Bankrupsy stays on your record for 7-10yrs. That gives you an idea how long it takes to rebuild trust.

Ask for the sale when the mood is right. The worst possible place is in the prospects' office. Best place is a business breakfast, lunch or dinner. Next best is your office. Next best is a trade show. Ask early, and ask often.

Prepare to win, or lose to someone who is.

It never ceases to amaze me that companies will spend thousands of hours and millions of dollars teaching people 'how to sell,' and not one minute or not $10 on 'why they buy.' And 'why they buy' is all that matters.

The best way to apologize is to let the customer vent first. Don't interrupt, just take notes and make empathetic noises. You can even tell the customer that it makes you mad too. Second, ask the customer what their speed of need is. Tell them what they ant to hear. That you apologize, that you understand how they feel, that you are meeting with the appropriate people to get a resolve, and that it will be done in 24-hours.

How friendly are your companies' first words? Just try this...start all conversations with customers using one of the following words or phrases: 'great!' 'no problem', 'you're in luck', 'that's my favorite problem'.

What is the image you have of yourself?