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