Sales Gravy - b2b sales networking community main banner
SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend   

Sales Gravy  FEED


 

Main Menu

Featured Articles
Articles Index
Sales Podcasts
Sales Gravy Blogs
Sales Videos
Best of Sales
Sales Jobs
Webinars
Submit An Article
Sales Gravy Authors
Get Our RSS Feeds
Contact Us
Invite Your Friends
Administrator
advertisement.png, 0 kB
Making A Graceful Apology PDF Print E-mail
Written by Lydia Ramsey SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend   

More Gravy
The Lost Art - The Power of Snail Mail Notecards

You smile with anticipation as you slowly open the envelope and pull out the note card. It feels great. You can't really explain why - it just does. Technology and the speed of communication in the 21st century have made the personal note, a dying art. Most of us have to think really hard to remember the last time we got one.
Read More >>

We all make mistakes, but often it is hard to admit them and more difficult yet to say those key words, “I’m sorry.” When you have offended someone in business, a sincere apology is essential if you wish to continue the relationship and move on. Some times words are enough. Other times a note should be sent, and depending on the offense and the relationship with the other person, a gift may be in order.

The most important thing is to apologize immediately. If you are with the person at the time of the offense—perhaps you have made an ill-chosen remark---say you are sorry right then. Look and sound as if you mean it.

If you find out after the fact that you have wronged someone, call or visit the person right away. Don’t let any time elapse before you apologize. The longer you wait the more difficult it will be become and the less sincere you will seem. The harm you may have done will solidify with the passage of time unless you react with speed.

The spoken word is rarely enough. After you have said, “I’m sorry,” go on record with a note that offers lasting proof of your sincerity. As always, a handwritten note implies extra effort.

There are times when a small gift accompanying your apology is appropriate. Flowers are the most traditional way to show regret, but a personalized gift, such as golf balls for the golfer, will demonstrate your thoughtfulness.

It is never too late to ask forgiveness. If you find out well after the fact that you have offended someone, apologize then. Chances are that person still remembers and will appreciate your effort to set things right.

No matter what the circumstances that caused the problem, no one wants or needs to hear a list of excuses. Maybe you had just had a root canal when you uttered that thoughtless comment---it doesn’t matter and should not be part of your apology.

Lydia Ramsey
About the author:

Lydia Ramsey helps people promote themselves and grow their business by showing them how to keep their feet out of their mouths and egg off of their faces. A business etiquette expert, author, speaker and premier trainer, she has reached thousands of people in a variety of audiences with her presentations, from large corporations to small businesses, from major universities to community service organizations.

 
 
< Prev   Next >
[ Back ]

Latest Articles

Most Popular

Sales Gravy Authors




Valued Partners
 
advertisement.png, 0 kB
© 2010 Sales Gravy Articles