It’s not what you do, it’s how you do it: Respect is the real key to currency.
Respect commands itself and can neither be given nor withheld when it is due. –Eldridge Cleaver
Showing respect is a basic skill that for most people comes easy, but obtaining respect seems to take a little extra work. Whether you are the boss or a team member, your ability to earn respect from those you do business with will determine the depth and length of your success.
When I first started my financial service business, I was given tremendous amounts of advice on how to retain clients and increase revenue. While most entrepreneurs believe going above and beyond for clients is the way to retain and build revenue, I opted to take my own approach in the belief that respect would sustain my business best of all. Our ability to earn respect is a direct impact on a business owner’s revenue. I never bought into the idea that the customer was always right. It’s true that what you are willing to do for a client is important, but what you will not do is just as important. Always offer an opinion or strategy that is supported with facts. To be respected in business you don’t have to be fancy, you have to be right
Ask yourself, “what does respect mean to me?” My perception has always been that if you’re providing a great product or service that is needed, clients will come. If they like you, they will sign on with you but only if they respect you will they stay. Respect can mean different things to different people.There is a huge difference between catering and influencing. Catering to is when you deliberately do only what you know your clients will agree to. Influence requires the client to respect and value your opinion.
Our actions teach others how to treat us. Doing everything to please the client is not good service, and eventually causes clients to have less respect for you. Respect from clients like any good thing is earned. Have a set of guidelines or procedures and stick to them. Establish your competency of the field you work in. But the ultimate test of respect is the result of your everyday actions. Carry yourself with the utmost respect and clients will acknowledge it.
Remember: Not everyone will respect you. Agree to disagree with those who don’t show you respect, and focus your efforts on those who do.
The Entrepreneur In Heels 
Great article, and you are right on point. It’s the trust and the integrity that will retain customers, not simply trying to do everything and anything they ask. While I am a big believer in providing the best possible experience for the customer, I’ve also seen where going too far to meet the customer demand reduces the overall integrity of the solution and risks not just this customer relationship, but others (where the time might be better spent).
Joanie Mann
May 21, 2014 at 1:16 pm
Thanks for reading and sharing your comments Joanie. As a business owner this in an area I have to keep in check all the time. Working in the financial field, over and over I see business owners who allow customers to dictate how their work is done only to have the customer eventually move on when they’re ready to move to the next level.When businesses get serious about business they look for service they respect.
Beverly S. Davis
May 21, 2014 at 1:38 pm
Word! You can cater to the customer all day long, but without respect you’re history! Respect, Integrity, Honor, Excellence – these qualities STILL exist in business and brings much success. Thanks for sharing this!
shermajacqueline
May 21, 2014 at 9:52 pm
Thank you ShermaJacqueline for reading and sharing your thoughts. Yes, Respect, Integrity, Honor & Excellence are still the foundation for building a strong, long lasting business relationship.
Beverly S. Davis
May 22, 2014 at 12:22 am
Beverly, loved the article, you really nail it; this is a key element in work or play. Thanks for sharing. Tim
Tim Hughes
May 23, 2014 at 4:29 am
Thanks for reading Tim. I appreciate your kind words. Very true, this is a key element in work or play, Beverly
Beverly S. Davis
May 23, 2014 at 8:33 am
Great advice! I mean if I got everything I thought I needed. I know it wouldn’t be good for me. I love the last part that not everyone will respect you and if they don’t move on. There are others that will respect you and make it worth your time. Thanks again Beverly!
Amy Kalm
August 6, 2014 at 9:46 am
Thanks for reading and sharing your comments, Amy! Starting a business or any endeavor can be overwhelming. I try to share advice that has proven to be a positive help to me.It’s important to stay focused on what really matters, and of course surround yourself with people who are moving in the same direction as you. Much success to you.
Beverly S. Davis
August 6, 2014 at 10:54 am