The last thing any businessperson wants to do is tell a customer that there's a problem with their order or project. We all want happy customers, and problems often lead to customers who are something less than happy. I have personally found that there are a few things you can do when there's a problem, and that these things will help keep your customers happy.

• Make sure you've really got a problem. Sometimes what looks like a problem, feels like a problem, and smells like a problem really isn't. Before you get too excited (and definitely before you get your customer excited), make sure the problem really is a problem.
• Fix it -- quick. If there really is a problem, then is there something you can do to quickly fix it? If so, then do it.
• Contact your customer. Once you've determined that you really do have a problem -- and you can't quickly fix it -- then tell your client immediately. Delaying communication about the problem isn't going to help you or your client -- in fact, any further delays may create even more problems (and unhappier customers).
• Work on solutions -- together. Keep trying to find solutions to whatever the problem is in your own organization, but work with your customer to help them develop work-arounds. This may mean working with them to reschedule deliveries, or it mean finding substitutes that will tide them over until you solve your problem.

Whatever you do, don't just do nothing!