Trust ...It Starts With A Conversation

We all agree that we do business with those whom we “know, like, and trust”.

Trust is the indisputable foundation for any and all relationships to work and thrive. Without trust, nothing else matters. And business is all about relationships, right?

Trust takes on many different appearances.

It can appear as belief.

• A client believes what you say. Your promise to deliver is believed. Your word is trusted.

It can appear as feeling safe with you.

• Clients invest with you and trust that you will give them a return on their investments.

It can appear as acceptance.

• The answers you provide to their questions create trust and so they do business with you.

Trust starts with a conversation of some sort. A need is exposed during the conversations, and the sales process begins. The topic of sales can be intimidating for many, so this truth is important: sales is the conversation between you and someone who could use your help or product.?

The absence of trust is why marketing and selling can be so frustrating. Until there is trust, all marketing and selling is futile. How do you build trust? You start conversations and build trust through words. Your words are powerful tools. Use them well.?

Ways of Building Trust

As you speak, you build credibility and your reputation for kindness, compassion, generosity, goodwill, and honesty. To build trust, put the interests of others ahead of your own. Make absolutely sure to deliver what you promise. Forget the under-promise and over-deliver nonsense. Just deliver totally on your promise! And be consistent.

A simple but so powerful way to build your trust reputation is to take full responsibility for who you are, your actions, and your words. It is no easy demand to take on full responsibility for every commitment that you make. And it’s worth it! When people trust you, there’s no limit to what you can do.

Jack Welsch, former CEO of GE said this about trust, "you know it when you feel it." The same can be true of distrust. What brings up the feeling of distrust for you? Leave a comment. We'd like to know.