Introduction
In the world of business, trust is everything. If your customers and clients don’t trust you, they won’t buy from you, or even give you their information in exchange for something valuable to them like an eBook or a video course. Here are 7 ways to build and maintain trust with your customers and clients.
Don’t make assumptions
Be careful not to make assumptions about your employees, clients, or partners. You may have heard they should do something a certain way because it works well for you—but that doesn’t mean it will work just as well for them. It can be helpful to allow your colleagues and direct reports room to experiment with different ways of doing things without judgment, then discuss how they could approach their tasks in an even more effective manner next time around.
Show up when you say you will
It’s surprising how many businesses fail at a simple point like being on time. Keeping your word is one of the most important ways you can set your customer’s mind at ease. But what if there’s an emergency? What if you need to re-arrange? You will have no credibility in these situations if you don’t first explain why you need to deviate from your original plan.
Apologize if you miss a deadline
No matter how hard you try, there’s always a chance that you’ll miss a deadline. When that happens, it’s best to come clean right away. Start by taking ownership of your mistake; say something like, I made a mistake when I failed to send you what we discussed on time.
Be Honest, Transparent, and Real
All trust begins with honesty. If you say you’re going to do something, do it. If you don’t say anything at all, people may assume you have ulterior motives or that you're hiding something from them. Take a stand on issues and make your position clear—for better or worse.
Don’t make promises unless you are sure you can keep them
It’s obvious, but it still bears saying: Don’t promise anything you aren’t sure you can deliver. Be specific about your plans: It’s not enough to say we will provide excellent customer service. Nail down exactly what that means, who is responsible for it, and when (and how) it will be measured.
Make Others Feel Welcome in Your Space
Whether you’re a small business owner or a corporate leader, show that your company is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment. Team up with local organizations or partner with a non-profit group in order to provide volunteer opportunities for your employees and give back to those in need. Hosting open houses can help forge connections between employees, build camaraderie within departments, and encourage employee satisfaction. It’s also another opportunity for you as manager or boss to make others feel welcome in your space.
Deliver an experience worth sharing
The truth is, it’s not enough to make a good product or service. You have to deliver an experience worth sharing. Whether it’s through video case studies, photos of happy customers using your products, or by engaging them on social media, great marketing isn’t just about looking good—it’s about making people feel good.
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