Your mission in business is to build client trust. The more your clients trust you, the more they'll do business with you. It does not happen overnight, but following these tips will help you lay the proper foundation for building trust:

1. Keep Your Word

When you give your word that you will deliver a product or service, make sure you do so in a timely manner. There's nothing that will destroy business relationships faster with clients than broken promises. Follow through on delivering what you say you'll do, when you say you'll do it. If you're unable to do just that, avoid offering it in the first place or at least inform the client of any problems. If you gain a reputation as someone who does not keep her word, you will have trouble building trust with anyone in your business community.

2. Only Offer Quality

You cannot expect to earn your clients' trust if you provide junk products or low quality services. People want value for their hard earned dollars. You should strive to add value to your customers by only offering the best. If you can't do it alone, form strategic relationships with other business owners to expand your capabilities and skills. For example, if you don't have all the skills to design a quality website for your client, then build relationships with a graphics design artist and a webmaster who can.

3. Go Beyond the Call

It's rare for many customers to get service that goes above and beyond what's expected. If you exceed client expectations you'll gain a competitive advantage while building client trust. Plan in advance to offer bonuses to your clients as a reward for doing business with you. Give it to them expecting nothing in return and surprise them whenever possible.

4. Offer Refunds

Sometimes a product or service just doesn't work out for clients. The way to remedy dissatisfaction is to give them their money back. Letting people know upfront that you will offer a refund is great customer service and builds client trust. They may do more business with you in the future or refer you to others.

5. Charge Fair Prices

You're in business to make a profit. You work hard, have to pay expenses, and your reward is your pay. You can achieve your goals of running a profitable business while still charging fair prices for your products and services. You don't have to charge the lowest rate (unless this gives you a competitive advantage), but you shouldn't overcharge customers. You'll build client trust when your clients feel that you're treating them fairly.

6. Get Involved in Your Community

Whether it's an online community or your neighborhood, you should take opportunities to volunteer and serve. Community involvement is powerful because it's another way for your clients to get to know you better and it shows your willingness to be a giver. If you're perceived as someone who just wants to make money with no care for your surrounding community, you'll struggle to build client trust.

Once you establish trust with your clients, work hard to maintain it. Meet their needs in ways that your competitors don't, and resolve any problems that arise quickly and fairly. They will show their appreciation by sending you more clients.

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Daphne Mallory, Esq. is the co-owner of Mallory Writing Services and has written more than 100 articles helping home based business owners and entrepreneurs start and market their business. You can learn more about her here.