Take it from Aretha. Respect for yourself and for others in business is the key to consistent sales and meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships with clients. Without respect, even your best sales pitch isn’t worth much and probably won’t get you the long-term results you want. Professional respect means taking the time to give your customer the courtesy that they deserve.

Here are a few suggestions for how your business can engage with a customer by giving them the respect the deserve and get results at the same time:

  • Be a Good Listener – Make sure that you really listen to everything your client has to say and respond to them accordingly. Don’t use the time they are talking to think of your next move or next selling point. You are sure to miss an important point.
  • Be Realistic – Don’t offer a customer the sun, the moon, and the stars if you know that you can only deliver the clouds. Some clients and jobs are not a good fit—plain and simple. If your services can’t fulfill a potential client’s needs, be honest with them. Not only will they be impressed by your integrity, they will be much more likely to call you for other needs in the future.
  • Be On Time – Have an appointment with a customer? Be on time or even better, early. This seems rather obvious, but all too often it is forgotten. Do what you say you are going to do when you say that you are going to do it and expect the same from others.

Listen, be honest, and follow through. Ultimately, that is what respect in business is all about.