In a business relationship there is nothing more important than having rapport and being tactful with clients. Rapport is defined by the Webster Dictionary as a close relationship or harmony. Everyone wants to work in harmony. Everyone wants to do business with those they know, like, and trust.

However, what do you do when you need to point out a clients shortcomings (because it is your job) or provide negative feedback? The answer is that you use TACT. Tact is defined by the Webster Dictionary as the delicate perception of the right thing to say or do without offending.

As a business owner, you will probably run across various scenarios each day that require you to use tact. Some people may think that using tact is for sissies or it is lying or wasting someone's time by not stating it in plain English. This is where knowing your friends, clients, and customers come into play. You must know how these people respond to criticism. I personally do not see the need to be hurtful. I think there is always a gentle way to get the point across.

If you are the type of person to be very blunt with customers and friends you run the risk of offending people. Remember people do business with those they know, like, and trust. The person on the receiving end of your tactlessness may think you do not like him or her. They may think you do not want to do business with him or her because you are so rude and offensive.

Customers and clients are loyal to you because they trust you and respect you. As a business owner, you must be careful not to cross that fine line from being tactful to being tactless. I was always told, "You attract more flies with honey than vinegar". I think this can be true for business owners too. If you are in retail and a client is asking your advice on a very unflattering outfit you would not blurt out that she looked horrible. You would gently shake your head no and offer her something else to try on and she would readily agree and try on more outfits. However, if you did tell her that she looked like a big fat cow in that outfit I can guarantee she would hurry up and get dressed and leave your establishment. You would lose a sale. This scenario can be applied to various businesses. Regardless what your product or service is remember the customer is always right (within reason of course).

When you position yourself as the expert and use tact your clients will respect your opinion. If you have not yet developed rapport with your customers and you are not tactful you run the risk of losing them as a potential customer or client. You need to take time to develop rapport so you know your clients and they know you. Then you do not run the risk of accidentally offending them by being tactless. When you have clients instead of customers, you will save money by not having to advertise as aggressively. Also, remember that people are great sources of word of mouth advertising. If you offend someone that person can do a lot of damage to your reputation. So always remember to think about the others person feelings and how they may interpret your words or actions. Being tactful is always better than being tactless.

Coach Jaynine ensures small business owners and determined individuals turn their Dreams into Reality. She facilitates personal improvement through the use of assessments, self empowerment, and client specific action steps via the telephone and internet. Her clients increase their productivity and earning power while living life on their terms.