If you’re like I am, there are a myriad of demands competing for your attention. The tug of war between clients, employees, and prospects often leaves me feeling that there isn’t nearly enough time in my day to get through my to-do list.

If you want to increase your chances of success, treat every interaction as a chance to demonstrate your professionalism. If you say you’re going to do something, do it. Competition is fierce, and successful businesses cannot afford to be known for their unreliability.

If your client or vendor cannot rely on you to keep your word, chances are they will seek someone else who will. Would you continue to patronize a business or service that doesn’t seem to have time for you? Doesn’t return your calls? Doesn’t do what they say they will do for you when they say they’re going to do it?

Whenever possible, give yourself leeway within your deadlines, making sure that you deliver promptly and ahead of schedule. If your deadlines become unmanageable, adjust expectations—it’s much better to tell a client that something will be late than to leave them guessing.

For those businesses that work SMART, courtesy is a key factor in client retention and growth.