In business, is honesty always the best policy?  Even if being honest results in you turning a customer away from your business?  Being honest with your customers, no matter what the situation, is a customer service skill that we should all embrace and practice.  Here's why...

Trust builds rapport.  Rapports builds relationships.  Relationships = long-term customers.  Let's walk through how we can maximize trust and rapport so we can create memorable customer interactions and lasting partnerships...

Trust is like an icicle- once it melts, it’s gone. Simple ways to gain your customer's trust:

• Ensure that your voice tone and body language is consistent with your words. Otherwise, your words will be of little significance.
• Actively engage with, and pay attention to, him/her when he/she is speaking.
• Do not interrupt.
• Allow him/herto speak.
• Give good eye contact.
• Give feedback to his/her statements, needs, and questions.
• Know your facts and figures, and speak to them honestly.
• Show that you are interested in his/her's well being.
• Do what you say that you are going to do.