Sure, there will be warm fuzzy moments shared between you and your clients, but there also will be times when you really, really screw up. When this happens you will need to muster up the courage to respectfully apologize, retain this client, and save a little face, too.

Here are some apologizing tips from the Poynter Institute:

Take ownership. Don’t make excuses.

Take your time. Don’t rush through an apology like you just want to get the task behind you.

Be sincere. A hollow apology may be worse than none at all.

Be specific. Explain what you regret, and why. Require nothing in return. Say you’re sorry because you really are, not because you want thanks, praise or an apology of your own.

Demonstrate leadership. Show that mature professionals take responsibility for their actions and accept the consequences.

By Scott M. Libin - Leadership and Management faculty, Poynter Institute

Sure, you know who you are and where to find you – but do your clients?

As you  build your website and draft your contract template, keep in mind that your contact information really does need to be visible so clients will know to whom to write the check and where to send it.

If you are working from home and do not feel comfortable posting your home address on the web, or if there is any way someone might be confused as to whose name goes on the check, please be sure that your contract and invoices clearly state this information.

This is especially important if your business name is Shoe Shop, your given name is Sally Shoe and your website is Shopforshoes.com. If you do not have a “doing business as” profile at your bank, they will not let you desposit checks made out to your company name or website, which forces you to ask your clients to resend their payment.

This sucks and should be avoided.