The idea of speaking more casually and being anything less than dreadfully polite was for a long time considered absolutely inappropriate and unprofessional. Similarly, treating clients as individuals who don’t know everything and therefore sometimes make wrong decisions would be regarded as rude and unworthy of a true professional. However, it is by no means crazy to treat people like people because that is simply what they are - people. The business2community website claims a corporate environment should not be an obstacle in setting appointments with prospective customers, nor should it prevent you from effective negotiations.
Product or politeness – which comes first?
Of course you should not be rude but nor will being the most polite person in the world solve all problems if your product is no good. Give up on efforts to impress your clients; what really matters is what you have got to offer them. Showing them something really valuable is much more beneficial to them than being addressed with extreme politeness. Because, after all, how polite is it to waste their time by offering them a product that is worthless?
Customers are normal people with normal problems
They are not supernatural creatures, just human beings. There is no reason to treat them like gods because they aren’t. Neither are they superheroes in business suits: they are just ordinary people who are facing real-life business problems … and you can offer them some help. They may be in need of your product, so try to make them an offer. Customers are not always right and it is important for you to remember this when negotiating with them. Knowing what they don’t know gives you better chances than phrasing your pitch correctly. Give them something that will really make their lives easier. Trying to fool them may result in a one-off sale but a long-term business relationship is a better goal, is it not?
-jk-