As small business owners, we are always on the lookout for opportunities.
- We look for sales opportunities.
- We look for networking opportunities.
- We look for time management opportunities.
- We look for opportunities to share our blog posts and our social networking updates.
- We look for opportunities to boost profits and lower our costs.
- We look for opportunities to generate better quality sales leads.
Another GREAT opportunity
One opportunity, which many small business owners fail to pro-actively look for, is the opportunity to earn trust. Yes, they act in a trustworthy way, I’m not talking about that. I’m referring to deliberately looking out for opportunities every day, to earn the trust of those around them and the wider community / marketplace.
The thing is, without the trust of our marketplace, none of those opportunities I mentioned earlier are likely to have much impact. We buy from people we trust. We hire them too. We recommend people we trust and we share blog posts, newsletters and social networking updates, from people whose work and reputation we trust.
So, it makes perfect business sense to constantly look for opportunities to build trust.
How do we build trust?
- By offering to help someone, when it’s easier not to.
- By keeping our promises.
- By keeping confidential information, confidential.
- By accepting responsibility.
- By taking the initiative.
- By showing up regularly.
- By backing up our words with actions.
- By responding with class, when things go wrong.
- There are countless opportunities and usually, the hardest ones to implement are the ones that earn the most trust.
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Jim Connolly
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February 20, 2013 at 17:09
Trust is very important to me, both as a consumer and a business owner. I like to buy from people I trust and I need customers who trust me.
I would add Be Consistent to your list. Do not display double standards or poor judgement. That can cost you.
February 20, 2013 at 17:11
Good point, David.
People can spot double standards a mile off. Thanks for the feedback, sir.
February 20, 2013 at 17:41
Trust is extremely important to me. I always deliver on my promises and am very careful that I don’t promise more than what I know I can deliver. Unfortunately it’s not as important to some of my clients. I have gotten burned several times by trusting in others. Is there a way to trust these clients (like paying their bills) without looking untrustworthy yourself?
February 20, 2013 at 21:07
Hi Philip. It’s horrible when you get burned like that.
All you can do is be as selective as possible regarding who you work with and hold yourself to your own high standards.
People eh!
February 21, 2013 at 13:11
Jim,
another great post, always find your posts interesting and informative. And I love sharing them with others.
February 21, 2013 at 13:13
Hi Darren – BIG thanks for helping me test the server’s DNS earlier.
You’re a star!
February 21, 2013 at 13:39
Hope it all goes well
February 21, 2013 at 14:41
Thanks for helping, Richard.