When you are a small business owner, what you do matters.  You are, in effect, communicating to your customers in non-traditional ways.  Your words are certainly powerful but other factors will also represent who you are and what your business is about.  Are you a giving business owners, actively involved in your community?  Do you dress well and pay attention to your outward appearance?  Are you a good role model – to other business owners, to your partners, to the community, to a younger generation?  Process does matter when it comes to business and communication is a BIG part of that.  Many people are solely focused on hard outcomes – profits, sales, leads, impressions, etc. but what is your process to get there?  Part of cultivating good relationships is mastering the art and science of effective communication.  Are you honest, direct and truthful when conducting business?  Many people will not do business with you unless they trust you.   Customers today expect more from whose they purchase from.  They want to see transparency, honesty, good customer service and finally a great product or service delivered.  Let us know what works for you and how you have mastered effective communication.