’s a core value. It’s woven into hiring team members and engaging with customers.

Gratitude is not a strategy but something we live every day. In fact, we begin every team meeting by sharing stories of gratitude, recognizing employees who go the extra mile, and regularly making donations to social causes in appreciation for our clients.

My father used to say,

Tell me who you hang out with, and I will tell you who you are.

I’m proud to say that I’m surrounded by a team that embodies gratitude. We recognize that our business thrives because people give us the opportunity to serve them.

Coming out of a contentious and often divisive political season, where anger and polarization were commonplace, I am especially grateful for this Thanksgiving season. I hope it provides us all with the space to reflect—not just on the things we’re thankful for but on how we can actively express that gratitude in our actions, toward our teams, and, most importantly, toward our customers.

Thanks for taking the time to read my posts and for your support and trust.

I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving week! May it be filled with joy, reflection, and the warmth of gratitude.

To learn more about differentiating your brand through gratitude, please contact me at josephmichelli.com/contact.