Allow me a few thoughts about openness in business. I think, only when we come from a space of honesty, openness, genuine service and interest we will reach our customers and clients and create a successful business that means success, pleasure and fun.

Here are some tips:

Be yourself. Never copy anyone. Your customers will see the fake.

Look at how you present yourself. Remember that first impressions count.

Listen to yourself. Be critical of your sales conversations. How do you greet your customers? How do you respond to enquiries about your service? How do you talk to browsers? When do you take a conversation further and talk about the service and products you offer? Do you always use the same phrases? How do engage with your customers? How do you close a deal? How do you complete the situation? Tip: Use variations and go with the flow.

Be authentic. Paying compliments is fine as long as you mean what you say.

Be accomodating. If you dont have what your client wants, be honest, be fair and say whats up. Your customers will value your approach.

If something goes wrong, think on the spot: make up your mind how you can rectify the situation, think positively forward. Don't blame anyone. Stay friendly and open.

Do regular reality checks and stay in touch with your clients. There are many ways to find out how you are meeting the expectations of your customers and clients. You can talk to return clients and ask them why they do business with you. You can ask your customers and clients for feedback in a questionnaire. You can run a competition and count the participants. You can do a regular newsletter and insert something that prompts communication. Keep a list of loyal customers and send out specials regularly.

Do what it takes to start every day as if it was your first day in business, feel the same excitement, the same anticipation.

Enjoy what you are doing. If you dont like what you are doing, do something else. Life is too short.