Dana Dorris

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Nov. 8

KBA Luncheon

11 a.m.-1 p.m. Recreation Center at Adams Park 2737 Watts Drive

Nov. 15

Alive After 5

5:30-7:30 p.m. The Jewelsmith TEXT BOX Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing 3625 Dallas Highway elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad Suite 780, Marietta minim veniam, quis nostrud

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Nov. 18

SUPER Women’s Luncheon

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Copeland’s Kennesaw 1142 Barrett Parkway

Nov. 29

Fifth Tuesday Luncheon

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Copeland’s Kennesaw 1142 Barrett Parkway

Join the KBA by visiting www.kennesawbusiness.org.

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November always is such a special month to celebrate what we are thankful for in life. It’s not always popular, but I like for everyone at our Thanksgiving table to share the one thing they are most thankful for each year. Aside from friends and family, being thankful and showing gratitude in business have become more important in setting businesses apart and helping them thrive.

The modern business model is shifting from transactional to relational. After all, at the heart of every business is heart, especially for small businesses in which owners personally are 04 invested. Their purpose is to make an impact on the world. Business is about relationships, and relationships flourish when people feel heard and valued. This is what gives gratitude in business such immense and transformative power.

Businesses can show gratitude by being personal. There is a lot to be said for the handwritten thank-you card. Taking the time to be intentional and specific to the person purchasing your product or service still is relevant and is very much appreciated. It’s often the smallest gestures that can be the most impactful.

Be purposeful and have a plan. Well-implemented processes in your business are the most effective, and consistency is key. Have a policy and process in place to thank people throughout the year. Make thoughtful and creative gestures of appreciation part of your strategy to nurture your relationships. You can make it easy on your team and yourself by being prepared. Have your gifts and supplies ready to go.

As with most business efforts, being strategic is a must. It’s completely possible to be heartfelt and deliberate at the same time. Generosity should be a principle in your organization to recognize those who go above and beyond. The more gratitude you express, the richer your relationships will be. Also, it is acceptable to go public. You easily can recognize the contributions, efforts and victories of others by highlighting them in social media posts, blogs, articles or emails to your subscribers.

As you experience this season of Thanksgiving, I encourage you to take a moment and write down what you are most thankful for, both personally and professionally. Then give some thought to how you can promote gratitude in your professional environment. As President John F. Kennedy said, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.” TEXT BOX Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud

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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh euismod tincidunt ut laoreet dolore magna aliquam erat volutpat. Ut wisi enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud Dana Dorris is the first two-time female president of the Kennesaw Business Association. She is an independent insurance agent and senior partner with Risk & Insurance Consultants of North Georgia. 04