Clients Don't Like Bad Breath

Clients Don't Like Bad Breath
"So, I had to tell my receptionist that she has bad breath.
I told her, 'clients can smell it'. And, she didn't like
hearing that...", said one of my coaching clients this
week. Having to tell one of your team members that their
breath or body odor is offensive will be one of the hardest
things you will ever have to face in your office. The thing
is, offensive odor, wrinkled clothing, outdated hair
styles, all work towards undermining the image of your
company when you come in contact with clients.

For example, have you ever smelled offensive breath or body
odor and just wanted to run away? Sometimes, that extra
garlic gets the best of us right before we have our next
client appointment. The thing is, sometimes we aren't even
conscious that there is an odor problem. However, the
prospect knows full well where the smell is coming from.

Interesting enough, out of all the cultures around the
world, Americans want to consistently be free from
offensive odors. We want our breath, body, car, living
room, closets, and carpeting all to have that fresh smell.
Americans will shower several times a day, carry around
boxes of mints, and even carry a purse size bottle of
cologne/perfume. Now, when I talk with other cultures, they
don't have the same odor hangup as Americans do. And,
realistically no one can walk around odor free.

Yet sometimes it's essential to take action and point out
that there is an odor problem, not only for the comfort of
you and other clients but for the team member's future as
well. Hygiene problems can block further progress with
clients. Always begin with the assumption that your
employee isn't aware of the problem. Start off by subtly
suggesting the same hygiene items you use to avoid similar
odor problems. If they take the hint, let the matter drop.
If you think your not understood, you'll have to press
further while still being diplomatic.

Remember, the key here is to start off subtly, then shift
to sincere concern if necessary. Follow these three steps
to handle bad breath around the office.

1. First of all, go to your local wholesale store and buy
enough mints for you and the entire office.

2. Put the box of mints out immediately after lunch, so
that you have an excuse for your strategy. If you need to
be more direct, then take the employee to the side to
minimize embarassment.

3. There's no need to be apologetic because you're doing
YOUR future clients, and your employee a favor. You are the
leader here.

Now, since most client meetings are done in close quarters,
you and the employee are really in this together. If the
situation were reversed, you would want someone to tell you
that the double onion cheeseburger lunch can be smelled by
all.

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Kim Schott, your Global Client Communication Expert, is the
author of the Keys to Client Communication System, the
step-by-step, paint by numbers client communication program
to attract more clients in less time. To receive your
weekly how-to articles on consistantly attracting more
local and global clients in less time, visit
http://www.SchottCulturalConsulting.com