Business owners sometimes feel uncomfortable asking their customers to write testimonials, yet a complimentary word or two can go a long way in helping a business promote itself.

Following a what-goes-around-comes-around path, consider writing a handful of testimonials for businesses with which you work — suppliers, associates, businesses you recommend. A heartfelt, unexpected testimonial will make the recipient feel on top of the world.

It might also prompt that business to display your testimonial on their website, including a link to yours.