Today's article comes to us from Danielle Scherman, founder and owner of Social Wahines, a social and business networking group here on Oahu that couldn't be more highly recommended. Take it away Danielle!

"If a fellow isn't thankful for what he's got, he isn't likely to be thankful for what he's going to get." -Frank A. Clark

This week, I have two fun and easy tasks for you to improve your business.


#1: Send your Facebook fans and friends a personal message of appreciation.

It sounds simple, but a good old fashioned "mahalo" is a very effective strategy for creating traction for your business. The people who "like" your page, retweet your tweets or comment on your blog have taken time out of their day to interact with you, and they LOVE to hear that you appreciate them!

So this week I want you to look through your most recent "likers" (or your friends) on your page or timeline and send at least five people a message of genuine thanks. This is not the time to pitch, promote or ask for anything from them! Here's a sample message in case you're not sure what to say: "Hey, I just wanted to let you know that I appreciate you taking the time to like my page. Thanks for being here!"

To send the message, first click on the name in the "people who like this" box on the left side of your page. If you aren't friends with the person, you'll see a little blue box at the top of their profile with a lock icon.

Most people will have a text link in that box that says "send him/her a message" which you can click even if you aren't friends on Facebook. Most of the time (depending on the person's privacy settings) you don't need to be friends with someone to message them.

#2: Write mahalo on all of your checks.

Let's get a movement started in Hawaii! I love this tip that was shared with me by Chellie Campbell.

It is important for your personal prosperity to take joy in the process of spending money. As you write a check for a purchase, know that while you are benefiting from the transaction, others are benefiting as well. Smile and write "Mahalo!" on the bottom of every check in the memo portion. "Mahalo!" that I am able to buy this wonderful product or service. "Mahalo!" for providing it for me.

A bright young financial planner I know took this idea to heart and decided to try it. Her boyfriend was applying for an exclusive apartment through a rental agency. He knew there would be many applications for this apartment and prepared his with care. My friend insisted as a finishing touch that he write "Thank you!" with a big exclamation point on the deposit he submitted with his application. He scoffed at the idea but acquiesced and wrote the cheerful check. Two days later he got the apartment, chosen by the manager because he brightened her day. She said that a person who would thank her for accepting his money was the kind of person she wanted living in her building.

He writes "Thank you!" on all his checks now.

Happiness is catching. Give it to other people and they will likely pass it on. Spend money with a smile and eventually it will circle back to you. Then you will send it out again, linking you in a circle of abundance.

So thank away, my fellow entrepreneurs!

Danielle Scherman, founder and owner of Social Wahines, is a wahine powerhouse living in Kailua on Oahu. Her projects are impactful and she is constantly progressing entrepreneurship in Hawaii.

Learn more about living and working in Hawaii with a full range of resources here.

Questions? Comments? Please email or tweet me.