Pet names aren't for clients

Sheila Grosdidier, RVT

A: In most cases, honey, dear, and sweetie are meant as endearments or demonstrations of compassion, says Sheila Grosdidier, RVT, Firstline Editorial Advisory Board member and a partner at VMC Inc. in Evergreen, Colo. But these types of comments still aren't suitable in a business environment. Tell your team members they can be caring while professional by referring to clients using a courtesy title, such as Sir, Ma'am, or Miss, Grosdidier says. Bonus: These titles even work for team members who have trouble remembering clients' names. Set the standard for your staff by making sure you use the appropriate terms when you address a client.