Treating People Well (or Flies and Honey, which ever you like better)

Everyone is familiar with the old idiom “you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.”  I believe this is also true when it comes to doing business.  The key to making a sale and keeping customers is to make a positive and lasting impression.  This can be done by simply treating people well and with respect.  Remember the values you were taught as a child: Treat others the way you would like to be treated.

Here are just a few small ways in which your clients will not only remember you, but they will look forward to your next meeting.

1.       Be Present – Be intentional when dealing with clients.  No one wants to feel as though they are an inconvenience.  Give them your full attention by looking them in the eye and focusing on what they are saying.

2.       Be Trustworthy – You need to be seen by your clients as someone they can trust and rely upon both personally and professionally.  Follow through with your commitments and be mindful of the persona you are projecting. 

3.       Be Grateful – Never forget that your client had other options but chose to do business with you.  Let them know that you appreciate their business and that they made the correct decision.

4.       Be Personal – Your client is more than their business; they are also individuals.  Address them by their first name.  Take an interest in their personal lives.  Show them that you are not only interested in their business; you are interested in them.

Never forget that the simplest thing like making eye contact and showing appreciation can make or break your relationship with your clients.