Have you ever been approached by a salesperson and immediately been turned off by their insincere style? Sometimes it’s based on what they say or how they say it, other times it can be based on their body language.If a salesperson is selling the features and benefits of a product and isn’t looking at you directly when he is talking, you may feel he is hiding something or isn’t being truthful. The opposite can also occur in which a salesperson gives such direct eye contact that it’s more like a glare and you feel he is too aggressive with his approach.

These examples demonstrate the need for sincerity and genuineness when communicating with others, especially when it involves working with customers. This idea of being genuine with people can literally make or break a sale based on how the customer feels during the interaction.

Recently, I heard from a colleague how disappointed she was in one of the local stores because after spending over $150, the cashier didn’t even bother to say, “thank you”. This friend of mine refuses to return to this store based on the lack of appreciation she received after the sale. Think for a moment, just how minor of a gesture we’re talking about here that can literally make or break another sale.

Even when clerks do say “thank you”, often times, they are looking at something or someone else when they say it which results in insincerity and lack of genuineness. Thus, even if your employee says the right words, it must be coupled with the corresponding body language in order for it to be effective for the customer.

The business that was nominated for their Over the Top service was based on their genuine approach to their customers. Crispers restaurant, located at 25141 Chamber of Commerce Dr in Bonita Springs stands out from the crowd because of their personable service and sincerity with their customers. It’s a terrific example that shows it doesn’t matter what type of business you are in to see the positive effects of genuine service. One would assume it would be automatic in a high-end store as was the case with my colleague. However, it shows that the amount of money you spend does not necessarily correlate with the level of service you receive.

It’s a good reminder for all of us business owners out there. We need to train our employees to be sincere, both in actions and in words, when communicating with our clientele, especially when we thank them for their business.