Have you ever been meeting with a friend, business colleague or prospective client and suddenly found yourself not knowing what to say next? You know that lull in your conversation which comes after you've exchanged the customary "How's the family? What have you been up to?" pleasantries. That silence can be the kiss of death when you are trying to create, develop and build a relationship with someone.

When I travel the country, people always ask me about Austin. Whether it's the iconic bang and bust of the first wave of Internet start-ups or the resounding resilience and outright refusal to stay down for the count, Austin has become synonymous with entrepreneurship. Who needs Silicon Valley when everything you could possibly want is right here surrounded by live music, great coffee and a mostly free wifi. The "vibe" is electric and the people, many if not all aren't even from here, come in wave after wave with ideas abuzz and dollar signs in their eyes.

With those few words you will have forever make an indelible impact on someone who's important to you.

How many people are you thankful for in your life?