ether we work in corporate or America or are self-employed, and need to understand when it’s time to utter ‘no’. Have you ever fired a client; or stood up and said, “I withdraw my offer of help”.

Do you view yourself as helping others with your subject of expertise? This is one major difference between people who are successful in building relationships and getting

The TIME Magazine, November 6, 2006 Business Supplement for home delivery featured an article by Senior Writer, Andrea Sachs. Ms. Sachs addressed the issue of just how nice women need to be in the workplace. She interviewed several authors (including this author) who wrote about that very subject.

Some of the titles will catch your attention. Interestingly, each female author holds a different viewpoint on what will and won’t work in getting you where you need to go. There’s a tug of war between “Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office” and “Nice Girls DO Get The Sale: Relationship Building That Gets Results”.

The article is timely with the news. Nancy Pelosi spoke about breaking through to upper levels of government as not just a glass ceiling but a marble ceiling. Just how “nice” is House Speaker Pelosi? Is she a “tough as nails” negotiator or a “nice woman” who knows how to mediate? It must have been a difficult balancing act that enabled her to break through that marble ceiling.

Consider how your clientele views you. How accommodating are you? Will you go the extra mile to ensure your client’s satisfaction in hopes of earning repeat business, referrals and testimonials? Or do you go over the edge in letting your clients dictate how and when you perform? How do you react when you are asked to do something you think is not quite “kosher”?

Our values and standard of ethics must drive our actions. Each of us holds a personal line in the sand, whether we work in corporate or America or are self-employed, and need to understand when it’s time to utter ‘no’. Have you ever fired a client; or stood up and said, “I withdraw my offer of help”.

Do you view yourself as helping others with your subject of expertise? This is one major difference between people who are successful in building relationships and getting t

male author holds a different viewpoint on what will and won’t work in getting you where you need to go. There’s a tug of war between “Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office” and “Nice Girls DO Get The Sale: Relationship Building That Gets Results”.

The article is timely with the news. Nancy Pelosi spoke about breaking through to upper levels of government as not just a glass ceiling but a marble ceiling. Just how “nice” is House Speaker Pelosi? Is she a “tough as nails” negotiator or a “nice woman” who knows how to mediate? It must have been a difficult balancing act that enabled her to break through that marble ceiling.

Consider how your clientele views you. How accommodating are you? Will you go the extra mile to ensure your client’s satisfaction in hopes of earning repeat business, referrals and testimonials? Or do you go over the edge in letting your clients dictate how and when you perform? How do you react when you are asked to do something you think is not quite “kosher”?

Our values and standard of ethics must drive our actions. Each of us holds a personal line in the sand, whether we work in corporate or America or are self-employed, and need to understand when it’s time to utter ‘no’. Have you ever fired a client; or stood up and said, “I withdraw my offer of help”.

Do you view yourself as helping others with your subject of expertise? This is one major difference between people who are successful in building relationships and getting

st a glass ceiling but a marble ceiling. Just how “nice” is House Speaker Pelosi? Is she a “tough as nails” negotiator or a “nice woman” who knows how to mediate? It must have been a difficult balancing act that enabled her to break through that marble ceiling.

Consider how your clientele views you. How accommodating are you? Will you go the extra mile to ensure your client’s satisfaction in hopes of earning repeat business, referrals and testimonials? Or do you go over the edge in letting your clients dictate how and when you perform? How do you react when you are asked to do something you think is not quite “kosher”?

Our values and standard of ethics must drive our actions. Each of us holds a personal line in the sand, whether we work in corporate or America or are self-employed, and need to understand when it’s time to utter ‘no’. Have you ever fired a client; or stood up and said, “I withdraw my offer of help”.

Do you view yourself as helping others with your subject of expertise? This is one major difference between people who are successful in building relationships and getting

our client’s satisfaction in hopes of earning repeat business, referrals and testimonials? Or do you go over the edge in letting your clients dictate how and when you perform? How do you react when you are asked to do something you think is not quite “kosher”?

Our values and standard of ethics must drive our actions. Each of us holds a personal line in the sand, whether we work in corporate or America or are self-employed, and need to understand when it’s time to utter ‘no’. Have you ever fired a client; or stood up and said, “I withdraw my offer of help”.

Do you view yourself as helping others with your subject of expertise? This is one major difference between people who are successful in building relationships and getting

ether we work in corporate or America or are self-employed, and need to understand when it’s time to utter ‘no’. Have you ever fired a client; or stood up and said, “I withdraw my offer of help”.

Do you view yourself as helping others with your subject of expertise? This is one major difference between people who are successful in building relationships and getting the sale and those who are not. Let the prospect know you are there to earn there business and to do so you must ask the tough questions for better understanding. Begin as a consultant by asking the necessary questions in a polite manner.

Once your demeanor demonstrates professionalism and you treat the client with respect, that respect will be returned. You must be true to yourself – it’s the ultimate step in relationship building. For people to respect you and refer you to others, grasp the principle that it’s alright to walk away from business that does not mesh with your thinking.

Other avenues of being “nice” to clients include listening carefully and clarifying all statements that might have a double meaning or are not clear. Ask questions about what they are telling you to demonstrate interest and a desire to learn more.

When asked a question, again clarify why the question is being asked if you are not certain. Make sure you correctly answer the question instead of going off on a tangent and wasting time. Go a step further – when finished answering, ask if they are satisfied with your answer. You will be on your way to cementing the relationship.

The next rule for “nice” is to be punctual – for appointments, phone calls, and follow-up with information. If you are going to be late, let the other party know ahead of time. Ask if it will still be convenient. Apologize for being late.

Follow-up is the key to differentiating yourself from