February is the season for love, of course - and while you can't exactly woo your customers, team, vendors, and colleagues with boxes of chocolate (although, maybe you can!) you can do something even more important. By practicing these old-fashioned courtesies you can distinguish yourself from the throngs of the rude, and make doing business with you such a pleasure that people will practically line up for the opportunity.

You can turn this around by setting hard stops on your schedule, meaning you drop everything at a set time, and go. Set alarms to remind you about phone calls you need to make. Bring something with you so you can redeem any minutes in which you find yourself waiting for someone else.

Three simple niceties couldn't be simpler - and while they won't transform barked orders and basic rudeness into winsome behavior, they can demonstrate the sort of respect and consideration the people around you crave.

One of the most flattering and meaningful gestures you can make at the start of any conversation is to visibly turn your ringer off and place your phone face-down on the table - out of reach. It's likely the people you're talking with will do the same. Not only does this simple act communicate that this conversation is truly valuable to you - it may also contribute to an increase in efficiency and other great results from your time together.

Sadly, sticking to these three simple habits will make interactions you stand out from the crowd. They may or may not necessarily win you new business, but for sure they'll help ensure those already connected with your business want to stay there.