How can you establish trust with new digital contacts?

1 Be clear and consistent

One of the first steps to establish trust with new digital contacts is to be clear and consistent in your communication. This means that you should set realistic expectations, follow through on your promises, and avoid sending mixed signals. For example, if you say you'll reply within 24 hours, make sure you do so. If you agree to work on a project, deliver it on time and with quality. If you change your mind about something, explain why and apologize if necessary. Being clear and consistent shows that you are reliable, honest, and respectful.

2 Show interest and empathy

Another way to establish trust with new digital contacts is to show interest and empathy in their situation, needs, and goals. This means that you should listen actively, ask relevant questions, and provide constructive feedback. For example, if you're talking to a potential client, try to understand their pain points, challenges, and desired outcomes. If you're talking to a potential collaborator, try to learn about their skills, experience, and vision. If you're talking to a potential mentor, try to appreciate their insights, advice, and feedback. Showing interest and empathy shows that you are curious, supportive, and respectful.

3 Share value and vulnerability

A third way to establish trust with new digital contacts is to share value and vulnerability in your communication. This means that you should offer useful information, resources, or referrals that can help them achieve their goals, as well as share some personal stories, challenges, or mistakes that can help them relate to you. For example, if you're talking to a potential client, you can share some case studies, testimonials, or best practices that demonstrate your expertise and credibility. If you're talking to a potential collaborator, you can share some examples, samples, or ideas that showcase your creativity and value. If you're talking to a potential mentor, you can share some goals, struggles, or learnings that reveal your growth and humility. Sharing value and vulnerability shows that you are generous, authentic, and respectful.

4 Use appropriate tone and tools

A fourth way to establish trust with new digital contacts is to use appropriate tone and tools in your communication. This means that you should adapt your language, style, and format to suit the context, purpose, and audience of your message. For example, if you're talking to a potential client, you should use a professional, polite, and positive tone that conveys your confidence and enthusiasm. If you're talking to a potential collaborator, you should use a friendly, casual, and collaborative tone that conveys your openness and flexibility. If you're talking to a potential mentor, you should use a respectful, grateful, and humble tone that conveys your appreciation and eagerness. Additionally, you should use the right tools and platforms that can enhance your communication, such as email, phone, video, chat, or social media, depending on the level of formality, intimacy, and immediacy required.

5 Ask for feedback and follow up

A fifth way to establish trust with new digital contacts is to ask for feedback and follow up in your communication. This means that you should seek their opinions, suggestions, or concerns about your interaction, and act on them accordingly. For example, if you're talking to a potential client, you can ask them if they have any questions, objections, or reservations about your proposal, and address them promptly and convincingly. If you're talking to a potential collaborator, you can ask them if they have any preferences, expectations, or boundaries about your partnership, and respect them fully and sincerely. If you're talking to a potential mentor, you can ask them if they have any recommendations, resources, or contacts that can help you advance your career, and thank them genuinely and warmly. Furthermore, you should follow up with your new digital contacts regularly, and keep them updated, informed, and engaged. Asking for feedback and following up shows that you are responsive, attentive, and respectful.

Establishing trust with new digital contacts is not easy, but it is possible and rewarding. By following these tips, you can create meaningful and lasting relationships with people who can help you grow personally and professionally.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?