If you’re anything like the average person, your parents probably instilled in you the courtesy to apologize. Saying you’re sorry is one of the most important keystones of polite society. So, it should definitely not come as a surprise that very politeness eventually turns into second nature compulsion. In fact, people use the phrase way too often and don’t really think about its effects. Now, in purely interpersonal situations, this is probably quite benign. But, when you’re running a business, this habit could cause a lot of unnecessary trouble. Apologizing isn’t Always Positive Of course, there have been academic studies confirming that apologizing too much tends to have adverse outcomes. It not only shows a willingness to capitulate, but it also underscores an underlying weakness. Furthermore, the same studies reveal that it can cause anger or resentment in others – two emotions you definitely want to avoid, if at all possible. After you hurt someone’s feelings or do something wrong, it turns out that saying sorry might not be the best solution. In fact, an apology might just add fuel to the fire, a recent study by researchers from Dartmouth College and the University of Texas has found. —Entrepreneur.com Apologizing too much doesn’t always result in dire circumstances. But, it may also easily create the impression that you’ll simply go along to get along no matter what. In other words, give the impression your preference is to avoid any and all confrontation, because it is too uncomfortable for you to handle. Obviously, none of these things are good for an entrepreneur, but this doesn’t mean you have to be stubborn, obtuse, or even mean. 3 Alternatives to Saying your Sorry When you apologize, you’re not only relating your own disposition, you’re sending signals to the other person or group of people. Fortunately, there are at least three handy phrases you can use in place of saying you’re sorry or apologizing outright: “I appreciate your patience.” Whether you’re late for an appointment or something is taking longer than it should have, save the apology and use this phrase instead. It has the same effect that you’re looking for but doesn’t put the blame solely on you and compliments the other person. “Thank you for working with me.” This is a great alternative when things aren’t going according to plan. In a sense, you’re still apologizing, but you are not doing so directly, and again you are giving the other person a nice compliment. “Here’s a slightly different perspective.” Rather than blurting out an apology for something you haven’t said yet, use this expression to bolster your credibility and get people to actually listen to what you have to say. This is a terrific way to join in on a conversation or to bring your point of view up. What other suggestions do you have for apology alternatives? Please, take a few moments to share your thoughts and experiences so others can benefit from your input! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

When it comes time to sell your small business, you want to make sure that you avoid making any major mistakes. If you wait too long to sell, you may miss out on a great opportunity. If you don’t find the right person to represent your business, you could end up selling it for much less than it’s worth. And if you don’t market the business for sale, you may not get the best price. In this article, we will discuss five of the biggest mistakes to avoid when selling your small business: Not finding the right person to represent the business: If you don’t find the right person to represent your business, you could end up selling it for much less than it’s worth. It’s important to find someone who knows how to negotiate and who has experience in selling businesses. Otherwise, you may not get the best price for your business. Most sellers don’t expect the exit from their company to be easy, but many are surprised by how difficult it can be to sell their business for a good price in a reasonable timeframe, especially in the current economic environment. It’s important, however, to not let frustration get in the way of maximizing your sale. —Entrepreneur.com Before you speak with a business broker, it’s highly advisable to get your corporate affairs in order and understand the process. An experienced business consultant can help with these and much more. The bottom line is, that you need to know key details in order to identify the right buyer. Forgoing marketing the business for sale: If you don’t market the business for sale, you may not get the best price. You need to let people know that the business is up for sale and you need to promote it in order to attract potential buyers. You want multiple buyers interested in making offers so that the demand drives up your selling price. This doesn’t mean spending copious amounts of money. But, it does mean advertising smartly to the right people. Asking too much or too little for the business: If you ask too much for the business, you may not get any offers. If you ask too little, you could end up selling the business for less than it’s worth. It’s important to find a fair price that will attract buyers but that won’t leave you feeling like you’ve given away your hard work for nothing. Conversely, if you put it up for sale at a discounted price, otherwise interested buyers might think you’re trying to sell to get rid of a headache. Selling to the wrong person or other company: If you sell to the wrong person or other company, you could end up regretting it later. Make sure that you know who you’re selling the business to and that they are someone who will be able to take it in the direction you want it to go. In other words, someone who shares your business values and approach. Otherwise, you could see your beloved creation turn into something you would never want it to be. These are just a few of the biggest mistakes to avoid when selling your small business. By following these tips, you can help ensure that you get the best price for your business and that you don’t end up regretting the sale later on. If you have any questions about selling your small business, please feel free to contact us anytime! We would be happy to help! Interested in learning more about starting, running, buying, or selling a business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.