This post was guest blogged by Alan Johnson, the author of The Online Business Handbook.

If you are serious about establishing long-term partnerships then you definitely have to be careful when talking to a potential business partner. Here are 5 words you should think twice before using, since let's just say that potential business partners won't exactly be thrilled to hear them:

1) Maybe

If you use the word "maybe" too much then you will simply end up being seen as a person who is uncertain and it's easy to understand why potential business partners won't appreciate that.

A potential business partner wants to work with a person who is confident in his or her abilities and, unfortunately, you won't be leaving such an impression if you use the word "maybe" too much.

2) Later

Just like, if you use the word "maybe" too much, you will be perceived as an uncertain person, you should avoid going overboard when it comes to the word "later" as well, since you would end up being seen as someone with a passive attitude, as someone who is afraid to take action and that is simply not the type of person others want to do business with and, as a result, being careful is always recommended.

3) Average

Sorry to burst your bubble there, but potential long-term business partners always want to work with the best and, even if only on a subconscious level, using the word "average" too often will trigger a reaction which will make them think twice before deciding to do business with you.

You should never see yourself as someone "average" when it comes to dealing with a potential business partner because the person in question will quickly pick up on that and the results won't exactly be the expected ones.

4) Excuse

"We made this mistake in the past, but we have that as an excuse" - this is a clear example of something a potential business partner doesn't want to hear, since that person will, without a doubt, end up seeing you as a person who is not willing to assume responsibility for his or her actions as a result of such an attitude.

You may think that you're being smart with such an approach, but the truth is that it can and will backfire.

5) Cheap

Thinking that "cheap" is a word potential long-term business partners want to hear is an important mistake you need to steer clear of. Yes, they want worthwhile offers and yes, they won't appreciate it if you try to overcharge for certain services, but labeling your offer as "cheap" will not exactly leave a great impression.

While it is true that people don't like to pay too much for something, it's just as true that, when it comes to potential business partners, they won't want to do business with you altogether if they hear you labeling your offer as "cheap".

You have to first explain how the offer in question can provide value to them and only afterwards explain why the deal is great for them financially as well (of course, without using the word "cheap" too much).

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