How do you build trust with outreach partners?

I'm an adherent of Sherry Arnstein's ladder of participation, and especially the top rung of that ladder. If we're talking about privileged paid professionals doing outreach then the only goal you should have is to elicit the people's goals and organize them to build their collective vision.

I'd love to share but can you clarify what is meant by "outreach partners"? And, are you referring to for-profit or non-profit? I've worked as an Outreach and Marketing Specialist for a Community-Based Organization in California and felt it was the best of both worlds: working for a good cause as well as "crunching the numbers".

This is backwards. First find out what the people want, then build the collective goal. And because this box insists on 125 characters I'm adding this sentence to fit the box.

The best way I've discovered to build trust is to show up--not just when I'm getting paid but when I'm not getting paid, and not just as my paid professional role but as a human being. So go to the group's picnic, and show up early to help set up or stay late to help clean up. After a year or so of doing that, maybe some people will begin to trust you.

In real world terms this means showing genuine interest in what your partner cares about. As a partner asking intentional questions to be sure you understand their perspective and that you have a vested interested in their success.

The most important thing is to do what you say you will do. Follow-through is critical. Nothing that you say is as important as what you do. Knowing that a partner is dependable is the most important part of any partnership.The next most important part is the quality of your work. If you are dependable and provide a quality service, you will never need to worry about your reputation.

I think this step varies based on the organization, community and your company. In many cases co-creating wouldn't make sense. However, I would suggest a good alternate would be Invest. Invest in their priorities and organization. Sit on their boards. Financially support their programs and priorities. Volunteer time.

We need to take the time and effort to actively collaborate and co-create. Skipping that step means we make decisions based on our perspectives and priorities that are different from those of communities we want to help. Even well-meaning people make the mistake of believing we know what others think/want. Public housing projects have ended up being torn down after clearly not meeting people's needs and even inviting violence. A church installed internet and had trusted adults present for students without internet to do school work during COVID. Everyone was sure this was a huge need but few took advantage. Instead of providing what we think is needed, it's important to engage the community and work together toward mutual goals.

Start with the philosophy that the people shall lead, and do your bit to help them lead wisely--supporting them to know how to diagnose their own situation, find and compare actions to fit their situation, and evaluate their actions

The best communication is meta-communication--ask the people how often they want to communicate, and what they want to communicate about. And again, don't restrict yourself to only offering your professional communications. It's about building relationships too, and that happens best outside of formal communications.

Celebrating achievement together and actively expressing appreciation is an important part of successful collaborations. It's easy to forget or run out of time for it, but celebration is critical. Through active continued communication after a goal is met we can ensure the solution does work. Sometimes tweaks or even major adjustments are needed. Conditions change or are revealed. It's sad when lack of follow through means something no one could have predicted keeps a project from success, especially when it's an easy fix if someone is just aware and proactive. It's easy to be busy and push on to the next priority, leaving the prior one behind. It's worth being sure to celebrate and check on progress after a goal is met.

Before you begin any type of outreach you have to ask yourself. What value do I provide? What’s In It For Me (WIIFM) should never be your first approach at meeting your needs. Meet the other person(s) needs first and it’s easier to deliver your request.

Show vulnerability. It is important to be empathetic and communicative when being involved in any relationship, whether that be a partner, a customer, or business entity. It's all about connections. We find them through working with others.