A little honesty and humility can go a long way.
There are two phrases that any self-respecting businessperson should maintain in their vocabulary: “I don’t know” and “I’m sorry”. Sadly, their use is in short supply. Trust is paramount to building and maintaining business relationships and these phrases go a very long way toward establishing that trust.
When it comes to credibility-building, the three most powerful words in the English language are: “I don’t know.”
Despite what many people think, saying “I don’t know” is not a sign of weakness. It is an acknowledgment that more research may be required to adequately answer their questions. Industries are changing at light speed and no one knows everything about everything. Admitting you don’t have the answer makes everything else you say more credible and distinguishes you as a person who’s not afraid to speak the truth. And clients will respect you for it. Be certain to make the added effort to get the information they are requesting otherwise you could come of as lazy instead. (It’s a fine line)
Equally as important is learning to say “I’m sorry”. The reality is, mistakes happen. They are unavoidable. The true test comes in how you handle those mistakes. Most clients are more than willing to let it slide if you acknowledge the error and work diligently to correct it. But don’t make a habit of it.
We live in a global economy and competition is at an all-time high. Consumers have a wide range of options. Honesty and integrity go a long way towards establishing loyal customers who won’t jump ship the minute something else comes along. Provide them with greater value and they will remain loyal to you.
Monica Jones
3D Studios, President
3D Studios is a boutique brand management agency. Let us help you build a brand that expresses the true spirit of your organization. Visit us online at 3dstudios.net for more information about our services or contact us at 914-304-4229.
